Indie Authors Book Jacket Awards

BolognaBookPlus renews its commitment to supporting independent authors with the 2026 edition of the Indie Authors Book Jacket Awards, a prize that celebrates graphic creativity in the world of self-publishing.

Self-publishing has now established itself as a vital and recognized part of the publishing landscape, not only competing with traditional models but also setting trends and influencing creative languages. Far from outdated prejudices, it is increasingly seen as a conscious and dynamic choice for a growing number of authors.

In 2023, more than 2.6 million titles with ISBNs were self-published in the United States, compared to around 563,000 released by traditional publishers (Publishers Weekly, 2024). In Italy, out of 85,200 published titles, over 13,000 came from self-publishing (AIE, 2024).

In such a competitive market, the book cover becomes the primary visual signature: it must attract, communicate, and represent. The Indie Authors Book Jacket Awards recognize the most original, effective, and high-quality covers.

Evaluation criteria:

• Editorial and graphic quality
• Visual innovation
• Creativity in representing the content

To highlight the richness of the indie landscape, the award includes two distinct categories:

• Do you write for children, teens, or YA readers?
  Enter your cover in the Indie Authors Children and YA Book Jacket Award.
   
• Are you a self-published Italian author of fiction or non-fiction?
  Submit your cover to the Indie Italian Book Jacket Award.
  

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