Become the Next Author of the Year — and Get Recognized in Hollywood

Nominations close April 15, 2026

You did not write your book to go unnoticed.

This is your opportunity to gain distinguished recognition, expand your audience, and establish yourself as a leading voice in the literary world.

By submitting your nomination, you will:

• Gain international visibility and recognition

• Expand your reach through public voting and audience engagement

• Strengthen your credibility as an award-recognized author

• Receive an invitation to the Hollywood Grand Gala as a finalist

Finalists will be honored in Hollywood in October 2026, alongside accomplished authors, publishers, and industry leaders, in an evening dedicated to excellence in authorship.

As public voting begins shortly after submission, early nominees are positioned to build greater visibility and momentum throughout the competition.

This is more than an award. It is a defining opportunity to elevate your work and be recognized among today’s most impactful authors.

APPLY TODAY!

NOMINATION FORM

Nomination Fee

$79

Deadline

April 15, 2026

IIBA

Nominate Your Book Today
Submissions close April 15th

Submission Process

Submitting your nomination is straightforward and efficient.

Please note that authors are permitted to submit only one book for consideration. If an author submits more than one book for any reason, the judging committee will select only one book for review, and the remaining submissions will not be considered. All payments are non-refundable.

Complete the nomination form with your basic details.

Upload the required materials
(book cover and headshot).

Submit your nomination by April 15, 2026.

Upon submitting your nomination, you are encouraged to immediately begin promoting your book for public voting. Early engagement will enhance your visibility and provide a competitive advantage in securing votes, significantly boosting your chances of being recognized as the Author of the Year.

Judging Process

The selection process for the Author of the Year 2026 consists of two distinct phases:

Public Voting

Readers and fans will cast their votes for their favorite nominees. Each fan or reader is allowed to cast only one vote to ensure fairness in the process. These votes will contribute to the overall score.

Judging Committee Review

Readers and fans will cast their votes for their favorite nominees. Each fan or reader is allowed to cast only one vote to ensure fairness in the process. These votes will contribute to the overall score.

The combined results from public voting and the judging panel will determine the finalists and the winner. Finalists will be announced by May 15, 2026, and invited to attend the Grand Gala in Hollywood in person, where the Author of the Year 2026 winners will be revealed and celebrated.

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION

1. How the Nomination Process Works – Submit Your Book & Get Recognized! Getting nominated for Author of the Year 2026 is a simple three-step process!

Only 1 category per book, no updates allowed after entry is submitted.

Here’s how it works:  

Submit Your Nomination

Fill out the nomination form with:
- Your name
- Book title
- Payment information

This officially enters your book for consideration. 

2. Upload Your Book & Author Details – After completing your nomination, you’ll be directed to submit your digital manuscript (PDF or ePub), a professional headshot, and select the category you want to be considered for. Each author can nominate ONE book in ONE category.  

3. Receive Your Confirmation & Public Voting Link – Once your submission is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email along with a public voting link. Use this link to promote your nomination on social media and encourage your audience to vote for you!  

Don’t wait! The sooner you submit your nomination, the more time you’ll have to gather public votes and increase your chances of being selected! Nominate your book today and take the first step toward earning the prestigious title of Author of the Year 2026!

TESTIMONIALS

I submitted my book last year" Don't Tell Me There Ain't No God" and it won in four categories. Attended the Red Carpet Gala in Phoenix in February 2025 to receive the award and Nim Stant and her team treated us Authors like family and celebrities. It was a night to cherish and remember. Looking forward to the Oscar style Grand Gala in Hollywood in October. Submit your book. Join the family.

Gary McDougall
Gary McDougall
Award Winning Author
29-05-2025

Im honored that I was selected as a winner of the 2025 award in fiction category. Im looking forward to attending the Gala in November. LNora.com

Lenora Smith
Lenora Smith
Award Winning Author
05-09-2025

This is an awesome opportunity given to authors of all genres. I have now won 2 - one for each book. I was unable to attend the awards ceremony, but the pictures show how much IIBA supports and celebrates all the wonderful authors.

Marty Clifton
Marty Clifton
Award Winning Author
11-09-2025

I am very honored to be recognized as a winner in the coffee table book category for my book "My Favorites". The seal, the certificate and the trophy are very impressive. I hope to attend the Award Gala in Arizona or in New York City!!! Again, I thank you, Nim Stant and the International Impact Book Awards.

Joseph Gittens Jr.
Joseph Gittens Jr.
Award Winning Author
13-07-2023

I just received information that my book called THE MINDS OF MEN has won! I'm so thankful and blessed to know that my book is being recognized and seen by people that understand that men from all walks of life can benefit from some honest thought mindsets that require attention and change. Thank you again for the support and appreciation. God bless you all!

Kareem Hammond Sr.
Kareem Hammond Sr.
Award Winning Author
22-09-2023

Working with Nim Stant has been an absolute pleasure. Nim and The International Impact Book Awards have a deep understanding of the industry and unwavering dedication to helping authors succeed. This makes Nim a standout professional. Winning the International Impact Book Awards, with Nim's support, has established credibility for my first solo book. I highly recommend Nim to anyone looking for expert support and invaluable advice.

Erica Gifford Mills
Erica Gifford Mills
Award Winning Author
17-04-2024

Who can nominate for the Author of the Year 2026?

Any published author is eligible to nominate themselves for this prestigious title. Whether you are traditionally published or self-published, we welcome you to participate and showcase your contributions to the literary world.

What is included in the $79 nomination fee?

The $79 nomination fee includes:

- Review and evaluation of your submission by our expert panel.

- Eligibility to be selected as a finalist for the Author of the Year 2026.

How will I know if I am selected as a finalist?

Finalists will be notified via email after the review process is complete. You will receive official confirmation and details about attending the Hollywood Grand Gala.

Do I have to win in the Phoenix event before applying to Hollywood AOTY?

No. These events are independent of one another

Can I attend the AOTY event even if I'm not a finalist?

Yes, many people want to attend just to be in the room and rub shoulders with all the attendees, and enjoy the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood event. So, you may attend even if you're not a finalist.

Is attendance at the Hollywood Grand Gala mandatory?

Yes, if you're a finalist, you must attend in order to receive the award in your category.

Can I submit multiple books for consideration?

No, only one book per author is allowed for submission. This ensures fairness and allows us to give full attention to each author’s work.

What are the criteria for selecting the Author of the Year?

Our panel of experts evaluates submissions based on:

- The impact of your work on readers and the literary community.

- The quality and originality of your storytelling or message.

- Your overall contributions to authorship and publishing.

When and where will the Hollywood Grand Gala take place?

The Hollywood Grand Gala will be held in October 2026 at a prestigious venue in Hollywood, California. Exact details will be provided closer to the event date.

What happens if I am not selected as the Author of the Year?

All finalists will be celebrated at the Hollywood Grand Gala, receiving recognition for their achievements and contributions. Being a finalist is an honor in itself, and the event is designed to celebrate all participants.

Is the nomination fee refundable?

The nomination fee is non-refundable, as it covers the administrative costs of the review process and your eligibility to participate in this prestigious event.

How do I submit my nomination?

You can submit your nomination through our official website by completing the online form and submitting your payment. Detailed instructions will be provided during the process.

What should I include in my nomination?

Your nomination should include:

- A brief author bio.

- A high-quality headshot of the author.

- The book cover.

- A digital manuscript in PDF or ePub format.

Can I bring guests to the Hollywood Grand Gala?

Yes, finalists will have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets for guests. More information on ticket pricing and availability will be provided after finalists are announced.