Independent Press Award relaunches website with new design

The Independent Press Award launched a redesigned website on Sept. 18, 2026, aiming to make it easier for independent authors, small presses and publishers to enter competitions and find promotional resources. The update adds simpler navigation, clearer category listings and expanded access to winners, resources and the organization’s podcast.

Why it matters: - The new site is meant to make the award process easier for independent authors, self-publishers, small presses and university presses worldwide. - The redesign also gives the Independent Press Award a more polished digital home as competition for attention in publishing continues to shift online. - The platform centralizes entry tools, promotional resources and award information in one place.

What happened: - The Independent Press Award launched a newly redesigned website on Sept. 18, 2026. - The relaunch includes a modern look, streamlined navigation and a user-first experience. - The update is designed to help authors, small presses and publishers enter competitions, explore categories and review award-winning books.

The details: - The updated website simplifies the entry process for physical and digital submissions, including PDF, ePub and audiobook redemption codes. - The site now highlights past Winners and Distinguished Favorites. - The redesign adds direct access to promotional resources such as press release services, review opportunities and industry insights. - The website features organized listings across 15 major categories and smaller subcategories covering fiction, non-fiction, design and audiobooks. - Dedicated sections showcase current and past Winners and Distinguished Favorites from the past decade. - Author and publisher resources now include promotional tools, PR distribution packages and details on the annual GALA Awards Celebration. - The new layout also features The GAB TALKS podcast, which streams on more than three dozen services including Apple, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Spotify. - The GAB TALKS is the official literary podcast of the Independent Press Award and the NYC Big Book Award. - Gabby Olczak hosts the podcast and serves as president and CEO of both award organizations. - The Independent Press Award is judged by industry experts including editors, designers, librarians, reviewers and publishers. - Entries are evaluated on overall excellence, literary merit, cover design and marketability. - The award is open worldwide to independent authors, self-publishers, small-to-midsize presses and university presses. - Readers and entrants can explore the new website to review submission guidelines or enter a book into the current award cycle.

Between the lines: - The redesign signals an effort to compete on usability, not just prestige. - By putting submission tools, awards history and promotional services in one place, the Independent Press Award is turning the site into a working hub for entrants, not just a promotional page. - The podcast placement suggests the organization wants the website to support audience-building as well as competition entry.

What's next: - Authors and publishers can use the updated site to submit entries for the current award cycle. - The Independent Press Award will continue using the site to promote winners, categories and event information. - The organization is positioning the platform as a central destination for future award activity and related media exposure.