The PenCraft Book Awards for Summer 2025 have honored 64 literary works across genres including adult fiction, children's literature, and nonfiction. This seasonal recognition program, now in its eighth year, aims to celebrate authors whose dedication and storytelling might otherwise be overlooked in today's crowded literary market.
According to Editor-in-Chief David Hearne, the awards are designed to help authors gain recognition and drive book sales. "Our mission is to showcase exceptional new talent and introduce their extraordinary works to the world," Hearne stated. The winning books represent what the organization calls "the pinnacle of excellence in the industry," combining thought-provoking storytelling with outstanding artistic achievement.
The awards highlight literature's role as a timeless force for growth and progress, inspiring readers to see the world through new lenses and question their beliefs. The organization views literature as essential to preserving cultural heritage, serving as a bridge between past and present while passing down societal values through generations. Award-winning authors contribute to this rich tradition through tales of courage, adventure, wonder, and joy.
This season's winners include diverse titles such as "Beyond the Fountain of Youth" by Julian R. Gerson, Jr., published independently in the health and fitness category, and "Nightbird: A Memoir" by Shavaun Scott from Pierian Springs Press. Fiction winners span multiple subgenres, including "False Neutral" by Joshua S. Narins from SAM SQUARED PUBLISHING, LLC in realistic fiction and "Mutiny Aboard the Starship Ichthus" by Brent Winzek from Space Cadets Studios in science fiction.
Children's literature winners include "Dot's Spots" by Lisa Mueller from Solander Press and "Penny Pangolin and the Missing Ant Cake" by Wayne D. Kramer from Heroes of Time Productions, LLC. Nonfiction categories feature works like "Born From War" by Patrick Naughton from Casemate in war history and "Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat." by Colin Campbell from Forbes Books in business.
The PenCraft Book Awards, a subsidiary of AuthorsReading, celebrates winners annually at a ceremony in Las Vegas, where authors connect with fellow writers. The program's focus on amplifying gifted voices and helping authors build lasting literary legacies makes these awards significant for both emerging writers and readers seeking quality literature across genres.
