[3] Established in 2007, it is the largest international awards program for indie authors and independent publishers and is presented by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group.
The not-for-profit [4] awards program was founded in 2007 by Catherine Goulet and is presented by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group in cooperation with co-founder Marilyn Allen of Allen O’Shea Literary Agency.
The judges are professionals from the book publishing industry, including literary agents, editors, publishing executives, book reviewers, writing teachers, and authors.
[5][6][7] Cash prizes and medals are awarded to winners and finalists ranging from $100 to $1,500,[8] grand prize winners are also awarded a trophy,[9] and the top books in each category are reviewed by literary agents for possible representation.
[10] Winners and Finalists are honored at a reception during BookExpo America.