The PenCraft Book Awards has announced the runner-up winners of its 2025 competition, celebrating a diverse array of literary talent and creativity. This year's selection process was particularly challenging due to the high number of outstanding submissions, which showcased the depth of storytelling in the literary world. Each runner-up book represents remarkable craftsmanship and offers new perspectives that enrich the reading public.
David Hearne, Editor-in-Chief of the PenCraft Book Awards, stated, 'We are incredibly proud to celebrate these talented authors and the remarkable achievements they have accomplished in their literary journeys. Their work is a testament to their craft.' The awards shine a light on narratives that await readers and reaffirm the organization's commitment to promoting excellence in literary arts.
The runner-up list includes winners across numerous genres. For children's books, winners include Treasure of the North by Minda Gomez (Children 4th-6th), Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision by R. Karl Hebenstreit (Children 4th-6th), Dot's Spots by Lisa Mueller (Children Animals), and Sally's Musical Tale by Rosie J. Pova (Children Animals). In the fiction categories, notable winners include A Memory of Song by Scott Palmer (Fantasy), Eruption I: The Scene Chronicles by B.C. Young (Fantasy), Raising Panic by Rhonda Zimlich (General), and Starlight in the Dawn by Naveen Sridhar (Historical). Mystery fans will recognize Villain in the Vineyard by Judy L Murray, Zero Knowledge by Arnaud Pascolo, and Death Plays with Fire by Sharon Lynn. Thriller and suspense categories feature Fan Base: A Novel by Jane Hartsock, The Gardener's Secret by Sheila Hansberger, and Enemies Domestic by John DeDakis.
Non-fiction honorees include Tokyo Tempos by Michael Pronko (Autobiography), Seeking Fairness at Work by Hanna Hasl-Kelchner (Business/Finance), Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI by Faisal Hoque (Business/Finance), and The Biology of Trauma by Aimie Apigian MD (Health/Medical). In the self-help genre, Becoming HER by Monica Yates and Your Happiness Equation by Leighton Campbell were recognized. Poetry and music categories include Inaccurate Histories by Alise Versella and Reflections: Earth, Heart, Light, Dark by Devon Valdes.
The PenCraft Book Awards is an inclusive literary contest that aims to give every writer a fair chance at recognition. With hundreds of nominations, only the best receive the award. Hearne explained, 'Our awards help struggling authors get noticed and sold. Our goal is to showcase talented new authors and their extraordinary stories.' PenCraft was created to counter the unfairness of excluding authors based on their publisher or high entry fees, leveling the playing field for all authors. Since its inception, PenCraft has supported authors worldwide by acknowledging and promoting their creative work. For more information, visit https://pencraftaward.com.
The complete list of runner-up winners spans dozens of genres, from Christian fiction to science fiction, romance to young adult. The awards highlight the diversity and quality of contemporary literature, providing recognition for authors who might otherwise go unnoticed. As the literary world continues to evolve, PenCraft remains dedicated to discovering and celebrating exceptional voices.
