PenCraft Awards Honor 63 Winter 2026 Literary Standouts

The PenCraft Seasonal Book Awards for Winter 2026 have honored 63 exceptional literary works, celebrating authors across diverse genres from adult and children's literature to nonfiction, romance, and young adult fiction. This prestigious competition, organized by the PenCraft Book Awards, shines a spotlight on talented writers who might otherwise be overlooked in a crowded marketplace, with notable winners including Allen Wolf for "The Sound of Violet" (which was adapted into a film), Mark Dickson for the politically resonant thriller "Enemy at the Helm," and former football star Todd Marinovich for his biography. The awards aim to help authors gain recognition and boost book sales, with Editor-in-Chief David Hearne emphasizing their role in introducing extraordinary literary creations to the world.

Highlighted winners span numerous categories, demonstrating the awards' inclusive scope. In children's literature, standout titles include "The Turquoise Butterfly" by Dale Atkins, "The Snow Globe" by Katherine Lockwood, and "The Boy Who Lives on Prickinjer Place" by Ann Fleming. The fiction category features a rich array, such as "DRINKING FROM THE STREAM" by Richard Scott Sacks, "Murder Is Revealing" by Michelle Corbier, and "Enemy At The Helm" by Mark Dickson. Nonfiction and poetry winners include "The Golden Age of Bull$hit" by Mario Tufano, "Marinovich" by Todd Marinovich, and "Human Resources" by Erin Murphy, while romance accolades go to works like "Marianne: A Sense and Sensibility Sequel" by Alice McVeigh and "The Sound of Violet, 10th Anniversary Edition" by Allen Wolf.

Founded in 2016, the PenCraft Book Awards operates on a mission to provide a fair and inclusive platform, judging all submissions—whether self-published, from small presses, or traditionally published—equally based on literary merit, creativity, storytelling strength, and reader engagement. By focusing purely on quality without bias toward an author's reputation, the awards ensure that talent and originality are paramount. This commitment supports authors worldwide, fostering personal growth and social progress through literature that offers new perspectives and broadens understanding. The PenCraft Seasonal Book Award competition continues to inspire and recognize writers, helping them navigate the competitive publishing landscape and connect with readers eager for fresh, compelling stories.