NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026

The Book Awards for Indie Authors

An accessible award celebrating self-published and hybrid-published authors writing exceptional non-fiction

Entering is easy – and it's completely free

Sponsored by UK Health Radio and Sussex Exclusive Magazine

Message from Dee Blick FCIM, international bestselling author, commissioning editor, columnist and broadcaster of Lead Well Live Well on UK Health Radio

My lightbulb moment came from reviewing a single non-fiction business book. That one review became a monthly column, then a monthly author interview – and with every conversation, I saw the same thing: talented authors for whom the headline awards were a dream, not a reality. So I decided to change that.

Books I have reviewed and featured on my Radio Show receive automatic entry. A few of these are below. If your book hasn't yet made it to the show, you may still be eligible – full details on how to enter are below.

One book per author · Paperback only · Submission deadline: 30th June 2026

Two winners will be chosen: a best non-fiction book and a worthy runner-up, as decided by myself, Johann Ilgenfritz and Lucy Pitts.

YOUR JUDGES

Lucy Pitts

Founder · Sussex Exclusive
Founder of Sussex Exclusive magazine and website, champion of independent authors

Johann Ilgenfritz

Founder · UK Health Radio
Founder of UK Health Radio, bringing this award to a national audience

Dee Blick FCIM
Lead Well Live Well · UK Health Radio Presenter
Bestselling author, commissioning editor, columnist and broadcaster

ENTRY GUIDELINES

Eligibility

  • Word count: 10,000 to 40,000 words (exceptions may be considered)

  • Open to all independently published books Self-published, hybrid, educational, or independent press – not commercially published

  • Professionally edited, proofread and typeset

  • Paperback format only

  • English language only

  • One entry per author

  • Dee must have read the book before entry

Submission deadline: 30th June 2026

Two categories

Business

Marketing, sales, social media, AI and related subjects, with a clearly defined target audience

Personal Development

Leadership, motivational and professional growth books.

Books in religious or political categories are not eligible

WHAT THE WINNERS RECEIVE

There will be two winners:

The best non-fiction book and one exceptional runner-up. Both will receive a full media package:

Framed winner's certificate

  • Signed by all three judges

Interview on two UK Health Radio shows

  • Including Lead Well Live Well

Double-page interview in Sussex Exclusive magazine

  • Average readership: 3,000,000 per issue

Special feature on Sussex Exclusive website

  • Average monthly visitors: 40,000

Promotion across social media channels

Invitation to explore joint marketing initiatives with Dee Blick

  • There is no cash alternative

  • Winners must redeem their media package within three months of notification

  • Winners are announced via a live Zoom

  • All entered authors are invited to attend

ENTRY DEADLINE: 30th June 2026

Submit Your Entry Now

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