The CIPA EVVYs™ Celebrate the Best in Independent Publishing

For more than 30 years, the CIPA EVVYs™ have helped independent authors and publishers earn meaningful recognition for exceptional books. Sponsored by the Collective of Independent Publishers and Authors (CIPA) and the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation (ELF), the annual competition remains one of the longest-running and most respected book awards on the indie publishing scene.

The CIPA EVVYs™ welcome entries from around the world in more than 40 categories, recognizing excellence across writing, design, and publishing. What makes the CIPA EVVYs™ stand out is their rigorous, merit-based judging process. Every book is evaluated by booksellers, librarians, schoolteachers, industry professionals, and book reviewers, using a robust scoring rubric. Winners are awarded based on scoring criteria and minimum standards of excellence—not simply by assigning first, second, and third place medals.

To keep pace with today’s publishing landscape, the CIPA EVVYs™ expanded category offerings for 2026 to include four poetry categories, three graphic novel categories, and a Legacy category created for recent backlist titles.

There’s also added value for entrants: non-member submissions include a one-year CIPA membership, giving authors and publishers access to prior event recordings, free upcoming educational sessions, and opportunities to engage more deeply through volunteering or board service.

CIPA is also proud of its sister 501(c)(3) organization, CIPA ELF, which supports community literacy programs and classroom grants.

The entry deadline is May 30, 2026.

Explore categories and enter today: CIPA EVVY Rules & Guidelines
Learn more about CIPA: cipabooks.com

Learn more about CIPA ELF: cipaelf.org