Announcing the Midwest Book Awards Finalists

Thank you to all who entered the 36th Annual Midwest Book Awards. We had a competitive year this year, with 195 unique titles from 102 independent Midwestern publishers across 22 categories, including design categories and special distinctions.

Gold Winners to be announced at the 36th Annual Midwest Book Awards Gala

Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 7pm | Frey Theater, St. Catherine University | Saint Paul, Minnesota

Join us for an evening of literary celebration and connect with authors, publishers, and book lovers while enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets to the 36th Annual Midwest Book Awards Gala are on sale now!

Special Thanks to this Year’s Sponsors

Illustrada Book Design and Craft, logo

Awards design Sponsor: Illustrada Design

Creating inspired design for intriguing books. A joyfully collaborative designer focused on providing small and independent publishers with covers, interior layout & typesetting, print/ebook design, and production & publishing assistance. 

www.illustrada.com

Awards print sponsor: Kirk House Publishers

Our goal is to continue discovering gifted authors. We like working with writers to develop their books and careers over the long term.

www.kirkhousepublishers.com

Biography and Memoir

History

Humanities

Lifestyle

Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Horror/Romance

Literary/Historical/Contemporary

Mystery/Thriller

Middle Grade

Picture Book

Cover

Illustration

Interior

Total Book Design

Special Distinction Awards will be announced at the Gala. We hope to see you all there. Congratulations to our Midwest Book Award Finalists!

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