"When I say I owe a lot to independent bookshops, I mean it. My first book was not published by an established publisher, it was published by Page One Books, an independent book shop in east London. When I couldn’t find venues to perform in, I performed above, or in, independent bookshops all over the country. Independent bookshops made me, and I don’t want to get too heavy, but in times like these I use them for their human connections, and as a political statement. Long love the book lovers."
- Benjamin Zephaniah
If you are looking for some inspiration on what to read next, then look no further than this year’s Indie Book Awards. There are four categories to choose from: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Fiction and Picture Book - so there’s something for everyone.
You can be assured that all titles come highly recommended by independent booksellers from across the country so your reading choices are curated by a vast number of knowledgeable experts.
The Indie Book Awards are the only awards curated exclusively by independent bookshops. They showcase the best paperback reads for the summer and help demonstrate the impact of independent booksellers building readerships for the books they love.
For more great recommended reads you could pick up a copy of our Summer Books catalogue in participating stores or else just ask your local bookseller.
Find out more about the Indie Book Awards 2025 Winners and Shortlist.
Indie Book Awards 2025 key dates
9 May: Indie Book Awards shortlists announced
19 June: Indie Book Awards winners announced
Learn more about previous winners of the Indie Book Awards.
Keep up to date with campaign at:
If you're a publisher and would like to submit a title for the Indie Book Awards, please visit the Booksellers Association website.
Magic Classical is the official media partner of the Indie Book Awards. You can listen to Magic Classical on your DAB radio, smart speaker, online or on the Rayo app https://hellorayo.co.uk/magic-classical/play/
Magic Classical plays a variety of classical music ranging from pieces that you hear in movies, on TV or even commercials, to classical pieces from composers like Bach, Beethoven or Mozart, via a sprinkling of melodic contemporary music by the classical artists of today. It is the place to go for music to keep you company through your day, whatever you’re doing, and make it just that little more relaxing. Magic Classical is part of the Magic Radio Network which includes Magic Radio the Best Variety of the 80s to Now, Magic Soul playing the best of Soul and Motown, Mellow Magic playing timeless laidback classics and Magic at the Musicals playing the best from stage and screen. You can listen to Magic Classical on DAB Digital Radio, online and via the Rayo app.