The Meridian Awards celebrates excellence in independent literature across multiple categories. Each award highlights a unique aspect of creativity, storytelling, and author achievement.
Below is a full guide to each category and what they represent.
1. Best Novel
Description: Celebrates the most outstanding full-length fiction novel of the year.
Who Can Be Nominated: Independently published or small-press novels of any genre.
What to Consider When Nominating: Storytelling, character development, originality, and overall impact.
2. Best Short Story
Description: Honors an exceptional short story that leaves a lasting impression.
Who Can Be Nominated: Short stories published independently or through small presses.
What to Consider When Nominating: Creativity, emotional impact, and writing quality.
3. Best Nonfiction
Description: Recognizes nonfiction works that educate, inspire, or provide insight.
Who Can Be Nominated: Independently published nonfiction books of any topic.
What to Consider When Nominating: Research, clarity, originality, and engagement.
4. Best Poetry Collection
Description: Celebrates poetry collections that move readers through language, emotion, and craft.
Who Can Be Nominated: Independently published poetry books or collections.
What to Consider When Nominating: Voice, originality, and emotional resonance.
5. The Mary Ann Evans Award
Description: Honors exceptional work by women authors, celebrating their contributions to literature, acknowledging that historically, women’s work was often overlooked or credited to men.
Who Can Be Nominated: Books by women authors across all genres.
6. LGBTQ+ Writing Award
Description: Celebrates books by LGBTQ+ authors or works that thoughtfully explore LGBTQ+ experiences.
Who Can Be Nominated: Independent books with LGBTQ+ representation or authorship.
7. Rising Voice Award
Description: Recognizes emerging or early-career authors showing exceptional promise.
Who Can Be Nominated: Authors with one or a few published works, regardless of genre.
8. Reader’s Choice Award
Description: Nominate the book that moved or inspired you. Once nominations close, you’ll have the chance to vote for the top selections!
Who Can Be Nominated: Any independently published book of any genre.
9. Excellence in Cover Design
Description: Recognizes outstanding artistry and creativity in book covers.
Who Can Be Nominated: Independent books with exceptional cover design.
What to Consider When Nominating: Visual impact, relevance to the story, originality.
10. Best Debut Author
Description: Celebrates authors publishing their first book who demonstrate remarkable skill and promise.
Who Can Be Nominated: First-time independent authors across any genre.
What to Consider When Nominating: Storytelling, originality, and overall quality.