Her Empty Chair Wins Next Gen Indie Book Award 2025
Announced winner of the ‘First Novel’ category at the world’s largest book awards programme for self-published authors
Bestseller in women’s popular fiction, Her Empty Chair has been named by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group as one of the winning indie books of 2025.
Awarded as the winner of the ‘First Novel (40,000-70,000 words)’ category in the 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the world’s largest book awards programme for independent publishers and self-published authors, Her Empty Chair has been described by readers as a page-turning, emotional mystery you can devour in one sitting.
The Next Generation Indie Book Awards are judged by leaders in the indie publishing industry, many of whom have had long careers at major publishing houses. Drawing on their deep experience and love of great storytelling, they recognise books that deserve a wider audience. Winners and finalists will be honoured June 27th at a gala event at The Notary Hotel in Philadelphia, PA, coinciding with the American Library Association Annual Conference.
In CNN.com article, journalist Catherine Andrews wrote: “The term ‘indie’ traditionally refers to independent art – music, film, literature or anything that fits under the broad banner of culture – created outside of the mainstream and without corporate financing.” That definition remains true for book publishing.
Independent book publishing companies are independent of the major conglomerates dominating the book publishing industry. Indies include small presses, larger independent publishers, university presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors.
According to Catherine Goulet, Founder and Co-Chair of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, “Like other independent artists, many indie book publishers face challenges that the industry giants don't experience. The indies have to work much harder to get their best books into readers’ hands.”
“Authors and publishers who compete in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards are serious about promoting their books,” adds Goulet. “They aim to stand out from the crowd of millions of books in print.”
To help indie authors and publishers reach a wider audience, the top 80+ books in the 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards will be reviewed by New York literary agent Marilyn Allen of Allen Literary Agency (formerly the Allen O'Shea Literary Agency), or one of Ms. Allen’s co-agents, for possible representation in areas such as: distribution, foreign rights, film rights, and other rights.
Top books were named as winners and finalists in over 80 publishing categories ranging from Action/Adventure to Young Author. A complete list of 2025 winners and finalists is available at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards website at indiebookawards.com.
About IBPPG
The aim of the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group is to promote professional standards in independent book publishing (also known as "indie" book publishing) and provide support and recognition for the independent book publishing profession.
2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Entries are now being accepted for the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The awards are open to books released in 2024, 2025, or 2026 from independent authors and publishers worldwide. Visit the Next Generation Indie Book Awards website at https://www.indiebookawards.com for more information.