How to Participate

There are three ways to participate in the BookTok Indie Author Awards — submitting a book, nominating a title, or voting during the awards season.

Whether you’re an author or a reader, each path plays an important role in celebrating independent storytelling.

Choose Your Participation Path

Submit a Book

Authors and publishers may submit eligible indie titles into genre, craft, and production award categories during the submission window.

Nominate a Book

Readers may nominate indie books and authors for reader-driven award categories during the nomination window.

Vote

During official voting rounds, readers help determine finalists and winners through public ballots.

How Each Path Works

Submission Steps

  1. Confirm indie eligibility
  2. Verify publication window
  3. Select appropriate categories
  4. Complete submission form

Nomination Steps

  1. Confirm indie author status
  2. Choose reader category
  3. Submit book details
  4. Await ballot inclusion

Voting Steps

  1. Review category ballots
  2. Vote for favorite titles
  3. Return for finalist round
  4. Watch the live show

Before Participating

All participants should review eligibility requirements, submission limits, and voting policies prior to taking part.

Be Part of the Awards Season

Celebrate indie authors by submitting, nominating, or voting throughout the awards timeline.

© 2026 BookTok Indie Author Awards. All rights reserved.

Independently organized. Not affiliated with TikTok or ByteDance.