The Midwest Book Awards will open this fall for entries of books published in 2025. Updated categories, entry guidelines, and submission details will be posted soon—please stay tuned.
MiPA is under new board and executive leadership, and we appreciate your patience during this transition. For the latest updates, visit www.mipa.org or join our email list.
35th Annual Midwest Book Awards Gala Recap
Saturday, June 28, 2025 | Frey Theater, St. Catherine University | Saint Paul, Minnesota
Authors and publishers from across the Midwest gathered to celebrate independent publishing in our region. The reception was filled with excitement and camaraderie as attendees explored the finalist titles, and Kansas City media personality Cherayla Haynes announced the gold winners—many of whom took the stage to share heartfelt remarks. We also shared a special tribute to MiPA founder Sybil Smith, who passed last year, and shared a video MiPA had made a few years ago honoring her. It was a memorable evening that showcased the creativity, passion, and community spirit at the heart of Midwest publishing.
View the gold and silver winners
Repost of live stream
Photo gallery from event
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Book Award Information
Publishers based in the Midwest are invited to enter the annual Midwest Book Awards competition for excellence in books. The awards recognize creativity in content and execution, overall book quality, and the book’s unique contribution to its subject area.
Special Thanks to this year’s sponsors…
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.
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.
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