Today's Read Contributor On November 24, 2025, renowned best-selling author James Patterson, in partnership with the online retailer Bookshop.org, announced the creation of a new literary award aimed at giving a platform to emerging writers and strengthening the presence of independent booksellers in the literary world. The James Patterson and Bookshop.org Prize will award $15,000 to the grand prize winner and $10,000 to the runner-up. The prize will be open to debut authors whose full-length books are originally published in English in the U.S. between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
This initiative is designed to support debut authors financially while simultaneously promoting their work through the powerful platform of Bookshop.org, which has become a key player in supporting independent bookstores. In addition to the monetary rewards, winners will receive significant visibility through Bookshop.org and participating independent bookstores, giving them a much-needed promotional boost. Patterson, known for his deep connection with both readers and the literary industry, believes that this prize will help elevate up-and-coming authors and remind readers of the crucial role that independent booksellers play in a rapidly shifting market.
Independent booksellers will play a pivotal role in the prize, nominating and voting on eligible titles. This is an important aspect of the prize, as it highlights the influence that independent bookstores have in shaping reading trends and championing lesser-known authors. Patterson’s involvement in the award reflects his strong belief in the power of independent bookstores to foster a sense of community around books and provide readers with unique and diverse voices they may not find in larger, more commercialized retailers.
Beyond the financial support, the winners of the prize will benefit from extensive promotion. Bookshop.org, known for its collaboration with indie bookstores, will ensure that the prize recipients gain prominent visibility on its platform. This will help debut authors gain a foothold in a highly competitive market and introduce them to a broader audience. Additionally, participating indie bookstores will support the promotion of the winning titles, creating an ecosystem of support that is centered around the success of new voices in literature.
The nomination process for the award will open on January 5, 2026, and the winners will be announced on April 6, 2026. The timeline gives independent booksellers ample opportunity to engage with the books released in 2025 and to nominate those they feel are most deserving of recognition. With the literary world increasingly shaped by digital platforms, this prize represents an important step in supporting writers who might not have the backing of large publishing houses, while also ensuring that independent bookstores remain a crucial part of the literary landscape.
The creation of the James Patterson and Bookshop.org Prize is a testament to Patterson’s continued commitment to the literary community, particularly in a time when many debut authors face significant challenges in gaining recognition. The prize not only provides financial aid to new writers but also serves to reinforce the importance of independent booksellers, who often act as gatekeepers and advocates for literature that may not always be seen on the national stage. With the potential to launch the careers of countless debut authors, this prize is an exciting new development in the world of literature and bookselling.
