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Eligibility / format:
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Open to self‑, hybrid‑ and small‑press published books in all genres, with no restriction on publication date.
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Requires a valid ISBN or ASIN; accepts both ebooks and paperbacks.
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Fees and what you get:
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2026 IRDAs: entries accepted through an extended deadline of 11 February 2026; winners announced 28 May 2026.
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Entry fee listed as about USD 149–150 per title, with an extra fee for each additional category.
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Every submitted book receives a review “verdict” from an IndieReader professional reviewer, which is added to their site; a negative verdict isn’t posted without your permission.
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They actively upsell pairing the awards with a paid review (“combo with a Pro Review” at discounted price).
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Upsides:
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IndieReader is at least a known US‑based indie‑review outlet; the verdict/review can be used in marketing, and finalists/winners get a bit of media and industry‑facing exposure.
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The award is specifically for indie‑published titles, so you are their core demographic.
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Caveats:
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Core value is arguably the review service wrapped in an award, and the entry fee is high compared to, say, Rubery or Next Generation Indie.
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It’s US‑centric; that’s fine if you’re actively targeting US readers, less potent if your main focus is UK trade credibility.
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My verdict for your UK self‑pub adult novel:
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A marketing spend more than a prestige move. If you actively want an IndieReader review quote and are building a US‑facing campaign, it’s “maybe”.
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If your priority is UK/Euro recognition and cost‑effective prestige, I’d place IRDA below Selfies / Rubery / Diverse Book Awards / Next Generation Indie / North Street.