The PenCraft Book Awards has announced the runner-up winners of the 2025 competition, highlighting a diverse array of literary talent. The selection process was highly competitive, with numerous submissions showcasing the depth of storytelling in the literary world. Each runner-up book represents remarkable craftsmanship and speaks to the human experience, promising to enrich readers with new perspectives.
David Hearne, Editor-In-Chief of the PenCraft Book Awards, stated, "We are incredibly proud to celebrate these talented authors and the remarkable achievements they have accomplished in their literary journeys. Their work is a testament to their craft." The awards shine a light on narratives that await readers and reaffirm the organization's commitment to promoting excellence in the literary arts.
The runner-up winners span a wide range of genres, including children's literature, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, romance, and young adult. Notable winners include "Treasure of the North" by Minda Gomez in the Children's 4th-6th grade category, "The Dream" by Breakfield and Burkey in Children's Preteen, "Sin and Scales" by Michelle Emmanuelli in Christian Fantasy/Sci-Fi, "A Memory of Song" by Scott Palmer in Fiction Fantasy, "The Dryad's Crown" by David Hopkins in Fiction Fantasy, "The Rabbi's Knight" by Michael Cooper in Fiction Historical, "Zero Knowledge" by Arnaud Pascolo in Fiction Mystery General, "The Cicada Spring" by Carolyn McBride in Fiction Womens, "Seeking Fairness at Work" by Hanna Hasl-Kelchner in Non-Fiction Business/Finance, "The Biology of Trauma" by Aimie Apigian MD in Non-Fiction Health Medical, "Manifest Your Infinite Riches" by Pushkar Anand in Non-Fiction Motivational, and "The Pirate's Curse" by Toni Runkle in Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi.
The PenCraft Book Awards is an inclusive literary contest that celebrates all authors. Its mission is to inspire, entertain, and give every writer a fair chance at recognition. With hundreds of nominations, only the best receive the PenCraft Book Award. As Hearne explains, "Our awards help struggling authors get noticed and sold. Our goal is to showcase talented new authors and their extraordinary stories." PenCraft was created to counter the unfairness of excluding authors based on their publisher or high entry fees, leveling the playing field for all authors to compete equally. Since its inception, PenCraft has been committed to supporting authors worldwide by acknowledging and promoting their creative work.
For a full list of runner-up winners, visit the PenCraft Book Awards website at https://pencraftaward.com.


