Every book begins with a brave decision: to put something meaningful into words and trust that it may reach the person who needs it. This October, The Prestigious International Hope Book Awards gathers to honor that courage.
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, our Author of the Year Gala at the Wyndham Bloomington Mall of America Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota, will bring authors, readers, families, and friends together for an evening of connection, recognition, and celebration. The October 16–17 weekend also includes opportunities to connect with fellow storytellers and share the purpose behind their work.
To our 2026 authors: thank you.
All submissions for the 2026 awards are now closed. Thank you to every author who entrusted us with a book. Whether your pages speak of survival, grief, discovery, faith, imagination, or a new beginning, you have helped build a community that believes stories can make a difference.
At the Gala, we look forward to celebrating our honorees and revealing the 2026 Author of the Year recognition. Come cheer on the people behind the books, share a table with fellow authors, and be part of a night dedicated to hope.
Celebrate with us
Your seat at the Gala awaits.
Review the available ticket and experience options on the official PIHBA Gala page.
View Gala Tickets & Packages →The next chapter begins now.
October submissions are now open for the 2027 awards cycle. If you have a book with a message worth sharing, we invite you to explore the award categories and submit your work. These new entries are for the next awards cycle; they do not reopen the closed 2026 submissions.
Winners in the 2027 cycle will have the opportunity to take part in our March 4–6, 2027 International Author Weekend, including the awards celebration and opportunities connected with the event booklet. We look forward to welcoming new voices to a weekend of books, community, and recognition. Participation details and booklet arrangements will be shared with eligible winners.
To those celebrating with us in October and those preparing to enter for March: your story matters. Keep writing. Keep believing. The hope in your pages may be exactly what someone else is waiting to find.