Serious Writer Awards
The Serious Writer co-owners met while competing in the 2014 Selah Awards. In 2019, they founded their own contest to give writers an opportunity to celebrate and promote their work.
The Writer of the Year contest celebrates writers unpublished within the genre categories.
The Book of the Year contest celebrates books published within the previous calendar year.
The Book of the Decade contest celebrates books published within the 10 years prior to the Book of Year eligibility.
6th Annual
Serious Writer Awards
The 2024 Contests are now open!
The Early Bird deadline is September 30, 2024.
The 5th Annual Serious Writer Awards
Writer of the Year Finalists
- 12 Relationship Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To by Lynne Babbitt
- A Risk Worth Taking by Carrie Walker
- A World of Ideas by Neena Phan
- Becoming Amethyst Stone by Melinda Eye Cooper
- Wandering Swallow: A Young Girl’s Quest for Freedom by Nancy E. Head
- Young at Heart by Carrie Walker
Book of the Year Finalists
- After the Flowers Die by Renee Kennedy
- Anxiety Elephants for Tween Girls by Caris Snider
- Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman
- My Yes is on the Table: Moving from Fear to Faith by Jennifer Hand
- Take My Hand by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
- Word of Honor by Hallee Bridgeman
Book of the Decade Finalists
- Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation by Dianne Neal Matthews
- Hunger Winter: A World War II Novel by Rob Currie
- Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90 by Sharron K. Cosby
- Sing Until You Die by Carole Brown
- The Grace Impact by Nancy Kay Grace
- The Revisionary by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Writer of the Year Semifinalists
- 12 Relationship Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To by LYNNE BABBITT
- A Matter of Honor by TONI WILBARGER
- A Matter of Truth by TONI WILBARGER
- A Miracle Called Brenny by MAUREEN CAROL BRADFORD
- A Risk Worth Taking by CARRIE WALKER
- A World of Ideas by NEENA PHAN
- Balancing the Checkbook of Your Life by JAMES MAGRUDER
- Becoming Amethyst Stone by MELINDA EYE COOPER
- Eve: Blameless and Beloved—Dispelling Lies and Revealing Truth about Who We Are As Women by KATHY THOMAS
- Inverse by ANDRA LOY
- It is Finished–or is it? by STACY SANCHEZ
- Kona by JOHN BARNETT
- Live Like You’re Well by DORY ODA
- Over the Moon by ELIZABETH DAGHFAL
- Rain in the Wilderness by LAURA DENOOYER
- The Contract by CYNTHIA NOBLE
- Wandering Swallow: A Young Girl’s Quest for Freedom by NANCY E. HEAD
- Young at Heart by CARRIE WALKER
Book of the Year Semifinalists
- A Rose in Winter by Janis Jakes
- After the Flowers Die by Renee Kennedy
- Anxiety Elephants for Tween Boys by Caris Snider
- Anxiety Elephants for Tween Girls by Caris Snider
- Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman
- Inside the 10-Ft Line by Lori Scott
- Jeff Pennant’s Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents by Kelli McKinney
- Just Rest by Melanie Redd
- Lilibet the Brave by Katy Rose
- My Yes is on the Table: Moving from Fear to Faith by Jennifer Hand
- On the Road for Travelball: A Parent’s Guide to Traveling the Travel Team Circuit without Constantly Blowing a Circuit by Sue Rosenfeld
- Pulling Back The Iron Curtain: Stories From a Cold War Missionary by Debby Thompson
- Pursued in the Wilderness by Loretta Eidson
- Rise of Betrayal by M.N. Stroh
- Take My Hand by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
- The Choices She Made by Felicia Ferguson
- Word of Honor by Hallee Bridgeman
Book of the Decade Semifinalists
- All That Is Hidden by Laura DeNooyer-Moore
- Awakened by Tracy Bradford
- Bink and Slinky’s Christmas Adventure by Donna Arlynn Frisinger
- Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation by Dianne Neal Matthews
- His Gift by Joan C. Benson
- Hunger Winter: A World War II Novel by Rob Currie
- Kind Soup by Jean Petersen
- Lainey of the Door Islands by Judy DuCharme
- Plague of Flies by Laurel Anne Hill
- Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90 by Sharron K. Cosby
- Sing Until You Die by Carole Brown
- The Cheesehead Devotional Kickoff Edition by Judy DuCharme
- The Grace Impact by Nancy Kay Grace
- The Revisionary by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
- Unleash Your God-given Healing: Eight Steps to Prevent and Survive Cancer by Ginny Dent Brant
4th Annual
Serious Writer Awards
2022 Contests
Prize included an incredible dinner and awards ceremony, followed by a day at Universal Studios.
2022 Contests
2022 Winner
Andra Coleman Loy
for “The Name of the Beacon”
Below is the list of Semifinalists with the Finalists in bold.
Eric K. Barnes Historyman1781 for A Rocky Response
Tez Brooks Tez Brooks, Author for God’s Awning
Sandra Kay Chambers for Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions to Help Kids Discover They Are Uniquely Created by God
Kay Em Ellis for CHROMA: a Christian’s response to online bullying
Kay Em Ellis for LOST IN TRANSLATION
Annette Marie Griffin for Pot-Stirring and Peacemaking Women of the Bible
Tammy Kennington for This is the Baby
Andra Coleman Loy for The Name of the Beacon
Andra Coleman Loy for The Memory of Lillian Grey
James C. Magruder, Author for Balancing the Checkbook of Your Life
Dory Skinner Oda for The Decaffeination of Sammie Houston
Patsy Reiter for The Teeny Tippy Toad
Carrie Walker – Author for Someone to Lean On
Carrie Walker – Author for Young at Heart
Lori Ann Wood for Getting Okay with Giving Up
Lori Ann Wood for Eyes for the Invisible
2022 Winner: Jill Roman Lord
for Dream Big, My Precious One
Below is the list of Semifinalists with the Finalists in bold.
David Brühlmann SingleInfluencer for Single for a Season
Craig von Buseck for Victor! The Final Battle of Ulysses S. Grant
CJ Campbell Clare Campbell for Tempest: The Veil Chronicles, Book 1
Lynn Creighton for Reclaiming the Sacred Source: The Ancient Power and Wisdom of Women’s Sexuality
Tracy Crump for Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness
M. B. Dahl for For the Good of All
Victoria Duerstock, Authorfor Guard your Heart & Home: Pursuing Peace in Your Living Space
Victoria Duerstock, Author and Paige Rien for Revived & Renovated: Real Life Conversations on the Intersection of Home, Faith and Everything in Between
Karen De Armond Gardner Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse
Ann Van Hine - author for Pieces Falling: Navigating 9/11 With Faith, Family and the FDNY
Janis Jakes for The Bounty Hunter's Bride
Julie Lavender for Children's Bible Stories for Bedtime
Andy Lee for Radiant Influence: How an ordinary girl changed the world
Jill Roman Lord for Dream Big, My Precious One
Jill Roman Lord for You're More Than a Sprout
Susan Thogerson Maas for Abbie's Woods: Defending the Nest
Joshua J Masters for A Faith Unleashed: Living in the Hope of God's Rescue
Edie Melson for Soul Care When You're Grieving
Jennifer Daniels Neal for The Locke Box
Sarah Philpott for The Growing Season: A Year of Down-on-the-Farm Devotions
Tanya Ross for Facing Off
Nancy I. Sanders for Bedtime With Mommy
Tim Shoemaker for Easy Target
Tim Shoemaker for Escape from the Everglades
2022 Winner: Caris Snider
for Anxiety Elephants: 31-Day Devotional
Below is the list of Semifinalists, Finalists (in bold).
Dr. Michelle Bengtson for Hope Prevails
Dr. Michelle Bengtson for Breaking Anxiety's Grip
Dr. Michelle Bengtson for Hope Prevails Bible Study
Catherine Ulrich Brakefield for Destiny's Whirlwind
Craig von Buseck for I am Cyrus: Harry S. Truman and the Rebirth of Israel
Sandra Kay Chambers for Lord, It's Boring in my Prayer Closet
Janet L Christensen for Good Night, Fireflies
Sharron Knight Cosby for Praying for Your Addicted Loved One
Edna Waidell Cravitz for Keep Running, Maggie McRooney
Judy DuCharme for The Cheesehead Devotional
Judy DuCharme for A Christmas Duet: Run With the Wind & Christmas Ivy
Victoria Duerstock, Author for Extraordinary Hospitality for Ordinary Christians
Victoria Duerstock, Author for Advent Devotions & Christmas Crafts for Families
Linda Gilden for Articles, Articles, Articles!
James C. Magruder, Author for The Glimpse
Dianne Neal Matthews: Author Page for Drawing Closer to God
Laura DeNooyer Author for All that is Hidden
Cindy Patterson for Chasing Paradise
Cindy Patterson for Shattered Treasure
Sarah Philpott for Loved Baby: 31 Devotions Helping You Grieve and Cherish Your Child after Pregnancy Loss
Cheryl Schuermann Author for When the Water Runs
Carole Marie Shelton - Author - Author for Cosmic Chaos
Caris Trawick Snider for Anxiety Elephants 31 Day Devotional
Judith and Colin Wilkie for The Lost Shoe
Denise Wilson for Seven Words You Never Want to Hear
3rd Annual
Serious Writer Awards
2021 Contests
Prize included a private tour of Kregel Publishing from the owner, followed by an incredible dinner and awards ceremony.
2021 Winner
Annette Marie Griffin
for “Knightly Stalker”
Below is the list of Semifinalists with the Finalists in bold.
Annette Marie Griffin for The Knightly Stalker*
Cheryl Spears Waugh for Way of the Mescalero
Chris Sauter Manion for The Light We Cannot See
Cynthia L. Simmons for Medical And Surgical Care During The Civil War
Debbie Spence for Courageous Kate’s Fearless Day
Debbie Spence for Broken Crayons Color, Too
Josie Siler for Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw
Kay Em Ellis for CHROMA: A Christian’s Response to Online Bullying
Laurie “LG” Westlake for Calculated Risks
Patsy Reiter for Grandma, Rock Me Please
Sally A. Friscea for Over the Hill and Careening Down the Other Side
Sarah Limardo for Game of Gods
Sarah Rexford for The Convergence
Sheryl H. Boldt for Grandma’s Little Helpers
Tammy Kennington for Montana Rescue
Tammy Kennington for Big Prayers for Little People
Tammy Kennington for A Selection of Blog Posts
2021 Winner
Hallee Bridgeman
for Alexandra’s Appeal
Below is the list of Semifinalists with the Finalists in bold.
Annette Marie Griffin for What is a Family?
Becky Baudouin for Enjoy Every Minute and Other Ridiculous Things We Say to Moms
Britt Mooney for Say Yes: How God Sized Dreams Take Flight
Christy Hoss for The Rubber Band
Darlene L. Turner for Border Breach
Hallee Bridgeman for Alexandra’s Appeal*
Jill Roman Lord for The Quiet Crazy Easter Day
Jill Roman Lord for That Grand Christmas Day!
Julie Lavender for 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments Into Lasting Memories
Lauren Crews for Strength of a Woman Devotional
Mary Potter Kenyon for Called to Be Creative: A Guide to Reigniting Your Creativity
Megan Kinney for Dakota Peace
Michelle Nietert/Lynn Cowell for Loved and Cherished
Starr Ayers for For the Love of Emma
Tori Higa for The Christmas Color
2021 Winner
Rebecca
Barlow Jordan
for Day-Votions for Mothers
Below is the list of Semifinalists with the Finalists in bold.
Betty Roberts for Midnight Chronicles: A Love Story
Brett Armstrong for Quest of Fire: The Gathering Dark
Brett Armstrong for Destitutio Quod Remissio
Carol Grace Stratton for Lake Surrender
Claire Sanders for Freedom River
Emily Golus for Escape to Vindor
James C. Magruder for The Glimpse
Judy DuCharme for The Cheesehead Devotional: Hall of Fame Edition
Judy DuCharme for The Cheesehead Devotional: Kickoff Edition
Judy DuCharme for Blood Moon Redemption
Marian Rizzo for Angela’s Treasures
Marian Rizzo for In Search of the Beloved
Melissa Calais Lewis for The Nature of Honey: The Woman’s Journey in Connection with God, Blossoms, and Bees
Penny Cooke for Pursuing Prayer: Being Effective in a Busy World
Rebecca Barlow Jordan for Day-votions for Mothers: Heart to Heart Encouragement*
2nd Annual
Serious Writer Awards
2020 Contests
2020 Winner: Jennifer Daniels Neal
Below is the list of Semifinalists with the Finalists in bold.
Pamela Glover
Kaci Hindman
Seralynn Lewis
Patsy Reiter (more than one entry)
Loretta Eidson
Renee Hodges, Writer(more than one entry)
Lori Scott
Jennifer Daniels Neal
Laura DeNooyer
Abigail Wilkes
Toni Walbarger
Dory Skinner Oda
Michele McCarthy
Annette Marie Griffin
Tammy L Kennington (more than one entry)
Rachael M Colby
Nancy Hull (more than one entry)
Robin Melvin
Maureen Miller
Linda Summerford
Julie Lavender
Ryan Wetter
Jennifer Daniels Neal*
Kenzi Nevins (more than one entry)
Sarah Rexford
Lori Closter
Carol Hamilton
2020 Winners {Tie}
Robin Currie for The Very Best Story Ever Told
& Jean Petersen for Kind Soup
Below is the list of Semifinalists with the Finalists in bold.
Dr. Craig Von Buseck for I Am Cyrus
Robin Currie for The Very Best Story Ever Told*
Tama Fortner for Easter Is Coming
Jean Petersen for Kind Soup*
Pam Halter for Willoughby Goes a Wee Bit Batty
Shelley Pierce Author for I Know What Grandma Does While I’m Napping
Catherine Jones Payne for Fire Dancer
Laura Croman Zimmerman for Keen
Marian Rizzo for In Search of the Beloved
Karin Beery for Practically Married
Rhonda Rhea for Off-Script Over-Caffeinated
Deborah Sprinkle for Deadly Guardian
Debbie Archer for Pocket Change
Hallee Bridgeman for Valerie’s Verdict
Cindy Patterson for Shattered Treasure
Sakura Nobeyama for The Watanabe Name
Mary Ellen Bramwell for Dandelion Summer
Pat Jeanne Davis for When Valleys Bloom Again
Elaine McAllister for Celebrate Grandparenting: 101 Ideas to Intentionally Connect with your Grands
Penny Cooke for Pursuing Prayer
Anne Greene for Shadow of the Dagger
W.D. McComb for The Truth that Lies Between
Nancy E. Head for Restoring the Shattered
Adria Wilkins for The Joy Box Journal
Lori Stanley Roeleveld for The Art of Hard Conversations
Cari Snider for Anxiety Elephants
Stephanie Jones for The Gratitude Challenge
Rachel C. Swanson for Refine & Restore
Linda Shepherd for When you Need to Move a Mountain
Leigh Ann for Smack Dab in the Midlife Zone
2020 Winner: Tez Brooks
for The Single Dad Detour
Below is the list of Semifinalists with the Finalists in bold.
Susan M. Baganz (Author) for Sir Michael’s Mayhem
Dr. Michelle Bengston for Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression
Lee Wolfe Blum for Brave is the New Beautiful: Finding the Courage to be the Real You
Lee Wolfe Blum for Table in the Darkness – A Healing Journey Through an Eating Disorder
Laurie Boulden for Weighed Down
Tez Brooks for The Single Dad Detour*
Sharron Knight Cosby for Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90
Robin Currie author for The Very Best Story Ever Told
Judy DuCharme Author for Blood Moon Redemption
Dena Dyer-Author and Speaker and Tina Samples – Author for Wounded Women of the Bible: Finding Hope When Life Hurts
Author Linda Gilden for Articles, Articles, Articles! Your Comprehensive Guide
Jill Roman Lord for If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart
Joshua J Masters, Author for American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot
Jean Petersen-Author and Chef Barrie Boulds for The Big Bounty Cookbook: Local Ingredients and Rustic Recipes
Deborah Raney for A Nest of Sparrows
Deborah Raney for Beneath a Southern Sky
Lori Stanley Roeleveld for Running from a Crazy Man (and other adventures traveling with Jesus)
Lori Scott for Meghan Rose Knows It All
Linda Evans Shepherd for The Stress Cure
Linda Evans Shepherd for When You Don’t Know What to Pray
Linda Evans Shepherd for Experiencing God’s Presence
Ashley Sims for Pregnancy Prayers: Weekly Prayer Guide & Pregnancy Journal
Doug Smith for [Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires and How You can Break Free
Carol Van Der Woude for Aliisa’s Letter: Legacy of Faith
1st Annual Serious Writer Awards
2019 Contests
2019 Winner
Rhonda Dragomir
Below is the list of Semifinalists with the Finalists in bold.
Amanda Flinn
Amy Grochowski
Becky Baudouin
Caroline George
Cecil Stokes
Celeste Brown
Chrysa Keenon
Cindy Lescarbeau
Clare Campbell
Debbie Spence
Donna Frisinger
Dreama Archibald
Giovanni Magistrelli
Holli Hamner
Julie Lavender
Kass Fogle
Kenzi Nevins
Kimberly Ellis
Laura DeNooyer-Moore
Leslie DeVooght
Lisa Kibler
Lois Kennis
Loretta Eidson
Lynn Jorgenson
Mary Gardner
Maureen Bradford
Megan Burkhart
Melissa Richeson
N.L. Hull
Nancy Kay Grace and Dr. Rick L. Grace
Pam Walker
Patsy Reiter
Penny Cooke
Rachel Swanson
Rhonda Dragomir*
Robin Melvin
Ronnell Gibson
Sarah Gorman
Susan Misey
Tina Yeager
2019 Winner
Sarah Philpott
for Loved Baby
Below is the list of Semifinalists with the Finalists in bold.
Becky Baudouin for Cancer, Faith, and Unexpected Joy
Brett Elliott Armstrong
Carrie Parks
Cindy Huff
Debby Thompson
Edie Melson
Jill Roman Lord for That Grand Easter Day
Michele Harper for Kill the Beast
Sandra Merville Hart
Sarah Philpott* for Loved Baby
Shelly Roark for The Bubble who Would Not Pop
Tessa Hall for Coffee Shop Devos