Women in Publishing Summit Announces Finalists for the 2025 Women in Publishing Awards

Winners to Be Revealed at the Conclusion of the 9th Annual Virtual Women in Publishing Summit—Wednesday, March 11, 2026

The Women in Publishing Summit is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Women in Publishing Awards, recognizing women who are shaping, elevating, and transforming the publishing industry through leadership, innovation, and community.

The Awards Program received an open call for nominations, which were vetted and submitted to an independent committee of four women representing varying backgrounds and expertise. All submissions were reviewed blind—with names and identifying information removed—ensuring the selection process was grounded entirely in merit and impact. The committee identified the top three finalists in each category and cast their votes to determine this year’s honorees.

Winners will be announced live during the Awards Ceremony at the close of the 2026 Virtual Women in Publishing Summit on Wednesday, March 11.

Meet the 2025 Finalists

Renita Bryant is the founder and CEO of Mynd Matters Publishing, a company dedicated to new and aspiring authors. A published author of multiple titles and a current board member of IBPA, Renita has built her career around opening doors for voices that deserve to be heard.

Tamira Chapman is the founder of Storehouse In A Box, LLC, recognized globally as one of the 8th fastest-growing woman-owned businesses. An intellectual property attorney and passionate community builder, Tamira leads Storehouse Voices with a mission to elevate Black voices and reshape the publishing landscape.

Elizabeth Ducie is a novelist, short story author, and indie publishing advocate who has released more than twenty titles under her own imprint, Chudleigh Phoenix Publications. Through her Business of Writing series and her work teaching at Swanwick Writers’ Summer School, she helps writers build the business systems that set their creative work free.

Andrea Fleck-Nisbet is the CEO of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). Her publishing career spans executive roles at HarperCollins, Workman Publishing, and Ingram Content Group, making her one of the most experienced and influential leaders in independent publishing today.

Judy Mohr is a New Zealand-based writer, developmental editor, and publishing educator with a specialty in internet technologies and social media security. She brings a rare combination of creative and technical expertise to her work supporting authors at every stage.

Lorin Oberweger is an independent book editor and ghostwriter with nearly thirty years in publishing. Her clients have been published by HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, and more. Her co-author credits include Thank You for Coming to My TED Talk with TED director Chris Anderson.

CC Robinson (Cristy Robinson) is the award-winning, Amazon bestselling author of the Divided series. A medical doctor with over two decades of experience in cross-cultural settings, CC brings a rare depth of perspective to her young adult fiction — and to the publishing community she serves.

Sherry Ward is the CEO and Executive Producer of Square Tree Publishing & Productions. With more than a decade in publishing, her authors have appeared on CNN, Fox News, the Dr. Drew Show, and at the United Nations. Sherry has also expanded into film production, with credits including Infinity System and Forsaken Mercenary.

Dallas Woodburn is an award-winning author, book coach, and host of the Thriving Authors Podcast. A former John Steinbeck Fellow and four-time Pushcart Prize nominee, Dallas has helped dozens of women bring their books to life — and build meaningful businesses and legacies in the process.

Jynafer Yanez is a bestselling author, award-winning producer, and marketing strategist. As co-founder of Wolfpack Entertainment and Archimedes Books, she works at the intersection of publishing and film, helping authors transform their books into franchises and lasting intellectual property.

Dee Yates is a publisher, author, photographer, and educator with more than 25 years of experience and over one million print magazines produced. As the owner and publisher of HERLIFE Magazine, she spent years championing the voices and achievements of women across her community. She is the author of Write Your Own Damn Story and the Cowgirl Culture book series, and the founder of Magazine Mastery, an educational platform that gives aspiring publishers the roadmap, the tools, and the confidence to launch a profitable niche magazine—and step into their power as the authority in their market.

The Women in Publishing Awards exist to shine a light on the women doing the work—the publishers, editors, authors, and advocates who lift others as they rise. Visit the Awards page for more information and to view past recipients.

The 2026 Virtual Women in Publishing Summit runs March 8–11, 2026. Tickets and more information are available at womeninpublishingsummit.com.

About the Women in Publishing Summit Now in its 9th year, the Women in Publishing Summit is a global virtual event and year-round community dedicated to helping authors and publishing professionals build visibility, revenue, and lasting impact. Founded by Alexa Bigwarfe, WIP is home to thousands of women across the publishing ecosystem—united by the belief that we are Better Together.