Celebrating Women Shaping the Future of Publishing
Every year, we honor the women who lift others as they rise—through innovation, mentorship, creativity, and courage.
Nominations are open for the 2026 Women in Publishing Awards. Submissions close Decemer 16, 2026.
These awards aren’t just about achievement—they’re about impact.
We celebrate women who are building bridges, amplifying voices, and transforming publishing through collaboration and courage.
2026 Award Categories
Women In Publishing Woman of the Year, presented by Reader Views
Celebrating an industry leader who embodies empowerment, innovation, and consistent impact in the publishing world
Women in Publishing Lifetime Achievement Award
Honoring a woman whose long-term commitment to publishing has shaped and elevated the industry.
Women In Publishing Trailblazer of the Year
Honoring a woman forging new paths in publishing through bold ideas, platforms, or strategies in 2026
Women In Publishing Community Champion Member of the Year
Celebrating a standout community member who exemplifies generosity, support, and active participation in the Women in Publishing community.
Women In Publishing Author Support Member of the Year (Selected by the WIP Team)
Recognizing a publishing professional (publisher, strategist, coach, consultant, etc.) for outstanding work supporting author success within the WIP Community.
Women In Publishing Editor Member of the Year, presented by the Editorial Freelancers Association (Selected by the WIP Team)
Recognizing an outstanding editor who participates regularly in WIP activities and uplifts authors through exceptional skill, insight, and collaboration.
Together, we honor excellence, leadership, and community—because when one woman rises, we all rise.
The 2025 Women in Publishing Award Recipients
2025 WIP Indie publishing Woman of the Year
Sherry Ward | Square Tree Publishing & Productions, CEO & Executive Producer
There are publishers who help authors make books—and then there are publishers who help authors find their voice, step into their mission, and build something that outlasts the page. Sherry Ward is firmly in the second category. As the CEO and Executive Producer of Square Tree Publishing & Productions, Sherry has spent more than a decade doing what few publishers do: treating every author’s vision as something worth protecting.
Women in Publishing Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
Elizabeth Ducie
Publishing Professional WIP Partner of the Year Recipient
Jynafer Yanez
WIP Publishing Trailblazers of the Year recipient
Tamira Chapman
WIP Editor Partner of the Year REcipient
Judy L Mohr
WIP Publishing Trailblazers of the Year recipient
Renita Bryant
