“We Are Human Still” by Caribou resident Maggie Bell (M.L. Bell) has been named by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group as one of the best indie books of 2025.
Bell’s book is a finalist of the Second Novel and Young Author (Written under the age of 25) categories in the 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the world’s largest book awards program for independent publishers and self-published authors. 2025 is the 18th year of the largest international book awards program.
The Next Generation Indie Book Awards are judged by leaders in the indie publishing industry, many of whom have had long careers at major publishing houses. Drawing on their deep experience and love of great storytelling, they recognize books that deserve a wider audience.
In an article at CNN.com titled If it’s cool, creative, and different, it’s indie, journalist Catherine Andrews wrote, “The term ‘indie’ traditionally refers to independent art – music, film, literature or anything that fits under the broad banner of culture – created outside of the mainstream and without corporate financing.” That definition remains true for book publishing.
Independent book publishing companies are independent of the major conglomerates dominating the book publishing industry. Indies include small presses, larger independent publishers, university presses, e-book publishers and self-published authors.
According to Catherine Goulet, founder and co-chair of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, “Like other independent artists, many indie book publishers face challenges that the industry giants don’t experience. The indies have to work much harder to get their best books into readers’ hands.”
“Authors and publishers who compete in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards are serious about promoting their books,” adds Goulet. “They aim to stand out from the crowd of millions of books in print.”
A complete list of 2025 winners and finalists is available at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards website at indiebookawards.com.
