Each year, the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition brings us stories that expand our imagination and deepen our connection to one another. But every so often, a book rises to the surface with unmistakable force—one that lingers long after the final page.
This year, that book is Water Finds a Way by Meghan Perry, our 2025 Overall Winner. Perry’s novel follows Blake, a woman returning to a coastal Maine town filled with memory, loss, and the possibility of redemption. With themes of resilience, connection, and the quiet power of nature, it’s a story that moved our judges with its emotional clarity and unforgettable sense of place.
You can explore a deeper look at Meghan’s inspiration and craft—including her full interview and an exclusive excerpt—in the pages ahead.
In this issue, you’ll also find our finalists, long-listed titles, and top notable books, representing a remarkable range of talent in today’s indie publishing world. Each of these books brings something bold, thoughtful, and original to the page.
To every author who submitted this year: thank you. Your creativity and courage are what make this community thrive.
Enjoy the issue!
