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I’m very lucky to be able to celebrate The Potion Experiment awarded in another indie book competition!
A few months ago, I wrapped up a copy of my middle-grade fantasy debut The Potion Experiment and posted it off to the United States to enter the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. This week, I learned that The Potion Experiment has been named Winner (Tie) in the First Novel (40,000–70,000 Words) category!
About the Next Generation Indie Book Awards
The Next Generation Indie Book Awards recognises independently published books from around the world and is considered one of the largest international awards programs for indie authors and independent publishers. Each year, books are judged across more than 80 categories spanning fiction and non-fiction. The awards celebrate the work of authors who have chosen independent publishing paths, highlighting the quality and diversity of books being produced outside traditional publishing models.
This year marks the awards’ twentieth anniversary, making the recognition even more meaningful.
As an independently published Australian author, it is incredible to think that a story I wrote in Melbourne travelled halfway around the world, landed on a judging panel’s desk, and came back with an award. I think I even get sent a medal!
In addition to seeing The Potion Experiment awarded, you can view the full list of 2026 winners here.
Why awards matter for independent books
Unlike books released through major publishing houses, independently published books don’t always have large marketing budgets or national publicity campaigns behind them. That can make it harder for readers, librarians, teachers and booksellers to discover new titles, no matter how good they are.
Awards such as the Next Generation Indie Book Awards help shine a spotlight on independently published books and recognise the quality of work being produced by authors and small publishers around the world.
For readers, award programs can act as a recommendation list. For authors, such as myself, they can provide validation that the book is reaching people beyond their immediate circles.
Support for The Potion Experiment
Writing and publishing a debut novel is a long journey. Like most books, the finished novel is very different from the earliest version that existed on my laptop. There were countless drafts, revisions, rewrites, and moments when I wasn’t entirely sure whether the story would ever make it into readers’ hands.
The Potion Experiment benefited from the expertise and encouragement of many people along the way. Kate O’Donnell provided thoughtful editing that helped strengthen the manuscript, while Adèle Dunand’s illustrations brought an extra layer of charm and personality to the finished book.
I’m grateful to everyone who has supported the book so far – readers, reviewers, librarians, booksellers, teachers, family and friends. Every review, recommendation, library request, social media post, event, and conversation about the book has helped it reach new audiences. Independent authors rely heavily on word of mouth, and I remain incredibly grateful to everyone, especially the young readers, who have taken a chance on Ange and Eva’s adventure.
Motivation to keep writing
As a children’s author, it is so special to know that your book has found its way into the hands of the audience it was written for. The novel follows thirteen-year-old scientist Ange, who accidentally swaps bodies with a young witch named Eva, forcing science and magic into a collision neither of them expected. Whether readers enjoy the scientific experiments, the magical mishaps, the mystery, or simply spending time with the characters, it means a great deal to know the story has resonated with them.
Winning a Next Generation Indie Book Award is encouragement to keep creating, keep experimenting, and keep telling stories. Thank you for being part of this adventure. Here’s to many more experiments – magical and otherwise.