OCTOBER 2026

Every month, we spotlight five books that have received extra attention lately. Don't miss our October picks, all from independent literary publishers:

Dandelion: A Memoir in Essays by Danielle Bainbridge (Jaded Ibis Press | 9781938841415)—which explores the author’s journey “as a Black, queer woman grappling with chronic illness, grief, and societal pressures”—is a finalist for the 2026 Zora Award in Nonfiction. Order now.

We by Layli Long Soldier (Graywolf Press | 9781644454176)—a work of poetry, essay, and artwork that “examines what it means to be in community, to be in relation with family, nation, history, and language”—is the latest book from the 2026 MacArthur Fellow. Order now.

Passengers by Alexander Maksik (Europa Editions | 9798889661955)—a novel ”about a father and daughter stranded in an airport at the end of the world”—is longlisted for the 2026 National Book Award in Fiction. Order now.

Stitched by Eli McCann (Torrey House Press | 9798890920461)—a novel exploring “the cozy but cutthroat world of competitive quilting and the sometimes-messy friendships that shape our lives”—debuted on multiple bestseller lists. Order now.

The Evolution of Fire: Essays on Crisis and Becoming by Angela Pelster (Milkweed Editions | 9781639551231)—an essay collection “about crisis, hope, and the decision to resist or embrace evolution”—is longlisted for the 2026 National Book Award in Nonfiction. Order now.

November is Native American Heritage Month! To help bookstores and libraries celebrate, we’ve put together this roundup of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction to spotlight all month and year-round.

This October, we've put together a roundup of books with elements of horror and the supernatural, all from indie presses.

Encourage readers to cozy up this autumn with mysteries and thrillers published by indie presses!

In our latest spotlight on a print literary magazine, Heather Gluck of Epiphany says, “Our goal is to discover writing that has fire and nerve—pieces that engender discovery within ourselves and the larger world—and work closely with their writers, both emerging and established, to develop them into something robust and remarkable.”

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which continues through October 15, with fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from independent publishers.

October is Filipino American History Month! To help bookstores and libraries honor the occasion, we’ve gathered together this roundup of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction to spotlight all month and year-round.

Discover poetry, fiction, and nonfiction published last month by independent literary publishers—including Contra Mundum Press, Creature Publishing, First Matter Press, Lit Fox Books, Poetose, Trouser Press Books, University of Pittsburgh Press, Wave Books, and more.