B. B. LeClere's Novel Recognized by Independent Press Award

Author's 'The Secret War of 1834' named a distinguished favorite in the Cross Genre category

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The 2026 Independent Press Award recognized 'The Secret War of 1834' by B. B. LeClere in the category of Cross Genre as a distinguished favorite. The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, designers, booksellers, librarians and professional copywriters. Winners and distinguished favorites are based on overall excellence.

Why it matters

The Independent Press Award is a prestigious annual book awards program that honors excellence in the independent publishing community. This recognition for B. B. LeClere's novel highlights the growing influence and impact of independent authors and publishers in the literary landscape.

The details

LeClere's novel 'The Secret War of 1834' is set in 1835, two decades after the War of 1812. It tells the story of a virulent outbreak that sweeps through the young United States, inadvertently created by a brilliant doctor researching Native Indian medicines. Across the barely tamed American frontier, diverse groups must come together to combat this new threat and find a way to stop the spreading horror.

  • The 2026 Independent Press Award winners were announced in January 2026.
  • The Independent Press Award ceremony will be held on April 25, 2026 as part of the BookCAMP publishing industry conference.

The players

B. B. LeClere

The author of the novel 'The Secret War of 1834', which was recognized as a distinguished favorite in the Cross Genre category of the 2026 Independent Press Award.

Independent Press Award

A prestigious annual book awards program that honors excellence in the independent publishing community.

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What they’re saying

“The 2026 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD recipients reflect the incredible momentum within the independent sector. Independent voices are no longer just an alternative; they are leading the way in literary innovation. By highlighting these winners, we are celebrating a global community that refuses to be sidelined and continues to set new benchmarks for excellence.”

— Gabrielle Olczak, INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD President and Award Sponsor

“The stories we read and the stories we were a part of inspire us to write our own stories. This was written with the hope it inspires you.”

— B. B. LeClere

What’s next

The Independent Press Award ceremony will be held on April 25, 2026 as part of the BookCAMP publishing industry conference, where B. B. LeClere's novel will be recognized as a distinguished favorite.

The takeaway

This recognition for B. B. LeClere's independent novel highlights the growing influence and impact of the independent publishing sector, as these authors and publishers continue to push the boundaries of literary innovation and excellence.