Over 2,500 books were submitted to Discovery in 2025. As we wrap up the year, we are honoring four exceptional novels that rose to the top of this year’s Discovery Editors’ Choice Awards. Each one is a standout in its genre, showcasing the incredible range and thriving creativity within indie publishing.
Whether you are looking for an immersive journey beneath the waves or a deeply human character study, these winners captivated our team from the very first page—and we are certain they will find a place on your shelf, too.
The judges have spoken, and we've attached their thoughts on each winner below. So, without further ado, please join us in congratulating the winners of the 2025 Discovery Editors’ Choice Awards!
The Next Big Thing by Andrew McLinden
"McLinden's Danny McAllister is that rarest of beasts: a morally bankrupt, drug-dependent misanthropic protagonist who engages and compels the reader not through a roguish charm or any manner of redemption, but simply by being unashamedly and unapologetically who he is.
By powering through, and even doubling down on the unpleasantness, McLinden has created something truly singular. It won't be to everyone's taste, but what true art ever was?"
Read the full Discovery review of The Next Best Thing here
Where Light Does Not Reach by Tom B. Night
“In a terrifying convergence of the abyssal deep and the cosmic infinite, Where the Light Does Not Reach grounds a high-concept mystery in the fragile reality of the near-future.
A mass whale stranding coincides with the impossible disappearance of a star, and two scientists must bridge the void between their worlds to decode a warning that spans the universe.
It is a visionary feat of speculative fiction, challenging the boundaries of science to ask what truly lies in the dark.”
Read the full Discovery review of Where Light Does Not Reach here
Perfect Plans by J.T. Tierney
“Every sentence in Perfect Plans feels deliberate and sharp. The writing distills big truths about human behavior and relationships with clarity and heart, making for a read that is as highly quotable as it is entertaining.
Offering a genuinely insightful portrayal of how two wildly different brains navigate the same chaos—Perfect Plans is a perfect choice for anyone who loves reading about flawed, fascinating humans figuring things out.”
Read the full Discovery review of Perfect Plans here
The Mermaid's Wrath by Andie Holman
“The Mermaid's Wrath blends memorable worldbuilding, strong characters and sharp humor with chilling environmental commentary.
Jelly's journey is compelling, and witnessing the ocean's devastation through her eyes adds layers of depth to the narrative.
As Jelly and Mori discover more about the human world, they share theirs in return, drawing the reader into an unexpected yet thoroughly enjoyable cultural exchange.”
Read the full Discovery review of The Mermaid's Wrath here
These four books represent the very best of what indie literature has to offer, and we are proud to give them the spotlight they deserve. We hope you've found some new additions to add to your 2026 TBR 📚
***
Could your book be one of our next winners? Submissions are now open for the 2026 Discovery Editors’ Choice Awards. Submit here.