Blog – Posted on Friday, Jan 03
Meet the winners of the 2024 Discovery Editors' Choice Awards
As 2024 comes to a close, we're delighted to present the winners of our inaugural Discovery Editors’ Choice Award. These four titles are a testament to the quality of independent publishing and we're proud that their authors chose to launch them on Reedsy Discovery.
From a riveting mystery set in the heart of Japan to a heartwarming romance with the boy next door, these books captivated our judges from beginning to end, and we’re sure that they’ll do the same for you.
A Curse in Kyoto by S. J. Cullen (Mystery & Thriller)
A Curse in Kyoto unfolds at the atmospheric British School of Kyoto, weaving the supernatural with the deeply human motivations of its protagonists to create an unforgettable narrative that keeps readers captivated until the final page.
Cullen’s high-tempo storytelling and nuanced portrayal of Japanese culture have helped establish him as an author to watch, with an extraordinary talent for crafting compelling characters and enthralling mysteries. A Curse in Kyoto is the first novel in the Hunter and Higashi series; you can purchase a copy here.
I am chuffed to bits at winning this award (for those of you outside the UK, that means I'm really pleased!). Many thanks to Reedsy for helping me find two fantastic editors, and also for a great review which certainly gave me a lift when I launched the book.
~ S. J. Cullen
Yes No Maybe by Jessica Sherry (Romance)
Seasoned romance author Jessica Sherry presents her latest heartwarming tale, Yes No Maybe. Featuring a cast of authentic and relatable characters, readers will find themselves engrossed in a story teeming with timeless tropes that veteran romance enthusiasts will welcome with open arms.
Sherry tackles uncomfortable conversations with a delicate hand, helping to make Yes No Maybe a must-read contemporary romance. You can purchase a copy here.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to the editors at Reedsy Discovery for choosing Yes No Maybe for this incredible honor and for recognizing the hard work of indie authors across the publishing landscape! Thank you, thank you, thank you for loving Jack and Rowan’s story and for your continued support in spotlighting indie books!
~ Jessica Sherry
The Killer Chorus by Jack Conlan (Mystery & Thriller)
Witty, artful and textured, The Killer Chorus boasts a compelling cast of characters that author Jack Conlan brings to life with his unique brand of masterfully written dialogue.
Gripping from page one, this crime novel maintains its exceptional pacing while tastefully immersing the reader in Nashville’s renowned country music scene. You can purchase a copy of The Killer Chorus here.
I'm delighted to receive a 2024 Discovery Editors Choice Award. I loved partnering with Reedsy in my journey to realizing my dream of publishing a novel and I'm grateful for the excellent professionals who helped me get my story in the hands of readers.
~ Jack Conlan
A Paper Orchestra by Michael Jamin (Comedy)
An established screenwriter in his own right, A Paper Orchestra represents Michael Jamin’s first foray into the literary world.
Readers from all walks of life will resonate with Jamin’s endearing blend of sincerity and razor-sharp wit, as he walks you through a series of unforgettable personal vignettes from his childhood to adolescence. You can purchase a copy of A Paper Orchestra here.
I’ve written on a ton of hit shows, but no piece of writing has given me as much satisfaction as A Paper Orchestra. Thank you, Discovery, for this incredible honor and for helping my passion project find its audience.
~ Michael Jamin
As we look ahead to 2025, we invite you to dive into these remarkable books that represent the best of what independent publishing has to offer. Congratulations to the selected authors, and we look forward to sharing more exceptional indie books with you in the future.
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Do you want your book to be considered for the 2025 Discovery Editors’ Choice Awards? Submit it here!
