Svenja Leiber Shortlisted for the Independent Booksellers' Award 2026

Svenja Leiber’s novel Nelka has been shortlisted for the Independent Booksellers’ Award.

Over the past two weeks, independent bookstores have had the chance to to nominate their favourite books for the shortlist. From among the approximately 210 titles submitted, five novels by female authors received the most votes, making up this year’s shortlist.

 

In a second round of voting, participants in Independent Booksellers’ Week will decide which of these titles will win the Independent Booksellers’ Award for 2026. Dorothee Junck, a member of the organising committee for this year’s Booksellers’ Week, said that it’s now »up to the booksellers to decide which novel has captured their hearts in recent months and has been their favourite to sell. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for all five authors.«

 

The winner will be announced at an event during the Frankfurt Book Fair on 8 October 2026.