ECPA Announces 2026 Christy Awards for Christian Fiction
T.I. Lowe wins Book of the Year for South of Somewhere in Nashville ceremony.
1Annual Literary Honors Presented
The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association held its annual gala in Nashville this past Friday to announce the 2026 Christy Awards. These prestigious honors recognize excellence in Christian fiction across nine distinct categories. The event celebrated authors and publishers who utilize storytelling to explore themes of faith, truth, and human resilience.
2Top Fiction Award Winner
Author T.I. Lowe secured the 2026 Christy Book of the Year award for her novel South of Somewhere, published by Tyndale. This marks her second time receiving the top honor, following her 2024 win for Indigo Isle. The winning book explores complex themes of addiction and recovery through a Christian worldview.
3Amplify Award for Diversity
Vanessa Williams received the Amplify Award for her book The Filling Station, published by Thomas Nelson. Established in 2022, this specific honor aims to elevate stories from ethnically diverse perspectives. The novel depicts the lives of two sisters caught in the historical tragedy of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre.
4Category Winners and Recognition
Several other authors were recognized for titles published between March 2025 and March 2026. Rebekah Miller won in Contemporary Romance, while Lynette Eason took the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category. Additionally, Christine Hill Suntz earned the First Novel award for The Lawyer and the Laundress, marking her debut recognition within the Christian publishing industry.
5Industry Leadership and Legacy
The gala served as a platform to honor ECPA President Jeff Crosby, who is set to retire in April. Host Chris Fabry praised Crosby as an indefatigable leader and a dedicated champion of the genre. The event also included a tribute to the late spiritual writer Wendell Berry, highlighting his lasting influence.
6Keynote and Event Highlights
Last year's Book of the Year winner, Michelle Shocklee, delivered the evening's keynote address. The ceremony brought together publishers, editors, and promoters to celebrate the creative community. Speakers emphasized the collective effort required to produce literature that inspires hope and deepens understanding among readers within the faith-based publishing sector.
7The Power of Narrative
ECPA President Jeff Crosby noted that the winning books reflect the dedication of authors who understand the power of story. These narratives aim to illuminate truth and foster community connection. By highlighting diverse perspectives and challenging subjects, the awards continue to shape the landscape of contemporary Christian literature and publishing.
8Future of Christian Fiction
The Christy Awards remain a vital benchmark for quality in the Christian fiction market. By recognizing both established authors like T.I. Lowe and newcomers like Christine Hill Suntz, the association encourages ongoing innovation. The full list of finalists and winners across all nine categories is available for public review online.
Original article: Publishers Weekly — ECPA Announces 2026 Christy Awards for Christian Fiction