The Joy of Discovering New Authors: What We Love About Running the Awards

There’s a unique joy in discovering a new author. At the Living Now Book Awards, we’re lucky enough to experience this joy every year as we dive into books dedicated to inspiring healthier, more fulfilling, and more meaningful lifestyles.

These books are much more than just words on a page. They serve as guides and sources of inspiration, offering readers tools to improve their well-being, strengthen their connections with others, and contribute to a more sustainable world. From fresh perspectives on nutrition and mindfulness to innovative ideas about travel and personal growth, the creativity we see is something we don’t take for granted.

Below, we’re sharing what makes this journey so rewarding—how the process of running the awards deepens our appreciation for the authors’ dedication, the books’ impact, and the power of stories to transform lives.

Witnessing the Passion Behind Lifestyle Books

One of the most rewarding parts of running the Living Now Awards is getting a front-row seat to the passion and dedication authors pour into their work. Lifestyle books are often deeply personal—many stem from the author’s own experiences, challenges, and discoveries. These are stories of people who want to share what they’ve learned, not just to tell their story but to help others live better lives.

Every book we receive has a heartbeat. Whether it’s a cookbook filled with cherished family recipes or a guide to mindful living written by someone who overcame burnout, the passion behind these books shines through on every page. These aren’t just instructional guides—they’re labors of love, written to empower readers to make real, meaningful changes.

All Living Now medalists have one thing in common—how much they care about connecting with their audience. They take complex topics, from sustainable living to mental health, and break them down in ways that are approachable, relatable, and encouraging. Their commitment to making a difference is clear, and we love celebrating their work through the awards.

Every year, we’re reminded of how much heart goes into creating these books. They don’t just educate—they transform, uplift, and inspire, leaving a lasting impact on readers and communities alike. Witnessing this passion firsthand is a constant source of motivation and a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

The Collaborative Spirit of the Awards

Behind every award-winning book is a team of people who work together to bring an author’s vision to life. At the Living Now Awards, we get to see firsthand just how collaborative this process is—and it’s truly inspiring.

Authors may be at the heart of every book, but their work is often enhanced by the dedication of editors, designers, publishers, and even marketers who share the same passion for creating something meaningful.

When we evaluate submissions, it’s not just the words on the page that stand out. It’s the thoughtfulness of a beautifully designed cover, the care that went into organizing the content, and the creativity of the overall presentation. Every element reflects the collective effort of people working toward a shared goal: creating a book that can genuinely improve lives.

The same collaborative spirit extends to our team at the awards. Reviewing submissions, discussing their merits, and selecting winners is a group effort, fueled by a shared appreciation for innovation and quality.

Each year, we’re amazed at the diverse perspectives and fresh ideas that come through. It’s a reminder that lifestyle books are a reflection of collaboration at its best—where authors’ passions are supported by the talents and skills of others to create something impactful.

Celebrating these books means celebrating the teams behind them, too. Together, they show us what’s possible when creativity, expertise, and a shared vision come together. It’s a privilege to highlight their work and play a part in connecting these incredible books with readers eager to grow.

The Joy of Celebrating Authors and Their Achievements

One of the most fulfilling parts of running the Living Now Awards is celebrating the incredible authors behind these life-changing books. After all the hours of writing, editing, and perfecting their work, these authors deserve a moment to shine—and we love being the ones to help make that happen.

There’s nothing quite like seeing an author’s reaction when their book is recognized. For many, it’s a validation of their hard work and a reminder that their message is reaching readers in meaningful ways.

We’ve had authors tell us how winning an award gave their book new life, helping it find its way into the hands of more readers. For others, it’s the encouragement they needed to keep writing and sharing their expertise. The awards are about more than just medals or recognition—they’re about honoring the creativity, dedication, and heart that goes into crafting books designed to inspire.

Each year, the awards celebration becomes a celebration of not just individual achievements but the collective power of storytelling. It’s a joy to know these books will continue to impact readers, helping them live more fulfilling lives. Recognizing the authors who make this possible is one of the greatest highlights of what we do, and it’s a constant reminder of why we love running the awards!

Submit Your Book Today

If you’re an author or publisher who believes in the power of books to inspire positive change, we’d love for you to submit your work to our awards. Living Now is about more than just recognition—it’s about shining a light on the stories, ideas, and expertise that help readers thrive. Whether you’ve written a guide to better health, a cookbook with a fresh perspective, or a book that promotes sustainability, we’d love to see what you put together.

Join us in celebrating books that make a difference. Together, we can continue to uplift readers around the world—one story at a time.

latest stories

Ready to enter?