American Christian Fiction Writers is pleased to announce the 2026 award winners. The awards were presented Saturday, August 29th, at the ACFW Gala in Memphis, TN, during ACFW’s annual conference. American Christian Fiction Writers is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction and helping writers expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.
The winners are as follows:
Recognition of Lifetime Achievement Award – Karen Kingsbury
The Lena Nelson Dooley Mentor of the Year Award Winner – DiAnn Mills
Agent of the Year Award Winner – Tamela Hancock Murray (The Steve Laube Agency)
Editor of the Year Award Winner – Deirdre Lockhart (Brilliant Cut Editing)
Volunteer of the Year Award – Bruce Judisch
Martha Rogers Member Service Award – DiAnn Mills
2026 Genesis Awards
Contest Coordinator – Teresa Haugh
Contemporary – Elise Browning for Chasing Light
Historical – Shannon Skaer for A Prisoner in the Library
Historical Romance – Amy King for More Precious Than Silver
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller – Will Eason for Endgame Protocol
Novella – Bill Quimby for Ring Walker
Romance – Amy King for The Tempest
Romantic Suspense – Jess Noble for True Believer
Short Novel – Laura Elizabeth Salas for Their Second Chance Family
Speculative – Kimberly Cornelius for The Temple Atoner
Young Adult – Allison Cook for Gems of My Father
2026 Carol Awards
Contest Coordinator – Terri Wangard
Contemporary
Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Revell
Editor – Andrea Doering
Historical
The Fourth Magi by Bryan E. Canter
Independent Author
Editor – Ed Marlow
Historical Romance
The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz
Tyndale House
Editor – Kathryn S. Olson
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer
Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)
Editors – Bethany Lenderink and Jessica Sharpe
Novella
The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White
Tyndale House
Editors – Elizabeth Jackson and Kathryn S. Olson
Romance
Before Grace by Anna Daugherty
Black Rose Writing
Editor – Denise Harmer
Romantic Suspense
Protecting You by Robin Patchen
Independent Author
Editor – Ray Rhamey
Short Novel
One Nine by Sara Davison
Independent Author
Editor – Jayci Roek
Speculative
Darkfell by Amanda Wright
Quill & Flame Publishing
Editors – Brittany Eden and Jennifer Frankovic
Young Adult
Truth Cursed by Angie Dickinson
Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media)
Editors – Avily Jerome and Lisa Laube
Debut Author
The Tragedy of Oli Ricker by Phillip Snyder
Living Tome Publishing
Editors – Emily Whitten and Leilah Wright
Media Contact:
Kathleen Y’Barbo Turner
ceo@acfw.com
Website: acfw.com