People tend to minimize their own achievements.
But it's important to look back before looking forward.
Teresa Amabile’s Progress Principle shows that seeing tangible progress is the most powerful fuel for motivation. When people acknowledge accomplishments, they are energized with hope for the future.
That’s why we at Alex Parker Publishing want to take a moment to reflect on our achievements this year. Our company has undergone incredible growth in 2025, from releasing our debut novel to adding three more publications to receiving acclaim from Kirkus Reviews and the American Writing Awards.
So without further ado, here’s our year in review.
Books Released
Darling Debut: The Light of Lúnasa by Laura Foley
Released: January 21, 2025
Point of Pride: A hit with Kirkus critics, this labor of love was Alex Parker Publishing’s debut novel.
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Acclaimed Anthology: RARE: A dark anthology of unusual secrets (multiple authors)
Released: April 22, 2025
Point of Pride: RARE won the category for best fiction anthology in the 2025 American Writing Awards competition.
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Starred Stallion: Gas Giant Gambit by E.S. Raye
Released: September 16, 2025
Point of Pride: Gas Giant Gambit earned a Kirkus Star and a place on the “Kirkus Indie Best Books of 2025” list. In addition, the book was a finalist for the 2025 American Writing Awards Fiction-Science Fiction category. Gas Giant Gambit has also been short-listed for the 2025 Laramie Book Awards novel competition for Western and Americana Fiction (finalists and winner have yet to be announced).
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Fateful Finalist: Hanged by Fate by Rowan Wolf
Released: October 21, 2025
Point of Pride: Hanged by Fate was a finalist in the Best New (Debut) Fiction category for the 2025 American Writing Awards.
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Deal Announcements and Upcoming Books
- Seed of the Black Oak by Christian Chiakulas: Deal announced April 29, 2025
- Canvas Black by Rowan Wolf: Deal announced May 29, 2025
- Fire and Water Series by Jenee Dutary: Deal announced June 6, 2025
Coming in 2027:
- The Shadow of Samhain by Laura Foley: The Light of Lúnasa sequel
- Give ‘Em Hell by Katie Hallee
We received so many incredible manuscripts this year that we closed for novel submissions on May 1, 2025.
Events and Community Engagement
- Author Blog Feature: September 17, 2025
- E.S. Raye contributed a “guest takeover” blog post celebrating the release of Gas Giant Gambit.
- Enchanted Realms Book Festival: October 11, 2025
- Alex Parker Publishing made its festival debut at Griffith Park in Los Angeles with an elegant fantasy-themed booth.
- Rowan Wolf Book Signing for Hanged by Fate: October 25, 2025
- Several readers stopped by the Orange County Barnes & Noble to get their books signed and to connect with Wolf over their love of the fantasy genre. We even had a surprise visit by fellow Alex Parker author, Katie Hallee!
Awards and Honors
Kirkus Media
- Kirkus’ Best Indie Books of 2025, Gas Giant Gambit, December 15, 2025
- Kirkus Star Award, Gas Giant Gambit, July 1, 2025
American Writing Awards (Announced: November 24, 2025)
- WINNER, Fiction Anthologies: RARE (Multiple authors)
- Finalist, Fiction-Science Fiction: Gas Giant Gambit by E.S. Raye
- Finalist, Best New (Debut) Fiction: Hanged by Fate by Rowan Wolf
Laramie Book Awards (Winners to be Announced)
- Gas Giant Gambit has been short-listed for the 2025 Laramie Book Awards novel competition for Western and Americana Fiction (finalists and winner have yet to be announced).
What’s Next?
“The Writing Room” Video Series
Have you ever wished you could share a drink and a relaxed conversation with your favorite author? Coming next year, Alex Parker Publishing plans to release a video series called “The Writing Room.” Stay tuned for more details on the cozy conversations about everything book-related.
Wrapping Up
It's been an incredible year. We’ve released four books and signed another four. We’ve engaged with the community through the Enchanted Realms Book Fair, Rowan Wolf’s Hanged by Fate book signing, and E.S. Raye’s behind-the-scenes blog post. Our authors’ stories have gained recognition from Kirkus Media, American Writing Awards, and Laramie Book Awards. And there’s still more to look forward to next year.
Thanks for reading.
