The 2025 People’s Choice Book Cover Contest received twenty-one cover entries from books published in 2023 or 2024. All books were either written by Bluegrass Writers Coalition members or the covers were designed by BWC members. Voting was open to the public for ten days, and received 277 votes. The winners in each category were announced at the 2025 Conference of Writers. They received a $50 cash prize, the digital badge (pictured here) to post wherever they choose, and bragging rights!

The winner in the Young Reader (age 0 – 6^th grade) category is:

Coming in a close second and third place in this year’s contest were:

In the Older Reader (older than 6th grade) category, the winner is:

This category, too, was a close call. Second and third places were:

Thanks to all who submitted a book cover to the contest. There were some really great covers to choose from. Next year’s contest will cover books with a 2025 publication date. We’ll kick off the contest in March 2026, so stay tuned!