JD Kirk’s Stateside clinches the £20,000 Kindle Storyteller Award prize at a ceremony in London.
On November 6th, 2024, JD Kirk was announced as the winner of the prestigious Kindle Storyteller Award, taking home the £20,000 cash prize for his thrilling novel, Stateside. The announcement was made at a glamorous ceremony at The London Library, with bestselling authors and TV presenters Sara Cox and Vick Hope unveiling the winner to an excited audience. The Kindle Storyteller Award, which has been recognizing exceptional self-published books since 2016, is one of the most coveted accolades in independent publishing.
Kirk, who has been self-publishing since 2019, emerged victorious this year, marking a monumental achievement in his career. Stateside, the fifth book in his Robert Hoon series, became the standout winner from a pool of talented self-published authors.
The Kindle Storyteller Award: A Celebration of Independent Publishing
The Kindle Storyteller Award was created by Amazon to shine a light on the incredible stories that self-published authors bring to life through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). The award is designed to honor authors who have excelled in storytelling across a variety of genres, and Stateside was chosen as the book that best exemplified these qualities in 2024.
The award is open to authors from all over the world, with participants free to submit books from any genre. The selection process is rigorous, with a panel of esteemed judges evaluating the books for their creativity, originality, and overall impact. In 2024, JD Kirk’s Stateside rose above the competition to win the top prize, cementing Kirk’s place as one of the leading authors in the indie publishing community.
A Breakout Author: JD Kirk’s Journey to Success
JD Kirk’s victory at the Kindle Storyteller Award is not just a testament to his writing talent, but also a testament to the power of self-publishing. Kirk first ventured into the world of indie publishing in 2016. Prior to that, he had written children’s books through traditional publishing channels. However, in 2016, he made a bold move to self-publish, starting with his first book in the Robert Hoon series.
Since then, JD Kirk has never looked back. In just a few short years, he has written and self-published 77 books, gaining a loyal following of readers who appreciate his action-packed thrillers, sharp humor, and dynamic characters. His books, particularly the Robert Hoon series, have garnered a cult following and helped him achieve remarkable success in the world of self-publishing.
Kirk’s victory in 2024 marks his third time being shortlisted for the Kindle Storyteller Award, a feat that demonstrates his consistent ability to produce high-quality works that resonate with readers. He had previously been shortlisted for the award with his earlier books, but this year, it was Stateside that won the coveted prize.
Stateside: A Thrilling Adventure
Stateside is the fifth installment in Kirk’s Robert Hoon series. The novel follows the adventures of Bob Hoon, a protagonist who is tired of his chaotic life and just wants to find some peace. However, when a former MI5 agent and old friend goes missing in the United States, Hoon is pulled into an investigation that leads him on a dangerous journey across America.
From the peaceful Highlands of Scotland to the rough-and-tumble dive bars of Florida, and eventually to the flashing neon lights of Las Vegas, Stateside is a rollercoaster ride full of twists, turns, and surprises. What sets this book apart is the character of Bob Hoon himself—an irascible and foul-mouthed hero who has earned the affection of readers. His wit, resilience, and raw emotions make him an unforgettable protagonist.
The novel is not just about solving the mystery of a missing person; it’s also about Hoon’s personal struggles, his internal conflicts, and his relationships with the people around him. Fans of the series have followed Hoon’s journey through multiple books, but Stateside marks a high point in the character’s arc, with an unforgettable conclusion that leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
JD Kirk’s Impact on the Indie Publishing World
JD Kirk’s story is one of inspiration for aspiring authors, particularly those interested in self-publishing. His success story demonstrates how an author can break free from traditional publishing models and take control of their writing career. Kirk’s ability to self-publish his books and build a loyal readership is a testament to the potential of Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
Self-publishing through KDP allows authors to maintain creative control over their work, set their own publishing schedules, and engage directly with their readers. For many writers, this flexibility is a major draw. Kirk’s success is a perfect example of how a self-published author can achieve great things with dedication, hard work, and a compelling story.
Kirk’s victory at the Kindle Storyteller Award 2024 is a recognition not just of his writing talent, but also of his entrepreneurial spirit. His ability to connect with readers through his engaging storytelling and vibrant characters is what sets him apart in a crowded field of indie authors.
A New Era for Indie Publishing
The rise of self-publishing has changed the literary world, allowing authors to reach audiences that traditional publishers might have overlooked. In fact, many authors have found their niche in the self-publishing world and have gone on to achieve significant success. JD Kirk is one such author whose rise to prominence in the indie publishing scene is a perfect example of how self-publishing can transform a writer’s career.
With 77 books under his belt, JD Kirk has proven that self-publishing is not just a stepping stone to traditional publishing, but a legitimate and rewarding career in its own right. His win at the Kindle Storyteller Award proves that there’s room for self-published authors to achieve significant recognition and success.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for JD Kirk?
With the win under his belt, JD Kirk has no plans of slowing down. In his acceptance speech, he expressed his excitement about the future of the Robert Hoon series, hinting that Stateside was originally planned as part of a trilogy but has now evolved into something much bigger.
The recognition of Stateside is just the beginning for Kirk. As he continues to build on his self-publishing success, readers can expect more thrilling adventures from Bob Hoon and the rest of the characters in the series. As for Kirk himself, the Kindle Storyteller Award victory is sure to propel him into even greater heights of literary fame.
JD Kirk’s journey serves as a shining example of the opportunities available in the self-publishing world. His story proves that with passion, creativity, and the right tools, any writer can achieve their dreams and make an impact in the literary world.
Conclusion
JD Kirk’s win at the 2024 Kindle Storyteller Award is a testament to the power of self-publishing and the incredible talent that exists within the indie author community. His journey from children’s author to bestselling thriller writer is an inspiration to all who seek to break into the world of self-publishing. With his well-deserved £20,000 prize and the recognition of Stateside as the best self-published book of the year, JD Kirk is proof that self-publishing offers endless possibilities for writers who are willing to take risks and invest in their craft.
Stay tuned for more updates on JD Kirk’s future projects and the continued evolution of indie publishing.