Jane Scott Stuart's debut novel wins NYC Big Book Award in African American fiction

The NYC Big Book Award named Not In This World by Jane Scott Stuart and Elaine Flowers a winner in African American Fiction. The recognition spotlights a debut historical novel set against Jim Crow and World War II, while highlighting the award’s global field of entries.

Why it matters: - The award gives Jane Scott Stuart’s debut novel international visibility. - The win can expand attention for a historical fiction story centered on race, gender identity and survival. - The recognition also underscores the reach of the NYC Big Book Award, which draws entries from around the world.

What happened: - The NYC Big Book Award named Not In This World by Jane Scott Stuart with Elaine Flowers a winner in the African American Fiction category. - The announcement came Sept. 9, 2026, from Forres, Moray, Scotland. - The novel is a historical fiction work inspired by real events. - The story follows a young Black man and a white child in 1930s Kentucky. - The plot moves through World War II and across the Atlantic.

The details: - The book explores race, gender identity and courage during the Jim Crow era and World War II. - The award competition is judged by experts across publishing, writing, editing, design, bookselling, librarianship and professional copywriting. - Winners and distinguished favorites are selected for overall excellence. - NYC Big Book Award received submissions worldwide this year. - Participants included attorneys, doctors, entrepreneurs, film and television writers, historians and journalists. - Entries came from the United States and countries including Australia, Canada, China, Dubai, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. - Cities represented included Auckland, Baltimore, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hollywood, Johannesburg, Manhattan Beach, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Sydney and West Palm Beach. - Publishers in the field included Beacon Press, Berrett-Koehler, Casemate, Edinburgh University Press, Forbes Books, Kiplinger Books, NYU Press, Palgrave Macmillan, Penguin Random House, Rizzoli, Routledge, The White House Historical Association, University of California Press, University of Nebraska Press, Weaving Influence Press and Wiley. - Awards sponsor Gabby Olczak said the organization has “an amazing list of authors from around the globe” participating this year and is excited to share the books with a worldwide readership. - The award is announced every fall. - NYC Big Book Award is open to authors, publishers and illustrators, including submissions from the big five publishers. - The awards dinner is set for April 10, 2027, at the BookCAMP event on April 9-10, 2027. - More information is available from NYC Big Book Award, the awards dinner and BookCAMP.

Between the lines: - The award positions a debut novel alongside established publishers and authors from multiple countries. - The story’s themes of identity and domestic servitude give the recognition a cultural and historical dimension beyond a standard fiction prize. - The inclusion of a screenwriter endorsement suggests the book may have crossover appeal for film or television.

What's next: - Jane Scott Stuart and Elaine Flowers will be recognized with other recipients at the 2027 awards dinner. - The award could bring broader readership to Not In This World ahead of that event. - The NYC Big Book Award will continue its annual cycle with next fall’s announcement.