Books don’t just narrate stories. They ignite revolutions of thought, awareness, and emotion. And behind each work published is an author who strives to make words resonate with the intended audience, transforming pages into portals of their own insight and experience.
The literary world of 2025 is alive with such creators. They sculpt narratives that leave an imprint on our minds and hearts. These authors fearlessly explore the human experience to weave tales that bridge imagination and reality.
Some authors challenge conventions or raise awareness about crucial societal issues through their works. Some impart knowledge, exploring topics in their respective fields of expertise. And others narrate stories, showing us the ability of human imagination to create captivating worlds and experiences.
That said, this year’s standout authors are pushing boundaries even further. So, join us in recognizing the top 10 authors of 2025 who are proving that words hold the power to change perspectives, inspire action, and connect us all.
Reginald Q. Barnes
Writing a children’s book is one thing, but building an entire world around a father-daughter duo that has families giggling and bonding is quite another—and that’s where Reginald Q. Barnes comes in. A recent MBA graduate and author, Reginald has crafted a delightful book series that turns everyday moments into magical adventures, all inspired by his real-life relationship with his daughter.
Reginald is a heartfelt and whimsical author who crafts memories that parents and kids can cherish together. His debut book, Little Big Girl Wakes Up Daddy, isn’t just a hit; it’s the beginning of a beloved series now published by Dorrance Publishing and stocked in multiple Chicago libraries, including the renown Chicago Public Library.
The series, polished by Jennifer Rees (of Hunger Games fame) and brought to life by award-winning illustrators, is more than just cute bedtime stories; it’s a celebration of the bond between fathers and daughters, resonating with readers young and old.
His work has earned him accolades from major organizations like the University of Chicago and Perkins Coie LLP, but it’s his five-star Amazon reviews that tell the real story—readers are hooked.
What sets Reginald apart is his ability to create content that’s as relatable as it is engaging. His fun tales dive into familiar shenanigans where little ones lead the way in playful mischief while dads try to keep up with their boundless energy.
With ambitions that stretch from finishing his 20-book series to launching an animated series, Reginald Q. Barnes is more than just an author—he’s a storyteller on a mission to celebrate the magic of fatherhood.
S. Z. Estavillo
A shining gem in the literary world, Sonyo Zofia’s, aka S. Z. Estavillo’s, journey reads like the plot of one of her own thrillers—rejections, obstacles, and a protagonist who refuses to quit. After enduring over 150 rejections and walking away from a five-year agent relationship with no book deal, Estavillo didn’t stop. Instead, she secured a three-book deal, transforming setbacks into the driving force behind her gripping thrillers.
Her Serpent Series captures the intensity of her journey, blending psychological depth with unrelenting suspense. Praised for its slick, suspenseful content, the series features strong, well-written characters and delivers a thrilling ride from start to finish, with pacing that keeps readers hooked and constantly guessing.
A mystery maven, Estavillo’s diverse background in TV and film gives her work a cinematic edge. She crafts vivid, immersive thrillers with complex, captivating characters. This blend of storytelling earned her accolades like the David Twohy Award for Best Writing and the Carl Foreman Award for Best Directing.
Beyond her success as an author, Estavillo is the founder of SZE Digital Marketing Agency, where she helps authors and entrepreneurs, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, build authentic platforms and grow their visibility. She’s not just sharing advice—she’s offering strategies that have helped many authors secure book deals and navigate the competitive publishing industry.
Estavillo’s insights are sought after at major events like the Los Angeles Writers Conference, where she teaches everything from crafting engaging narratives to leveraging social media effectively.
S. Z. Estavillo is a powerhouse new to the scene, empowering others while shaping the future of the thriller genre with bold, impactful storytelling.
Delicia Niami
Delicia Niami isn’t your run-of-the-mill author; she’s an inspirational memoirist who has the literary world captivated and enthusiastic. Her first dive into the book pool, “Kissing Asphalt,” part of the ResilientAF series, depicts the abuse and trauma she went through as a child.
The critics are buzzing with excitement. San Francisco Book Review gives it a solid ⅘ stars, and the Kirkus review says that this book is a “heartfelt memoir of optimism in the face of abuse and neglect,” a high-five for its riveting story. In less than a day, it sprinted to the top spot on Amazon in the New Releases category for Dysfunctional Relationships, leaving readers clamoring for more.
Delicia’s secret sauce? Cliffhangers. Although it is unusual for memoirs to have cliffhangers, this engaging and enthralling trilogy is unlike any other. “Not My Circus” picks up where “Kissing Asphalt” leaves off, and “The Queen of Silver Linings” ties it all together perfectly, encouraging others to know that resilience is something that lives and breathes in every one of us.
For budding authors, Delicia’s ResilientAF Press is an inspiration to opt beyond traditional publishing. It’s a chance to take control of your literary destiny. Catch up with her adventures on her Facebook page and on Instagram. Dive into her literary world by visiting her official website and click here to order her book.
Lisa C. Krueger
Lisa C. Krueger, a rare blend of clinical psychologist and award-winning poet, stands at the intersection of healing and creativity. With a thriving psychology practice spanning over three decades, her unique approach seamlessly integrates cognitive behavioral techniques with psychodynamic and Jungian perspectives. Devoted to girls’ and women’s issues, health psychology, and the transformative power of writing therapy, Dr. Krueger’s impact extends beyond her therapy room.
As a prolific wordsmith, Lisa’s work has garnered acclaim, earning her the Poetry International Mini-Chapbook Award for 2023 and multiple Pushcart Prize nominations. Her five volumes with Red Hen Press, along with forthcoming chapbooks, delve into themes of illness, healing, and the human spirit’s resilience.
Lisa’s most recent book, “Floriography Child,” addresses fundamental questions about purpose, connection, and resilience. Written in memoir form, the book examines the mother-daughter relationship and its intimacies in the context of a daughter’s developing chronic illness. In the book, Krueger uses a combination of poetry, collage, photography, and micro essays to illuminate her struggle to bridge grief and loneliness with hope and connection as her daughter suffers from chronic illness. Her guide? The most beautifully resilient of all mothers: Mother Nature.
A revered figure in the literary arena, Lisa C. Krueger embodies the harmony of two seemingly unrelated worlds, crafting a narrative that resonates with depth and universal significance.
Danielle Perlin-Good
Crafting compelling, passionate narratives that seamlessly blend spirituality and logic, Danielle Perlin-Good empowers thought leaders to amplify their lasting legacies by unleashing their nonfiction content, creating a profound impact, and transforming lives. As The Soul-Aligned Ghostwriter, Danielle effectively unearths thought leaders’ vulnerable stories.
With an impressive portfolio boasting over 20 books in less than five years, Danielle provides ghostwriting, book coaching, and editing services to C-suite executives, ensuring their messaging is concise, beautiful, and genuinely authentic.
Harnessing a powerful combination of mindset techniques and adept interviewing skills, Danielle brings her unique touch to the table. Over the years, she has contributed to several best-selling books, including Goddess, The Anatomy of a Book, and The Growth Hacking Book 2.
She started her journalism career at The Chicago Tribune, freelanced for multiple newspapers, and also worked at a renowned children’s publishing house in the marketing department. Notably, she earned a coveted spot on The NYC Journal’s 40 Under 40 list in 2023.
Danielle continues to shape thought leadership platforms of some of the most reputable executives, innovative leaders, and consultants worldwide. She ensures that all of her clients’ messaging is concise, engaging, and genuinely authentic.
Connect with her on LinkedIn, where you can find her posting about a variety of subjects, including the field of ghostwriting, the craft of writing, the book coaching journey, and more.
Erin Zak
Erin Zak is a sapphic romance writer and the creative genius behind Fierce Femm Media. She’s not just an author but a force driving the sapphic romance genre forward with her enthralling stories and engaging writing.
She has earned two consecutive Lambda Literary Society (Lammy) finalist nods for “Breaking Down Her Walls” and “Create a Life to Love.” Her debut novel, “Falling Into Her,” also snagged her a spot as a finalist with the Golden Crown Literary Society (Goldie).
Erin’s novels are a breath of fresh air in the romance scene. Unlike the usual clichés, she crafts stories that are as real as they come, insisting on genuine connections and happy endings. This is why her books have soared up the charts, landing spots as the national bestsellers on Amazon. Her latest, a holiday faux-romance with a twist, “Home for the Holidays,” is out now and available on Amazon.
Her business, Fierce Femm Media, is how she primarily publishes her books. Erin hopes to extend these services to new and upcoming authors who have difficulty navigating the publishing industry.
Dive into Erin’s world via Twitter, FaceBook, and Instagram, or swing by her website for a front-row seat to her literary magic.
Paula Stachyra
Paula Stachyra, a.k.a ‘Queen of the Grill,’ is the barbecue maven, reigning over the industry with her expertise. She is a celebrated BBQ chef and cookbook author behind the best-seller “Wing Crush – 100 Epic Recipes for Your Grill or Smoker..” Catering to the love of BBQ, this book is widely adored by grill masters around the globe. Her upcoming book, “The Big Book of Barbecue on Your Pellet Grill,” has 200 show-stopping recipes and a section on “Pellet Grilling 101.”
The grill isn’t the only place Paula’s skills shine through. With a solid media presence, she’s been featured in the AC Barbeque by Cedric The Entertainer and Anthony Anderson, Rachael Ray In Season Magazine, The Food Network, and more. Paula’s association with Pit Boss Grills is more than just business; it’s a flavorful journey where she shares her closely guarded culinary secrets on their social media channels.
Paula’s culinary path is paved with ambition. Hosting a cooking show, authoring more beloved books, and introducing her line of enticing rubs and sauces are her next chapters. Get ready for more sizzling adventures with the ‘Queen of the Grill’! Click here to read her mouth-watering recipes and expert tips now.
Lisa Caskey
Lisa Caskey is not your typical author; she is a visionary storyteller whose approach to writing and book idea development transcends the confines of conventional narratives. She is a science fiction writer and bestselling book coach, developmental editor, and ghostwriter, specializing in top-performing nonfiction titles and memoirs.
She has carved her niche in the science fiction realm with four compelling books to her name: a dystopian trilogy consisting of The Farmed, The Mutated, and The Cured—and now Motherboard: 00, the first of an 11-novella cyberpunk series.
In her work as a book coach, editor, and ghostwriter, authors turn to her as a trusted confidant for guidance and unwavering support throughout their literary journeys. Her expertise shines in the areas of leadership, mentorship, and strategic thinking.
Lisa has been the hidden hand behind 29 books and counting—12 of which are bestsellers. She has also overseen copyediting, proofreading, and manuscript production for more than 125 publications.
She has a deep passion for stories and takes great joy in empowering authors to share their unique perspectives with the world. Step into her literary community to engage with a true bookish luminary.
Publishing imprints Lisa has worked with include: Atlantic Publishing Group, Current Christian Publishing, Deep Tech Press, Everything Connects, Grantham House Publishing, Houndstooth, The Lamp on the Stand Publishing, Levshow Press, Lioncrest, Magrathea Publishing, O’Connell House, Rockstar Mind Press, Timeless Ways, and Woolsthorpe Press.
You can learn more about Lisa’s catalog and author services by visiting her website and following her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Linda L. Richards
The author of over a dozen books, Linda L. Richards’ compelling narratives are captivating a growing number of readers. An award-winning author, Linda’s distinctive voice raises the bar in crime fiction, particularly noir thrillers where strong female protagonists often take an empowered central position.
Beyond her role as an author, Linda is a force in the literary landscape. She supports women and other crime writers as a member of the national board of the 5000-plus strong organization, Sisters in Crime. Additionally, she was founding editor of January Magazine, an online publication dedicated to books since 1997.
A prolific wordsmith, Linda made her fiction debut with the 2004 novel Mad Money, a financial thriller set in Los Angeles. Since that time, she has garnered multiple awards and nominations. LA Weekly highlighted her among the “Top 15 Authors to Read for 2023” while Amazon chose Linda’s most recent novel, Dead West, as one of the best books of 2023. The first book in the series that includes Dead West is the 2021 novel Endings. That book has secured a series production option with a major studio.
Linda’s diverse literary portfolio also includes a couple of non-fiction books for children, exploring topics close to her heart. With her two latest releases, Dead West and Wild Horses: Running Free, she adds a unique layer to her work, showcasing propulsive storytelling with a satisfying core that smacks of eco-activisim.
In a literary world that often seeks distinction, Linda L. Richards pushes at the edges of her chosen genres, often leaving readers breathless and anxious for more.
Meghan Grana
Renowned as the founder of Same Page Academy and the creative mind behind the widely acclaimed book “Call Me Penny Pickleberry,” Meghan Quinn Grana adeptly navigates the intricacies of childhood anxiety. From parenting and education to professional consultancy, Grana has established herself as an outstanding author on children’s issues.
In her book, she provides valuable insights and resources for parents and children, destigmatizing mental health issues in today’s world, where tackling these problems has become essential.
In 2022, Glamour magazine acknowledged the book’s excellence, ranking it among the year’s top books. Grana’s work also found a place on Goldie Hawn’s MindUp non-profit reading list, and her Kickstarter campaign received the esteemed “Project We Love” recognition from the Kickstarter editorial team. She is also a contributor to PBS Kids for Parents.
With grand ambitions for the future, Grana plans to write and publish more books on parenting, children, and special education themes. Additionally, she anticipates the growth of Same Page Academy in the upcoming years.
If you want to read “Call Me Penny Pickleberry,” obtain a copy of the book here. You can also stay updated on Same Page Academy and Meghan Quinn Grana’s other endeavors on her website.
Dianne is an adventurer who grew up traversing the globe, first through the pages of books, and then in reality. She lives the clichéd life of working at a cafe and writing. When she’s not surrounding herself with words you can find her visiting art musuems and historical places .Dianne lives in Boston.
