The Independent Press Award, one of the most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors, publishers, and illustrators, recognized Be the Weight Behind the Spear by Dr. Josh McConkey in the Motivational category as a 2024 distinguished favorite.
The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected IPA Award Winners and Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence.
Be the Weight Behind the Spear outlines the leadership ethos of Dr. (Colonel) Josh “Blackjack” McConkey. With 20 years of working in the trenches of America’s emergency rooms and with 22 years of military service, Dr. McConkey combines lessons of leadership and poignant examples of how we can move Americans forward. From the battlefields of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom to the death and destruction right here at home caused by the opioid crisis, Be the Weight Behind the Spear encourages a national dialogue on the importance of motivating all Americans to be the weight behind the spears of America’s heroes and focus on developing our youth into the future heroes and leaders America needs.
In 2024, the Independent Press Award saw participation from authors and publishers across the globe, including those residing in Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Cyprus, Germany, India, Kenya, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, and The Netherlands.
“The 2024 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD honorees represent the excellence and diversity of global independent publishing,” said Gabrielle Olczak, IPA President and Award Sponsor. “Independent publishing is a formidable agent. It provides unparalleled content and quality to consumers worldwide and we are proud to highlight this year’s awardees to the world.”