Five female authors shortlisted for German independent bookstore book award

Independent bookstores in Germany have announced the shortlist for the 2026 ‘Lieblingsbuch der Unabhängigen’ (Independent Bookstore’s Favorite Book). Out of approximately 210 submitted titles, five novels by female authors have been selected for the final round.

The shortlisted authors and works are: • Annika Büsing: Magisch (S. Fischer) • Hannah Häffner: Die Riesinnen (Penguin Verlag) • Tanja Kokoska: Guten Morgen, schönes Wetter heute (dtv) • Svenja Leiber: Nelka (Suhrkamp) • Vera Zischke: Pina fällt aus (List)

Participating booksellers will vote for the winner via an online process ending on October 4. The winning title will be officially announced at the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 8. The award is part of the ‘Woche unabhängiger Buchhandlungen’ (Independent Bookstore Week), which will take place from October 31 to November 7, 2026, featuring events at over 1,000 independent bookstores across the country.