The University of Nebraska Press in the United States has been named Publisher of the Year by Foreword Reviews, in recognition of its distinguished publishing program and longstanding commitment to independent and university press publishing. The award celebrates publishers that embody the values of independent publishing while making meaningful contributions to intellectual and cultural life. The recognition underscores the press’s reputation for producing works that bridge scholarship, literature, and public discourse.
Now marking its 85th year, the University of Nebraska Press publishes approximately 150 titles annually through several imprints, including Bison Books and Potomac Books. Its catalogue spans academic scholarship, general-interest nonfiction, poetry, and fiction, reflecting a broad commitment to diverse voices and subjects. The press has also earned widespread acclaim for award-winning collections and publications that explore literature, history, culture, and other fields of enduring significance.
Alongside the Publisher of the Year announcement, Foreword Reviews revealed the winners of its INDIES Book of the Year Awards, which honor outstanding titles published by small, independent, and university presses. Among this year’s winners was Scarlett: Slavery’s Enduring Legacy in an American Family by Leslie Stainton, published by Potomac Books. The awards recognize books released in 2025 and highlight the vital role independent publishers continue to play in enriching global cultural and literary conversations.