L. A. Tramwell’s debut novel wins NYC Big Book Award recognition

L. A. Tramwell’s young adult novel, Gretna Can’t Get Any Greener, was named a Distinguished Favorite in the Teen category by the NYC Big Book Award. The honor puts the Canada-based indie author’s 2026 debut in front of an international audience as the award program draws submissions from around the world.

Why it matters: - The NYC Big Book Award recognition gives L. A. Tramwell’s debut novel international visibility early in the book’s life cycle. - The Teen category honor can help the young adult title reach readers, booksellers, and industry gatekeepers looking for standout coming-of-age fiction. - The award also underscores how independent authors can break into a competition that draws entries from major publishers and first-time writers alike.

What happened: - The NYC Big Book Award named Gretna Can’t Get Any Greener by L. A. Tramwell a Distinguished Favorite in the Teen category. - The announcement came Sept. 15, 2026, from New Brunswick, Canada. - The novel is Tramwell’s first book and was published in January 2026 by Crystal Tortoise Publishing.

The details: - Gretna Can’t Get Any Greener is a coming-of-age young adult romance set in 1990s Jerusalem. - The story follows Vadim, an immigrant teen who feels too Russian for Israel, and Louise, a 17-year-old from South Africa. - The plot centers on first love, identity, immigration pressures, traditional family expectations, and impending Israeli military conscription. - The book frames Gretna Green, Scotland, as a possible escape route for the couple as their final school year ends. - The award program says entries are judged by experts across publishing, writing, editing, design, bookselling, librarianship, and professional copywriting. - Winners and Distinguished Favorites are selected based on overall excellence.

Between the lines: - The award field was broad, with submissions from authors across countries including Australia, Canada, China, Dubai, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the United Kingdom. - Entries also came from a wide mix of cities, including Auckland, Baltimore, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hollywood, Johannesburg, Manhattan Beach, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Sydney, and West Palm Beach. - The competition included books from publishers such as 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 program had “an amazing list of authors from around the globe” and was excited to share the books with a worldwide readership. - The award’s open-submission format and mix of major publishers and indie authors make the recognition more notable for a debut title.

What's next: - The NYC Big Book Award is announced every fall. - The award dinner is set for April 10, 2027, at the BookCAMP event on April 9-10, 2027. - Recipients from both programs are expected to walk on stage to receive their awards. - More information is available on the award website and the awards dinner page.