Snellville Book festival

November 8, 2025

The People behind the scenes

Georgia Independent Author Association

The Georgia Independent Author of the Year Awards was established in 2018. after the Georgia Author of the Year Awards decided to exclude independently published authors. The first Awards were issued in 2019. The awards, as well as a writers conference, were sponsored by an idenpendent bookstore that carried only indie authors. After the 2022 awards, the original director stepped away and Mary Treadwell took over the awards and finalized the establishment of the Georgia Independent Author Association.

Mary Treadwell, like most book lovers, began her passion for books at an early age. Mary got involved with indie authors when her friend began writing her first book. Mary was a beta reader first for her and then began beta reading for others. As Mary’s involvement with authors increased, she began assisting authors in publishing, editing, and promotions. She also assisted her friend with a bookstore that carried only indie author books, She enjoyed hosting book signings, book launches, and was involved in the annual writers conference.

She has put two successful careers behind her as a Social Worker and 911 Communication Officer and returned to her true passions: books and cooking. Mary lives in Metro Atlanta with her husband of almost 40 years and her two rescue pups. When not enjoying the four children and four grandchildren, Mary devotes her time to supporting indie authors.