Daniel de Llano’s LGBTQ abuse book wins IndieReader’s top nonfiction prize

By AI, Created 9:36 PM UTC, May 29, 2026, /AGP/ – Daniel de Llano’s The Sparkle Trap won Overall Nonfiction First Prize at the 15th annual IndieReader Discovery Awards, announced May 28. The win gives rare visibility to a book focused on narcissistic abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships, an area de Llano says is still underserved.

Why it matters: - The award spotlights one of the few books focused specifically on narcissistic abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships. - The recognition could help more survivors find a resource tailored to their experience. - IndieReader said this year’s competition was its largest and most competitive to date, with more than 1,000 submissions across more than 50 categories.

What happened: - Daniel de Llano’s book, The Sparkle Trap: Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse in LGBTQ+ Love, won Overall Nonfiction First Prize in the 15th annual IndieReader Discovery Awards. - IndieReader announced the winners on May 28. - de Llano said he hopes the award helps victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse in his community find the book.

The details: - The Sparkle Trap is available in English and Spanish under the title Tu Brillo en Vena. - de Llano describes the book as one of the very few in the world addressing narcissistic abuse specifically within LGBTQ+ relationships. - IndieReader said the Discovery Awards are designed to connect winning authors with people in publishing, media, entertainment and literary communities. - The 2026 awards were the first presented under new ownership after Julia and Jared Drake acquired IndieReader in 2025. - Jared Drake said independent publishing has never been more vital and called the winners bold, original work that deserves a wider stage. - IndieReader was founded in 2009 and focuses on professional book reviews, literary awards and marketing support for self-published, hybrid and small press authors. - de Llano is an author, coach and hypnotherapist focused on narcissistic abuse and emotional manipulation recovery. - de Llano founded IPSAR, the Association for Research, Prevention and Recovery from Relational Abuse, based in Spain. - de Llano was also a speaker at the First International Congress on Narcissistic Abuse in Spanish. - de Llano’s professional training and experience were developed in the United States. - The release directs readers to more information, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Between the lines: - The win gives mainstream recognition to a niche topic that often lacks dedicated resources. - The award may also help the book stand out in a crowded independent publishing market. - IndieReader’s emphasis on independent books fits de Llano’s message that underserved readers need more specialized voices.

What’s next: - de Llano is likely to use the award to expand awareness of The Sparkle Trap among survivors, advocates and readers looking for guidance. - The book’s bilingual availability could broaden its reach in both English- and Spanish-language markets. - IndieReader will continue promoting winning books to its network of publishing and media contacts.

The bottom line: - The award turns a specialized self-help book into a higher-profile resource for LGBTQ+ survivors of narcissistic abuse.