Madeleine F. Wallace book wins NYC Big Book Award honor

Madeleine F. Wallace’s workplace guide on career strategy in the AI era was named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2026 NYC Big Book Award’s Career category. The recognition also follows inclusion in Printed Word Reviews’ 2026 Holiday Gift Guide and adds to a double win for the Wallace household.

Why it matters: - The award spotlights growing demand for practical career guidance as generative AI, automation and machine learning reshape job roles. - The recognition gives added visibility to a workbook aimed at helping professionals adapt skills, reposition their careers and build resilience in a changing workplace. - The win also extends the book’s reach in both literary and professional audiences.

What happened: - Madeleine F. Wallace, Ph.D., was named a Distinguished Favorite in the Career category at the 2026 NYC Big Book Award for THRIVE IN THE AI AND DIGITAL AGE: The SEAM 4-Step Career Guide & Workbook. - Stephen J. Wallace, Dr. Wallace’s husband, also received recognition at the same awards for Average Civil Employee: A Novel of Bureaucratic Absurdities. - Printed Word Reviews included THRIVE IN THE AI AND DIGITAL AGE in its 2026 Holiday Gift Guide. - Printed Word Reviews described the book as “A practical four-step agile career framework designed to help professionals navigate ongoing technological disruptions.”

The details: - The NYC Big Book Award is an annual international literary competition with entries from publishers, authors and industry professionals around the world. - A judging panel of publishers, editors, librarians and booksellers evaluates submissions for editorial excellence, real-world utility and professional impact. - The book centers on the SEAM Framework, a four-step system: Snapshot, Envision, Act and Measure. - The framework is designed to help readers audit transferable skills, reposition their professional brand, use emerging tech stacks and plan for long-term career resilience. - The workbook includes exercises, self-assessments and execution plans. - The book is available worldwide in paperback and eBook editions through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and independent booksellers. - Dr. Wallace is the founder and CEO of Windrose Vision and a former evaluation and performance leader at the National Institutes of Health. - Dr. Wallace holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Tennessee and has more than two decades of experience in evaluation, strategic planning and performance measurement. - Her work also includes The SEAM Framework, which focuses on career transformation and organizational change. - More information on the award is available at NYC Big Book Award. - The full review is available at Printed Word Reviews. - More information on Madeleine F. Wallace is available at her website.

Between the lines: - The award fits a broader market trend: workers are looking for concrete, step-by-step guidance rather than abstract commentary about AI disruption. - The couple’s dual recognition underscores how workplace publishing is spanning both serious career advice and satirical takes on office life. - The book’s emphasis on measurable action suggests its appeal is tied to utility, not just inspiration.

What's next: - Dr. Wallace’s book is likely to continue using the award and review placement to reach readers navigating career change. - The recognition may also help expand the book’s visibility among business, leadership and career-development audiences. - Printed Word Reviews’ current issue also features the title as a standout non-fiction release.