Award-winning author, literary coach awarded International Impact Book Award

 Romantic comedy novel Surprise … Swipe Right author to be recognized for Outstanding Literary Achievement in Contemporary Fiction at International Impact Book Awards Gala in July 2026

WASHINGTON — Dr. Rhonda Lawson, 25-time published author, literary coach, and founder of Meet the World Image Solutions, has been selected as a recipient of the International Impact Book Award in the category of Contemporary Fiction – Romantic Comedy for Outstanding Literary Achievement for her debut romantic comedy novel, Surprise … Swipe Right.

 Released in October 2025, Surprise … Swipe Right follows Ms. Loretta, a 70-year-old New Orleans widow whose daughter secretly creates an online dating profile on her behalf, setting off a warm, witty, and unexpected journey into modern romance. The novel brings an underrepresented voice to the romantic comedy genre: an older Black woman navigating love, identity, and technology on her own terms in a city as layered and alive as she is.

 “To be recognized on this level for a story rooted so deeply in my culture, my city, and women who look like the women I love is an honor I don’t take lightly,” said Lawson, a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant. Ms. Loretta’s story deserved to be told, and I am humbled that it has been seen.”

 The International Impact Book Awards evaluates submissions from self-published, independently, and traditionally published authors based on quality of content, originality, writing clarity, presentation, and overall literary impact — not popularity or algorithms. Recognition through the IIBA opens doors to media features, television appearances, speaking engagements, and high-profile industry opportunities. Winners will be honored at the IIBA Gala on July 19, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. 

 Through Meet the World Image Solutions — now in its ninth year — Dr. Lawson provides literary coaching, editing, publishing services, author publicity, and cultural programming for high-level clients navigating the publishing world. She is the host of the Horizons Author Lounge podcast and a passionate advocate for community, education, and the power of story, as evidenced by her creation of the Black History Month Literary Weekend and her support of aspiring writers through the Meet the World Graduating Senior Scholarship and youth essay contest.

 Surprise … Swipe Right is available now wherever books are sold.