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Richfield resident Jody Almond recently learned that his book, “Going All In: Finding Success Through Surrender,” is in the top 10 for a 2020 Author Elite Award, an honor bestowed for literary merit and publishing excellence in the writing and publishing industry.

His book is up for an award in the Religious Non-Fiction category, which touches on finding purpose and achieving success in life through the story of the Biblical patriarch Abraham. He had found out in February that he was initially nominated for a 2020 Author Academy Award.

“Out of hundreds of applicants within my category, I made the Top 10 and found out last Tuesday,” Almond said.

“It was an exciting thing to know that I made it into the top 10,” he said, adding that he’s grateful for all the people in the community who already voted for him.

Authors of all kinds — indie (self-published), traditional or collaborative published — are being considered for the award in one of 16 categories. Entries are being reviewed and evaluated on popular vote, social contribution and overall presentation (cover, content, flow and originality) by the award’s voting membership comprised of best-selling authors, literary agents and industry leaders.

Almond, who is a pastor at Transformation Church in Salisbury, had been on a book tour across the state before the coronavirus pandemic hit in March. In addition to being an author, he’s also an international life and business coach who works with people from around the world. He is the founder and CEO of Soulution Ministries, which helps people find their true purpose in life.

The Author Elite Awards will virtually take place Oct. 23. In the meantime, people can still vote for Almond’s book by visiting authoracademyawards.com. His book can also be purchased at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Almond has a wife and two daughters and lives in Albemarle.