Lexington resident Tony Colson has won a 2018 Author Academy Award.

His book, Unlocking Your Divine DNA: Escaping Your Past, Embracing Your Identity, and Entering Your Future won in the religion category.

Colson received the award at the Author Academy Awards ceremony in Columbus, Ohio in October.

“The Author Academy Awards is an honor bestowed for literary merit and publishing excellence in the writing and publishing industry,” said Kary Oberbrunner, founder of Author Academy Elite and the Author Academy Awards.

More than 500 authors worldwide were nominated for their work in one of 16 categories: General Nonfiction, Advice, Self-Help, Business, Memoir, Health, Romance, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction, YA and Middle Grade, Children’s, Historical Fiction, General Fiction, and Religion.

Entries were reviewed and evaluated by the Academy’s voting membership comprised of best-selling authors, literary agents and industry leaders.

Colson was invited to give an acceptance speech at the Award Ceremony and also received:

• The Academy Boon of Merit Award.

• His name and book highlighted on the Read to Lead Podcast (over 2 million downloads).

• The opportunity to present a book synopsis at the Igniting Souls Conference main stage on Saturday, Oct. 27, in front of a global audience.

For more information on the awards, visit http://authoracademyawards.com .