The book awards program at IPNE began about a decade ago, as an ambitious venture at a fledgling organization.
From there it has grown and blossomed.
The Judging Panel
Our judging panel is made up of experienced editors, librarians, booksellers, literary agents, and other industry professionals. Judging books, in one way or another, makes up part of their livelihood.
Each judge reads three to five books in the categories of their particular expertise. Each book is judged by three independent judges.
The Schedule at a Glance
Books are submitted from February 1 through April 20. All entries are typically in by the end of April. We match books to judges in May and mail out the packages in early to mid-June. The judging period runs from July into late fall. We then tally the results and prepare for the awards ceremony in the late fall and early winter.
The awards ceremony runs the third Saturday in January. The award winners are announced at that event, the culmination — behind the scenes — of a year’s worth of work.
Award Winners
Award winners receive a digital certificate, a digital seal for the ebook cover, and a quote-worthy paragraph of judging praise. Their books are showcased on the IPNE website, and announcements are sent to select organizations and media. The authors and publishers are honored at the online awards ceremony, for an evening spent in celebration of these fine books — a high point for the year’s events.
Stay tuned! We’re investigating the possibility of physical seals for physical books, and other buzz-building perks.
Taking high marks in this awards program is all about the quality of the work, and we celebrate that quality.
The IPNE Benefit
Just as you’ll get more personal, and personalized, attention from a small press, so too with awards programs. A modest program with a solid reputation brings you the best of both worlds.
Each book is hand-matched to its three judges, for the best possible fit.
Each judge reads only a handful of books, which means more time for each.
Quality is key. In our processes, in our results.
The process doesn’t constitute anyone’s business model. We work for and with authors, not off them.
We care about helping books reach their intended audiences. About recognizing authors who’ve achieved excellence. About highlighting those books for readers.
ANNIE SEYLER, THE WISDOM OF WINTER,
2023 LITERARY FICTION WINNER &
FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR
My books have been finalists in so many contests, which is always an honor in itself, but to win is overwhelming. It means so much to me that an independent panel of librarians, book sellers, and other professionals in the book industry gave this recognition of quality to my work.
S. LEE MANNING, BLOODY SOIL,
2023 GENRE FICTION WINNER
The thoughtful consideration of such a prestigious group of judges and literary professionals makes this honor especially welcome. As a writer who found her poetic voice late in life, I am savoring every delicious minute of this meaningful recognition.
COLLETTE SELL, COLLECTING WONDER,
2023 POETRY WINNER
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