2018 Benjamin Franklin Silver Medal awarded to Hogan's Hope: A Deaf Hero's Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance
(Manhattan Beach, CA - April 9, 2018) -- The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) – www.ibpa-online.org – announced over the weekend the gold winners in the prestigious IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award™ program, now in its thirtieth year.
This year’s esteemed indie book award program recognized excellence in books published during the calendar year 2017. From close to 1,500 entries, one gold winner was named in each of fifty-four categories. Silver winners were also named in each category. Hogan's Hope: A Deaf Hero's Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance received the notable Silver Medal.
See the full list of winners in all fifty-four categories here.
The gold winners were announced on Friday, April 6, 2018, during a gala dinner ceremony programmed at the end of the first day of IBPA Publishing University, a two-day conference with over 30 educational and networking sessions developed to foster collaboration within the independent publishing community. Both the dinner ceremony and the conference took place at the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol in Austin, Texas. Read Publishers Weekly's take on IBPA Publishing University 2018 here.
"This year's list of IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award™ winners rest at the pinnacle of professional independent publishing. These are the best of the best," said IBPA CEO Angela Bole. "This is important because, in the end, it’s not just about publishing; it’s about publishing well. Becoming an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award™ winner showcases a publisher’s commitment to professional standards and high-quality book content and production."
For 30 years, the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award™ program has been regarded as one of the highest national honors for small and independent publishers. This year’s gold winners include a variety of books from independent publishers large and small, hybrid presses, self-published authors, and major national groups like the National Association of Home Builders and The White House Historical Association.
Over 150 librarians, booksellers, and design and editorial experts – most of whom have decades of book industry experience – judge the books submitted to the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award™ program. The judging process takes seven months, beginning in September and continuing into March each year. At the end of the process, every entrant receives written critiques from the three individual judges who reviewed their book. The critiques include constructive feedback to help each publisher understand how their book is being perceived by industry professionals, upholding part of IBPA’s mission to serve the independent publishing community through education.
The call for entries into the 31st annual IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award™ program (for books with a copyright date of 2018) opens in late April 2018. Visit ibpabenjaminfranklinawards.com for more information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Terry Nathan, IBPA COO, at terry@ibpa-online.org
About the Independent Book Publishers Association
Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) leads and serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. With over 3,000 members, IBPA is the largest publishing association in the US. Its vision is a world where every independent publisher has the tools and knowledge needed to professionally engage in all aspects of the publishing industry. For more information, visit ibpa-online.org.
About the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award™ Program
The IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards™ are administered by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) with help from over 150 publishing professionals, including librarians, bookstore owners, reviewers, designers, and editors. All entrants receive direct feedback from the judges which is sure to help guide future publications. For more information, visit ibpabenjaminfranklinawards.com.