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The starting gun has been fired for the Bookseller Industry Awards, which this year have been expanded with two new categories celebrating public libraries and children’s publishing.
The awards, which run on 16th May during the Book Industry Conference, will laud the best of publishing and retail with seven awards for each sector and three awards that apply to the trade in general. They will be presented at a black-tie dinner at London’s Park Lane Hilton.
Neill Denny, chair of judges and The Bookseller’s editor-in-chief, said: “During the past 12 months there has been plenty to celebrate in the trade, from clever publicity to exceptional editing, and from shrewd retail nous to innovative management. The awards will celebrate the successes of those who have shaped and will shape the book world. I am especially pleased that we are extending the awards into children’s publishing and libraries, both areas of huge interest to the trade.”
Publishers and retailers can find information on how to enter here. The deadline for applications is 4th March but early entry is appreciated.
The Bookseller Industry Awards will be judged by a top-level panel, including David Roche, who has held senior roles in both publishing and retail, The Bookseller’s Denny and Bookseller features editor Tom Tivnan, plus marketing consultant Damian Horner, retail specialist Paul Smiddy and bestselling novelist and Orange Prize co-founder Kate Mosse.
The awards, formed by a merger of The Bookseller’s Retail Awards and the British Book Industry Awards (a.k.a. the trade Nibbies), are now in their second year. Publisher of the Year last year was Little, Brown, while the top retail prize was scooped by Foyles.
Two categories have unique entry procedures. The winner of the FutureBook Digital Innovation category will be picked from one of the seven category winners of the existing FutureBook Digital Innovation awards on 17th March. These range from best app/enhanced e-book to most inspiring digital person. Full details on how to enter are here.
Meanwhile, in the second category, regional nominations have already closed for the Independent Bookseller of the Year prize. The prize, which recognises the devotion, hard work and innovation that goes into running an indie, is sponsored by Gardners for the second year. The wholesaler will provide £5,000 for the winner. The best independent from each region will compete for the top prize—and the category has already seen a record entry level.