FIRST CALL: THE 2020 ERIC HOFFER BOOK AWARD

4 09 2019

FIRST CALL:  THE 2020 ERIC HOFFER BOOK AWARD

SMALL PRESSES  * ACADEMIC PRESSES  * MICRO PRESSES  *  SELF-PUBLISHERS — $2,500 GRAND PRIZE — LOW ENTRANCE FEE

New or old, we want to read your book. … Each year, independent publishers release extraordinary books to little or no recognition. The Eric Hoffer Book Award recognizes excellence in publishing. A SINGLE REGISTRATION gives you SIX WAYS TO WIN by genre, press, the Montaigne Medal, the da Vince Eye, the First Horizon Award, and the Hoffer grand prize. There is a category for every book. (See submission guidelines below or check our listing in Writer’s Market or visit www.HofferAward.com.) E-books and chapbooks also accepted.

* $2,500 GRAND PRIZE * Low Entrance Fee of $60 * Many Categories *
* E-BOOK categories for fiction and nonfiction *
* New MIDDLE READER, HISTORICAL FICTION, MYSTERY/CRIME,
SCI-FI/FANTASY, SHORT/ANTHOLOGY & ROMANCE categories *
* CHAPBOOK category at a reduced rate: $40 *

AWARDS/BENEFITS:
* $2,500 GRAND PRIZE (the Eric Hoffer Award for Books)
* Winner of the Montaigne Medal for most thought-provoking books
* Winner of the da Vinci Eye for best covers
* Winner of the First Horizon Award for debut authors
* Winner and First Runner-Up awarded for every category
* Honorable Mentions for every category
* Individual Awards for Micro, Small, and Academic Presses, as well as Self-Published Books
* Coverage in The US Review of Books (www.theUSreview.com) and on www.HofferAward.com
* Gold Seal Certificates
* Worldwide Exposure

CATEGORIES: Art, Poetry, Chapbook, General Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Children, Middle Reader, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Mystery/Crime, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Short Story/Anthology, Romance, Culture, Memoir, Business, Reference, Home, Health, Self-Help/Spiritual, Legacy Fiction, Legacy Nonfiction, E-book Fiction, and E-book Nonfiction.

In this tough economic time, your book is always a great value, and the Eric Hoffer Book Award is the most economical way to achieve publicity and recognition. Read Hoffer Award success stories (www.hofferaward.com/Eric-Hoffer-Award-success-stories.html). Read previous contest coverage in the US Review of Books (www.theUSReview.com) and view past winners and press releases at www.HofferAward.com.

Internet payment for entrance fee accepted. (visit www.HofferAward.com)

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES (entry deadline January 21st, 2020):

AWARDS ARE OPEN to academic, independent, small press, and self-published books that were released or copyrighted in the last 2 years, including unique books with small print runs. (Books over 2 years enter the LEGACY FICTION or LEGACY NONFICTION category.)

AWARDS/PRIZES: One grand prize will be awarded for the entire contest. In addition, each category will be awarded a winner, runner-up, and multiple honorable mentions. Books must be registered by CATEGORY and then are automatically considered for Individual Press Awards, the Montaigne Medal, the da Vinci Eye, the First Horizon Award, and the Hoffer Grand Prize.

FOR EACH ENTRY, submit the book, entry form, and $60 fee (check, money order, or Internet payment receipt) to Hopewell Publications, LLC, PO Box 11, Titusville, NJ 08560. Be certain to specify award category and press type. Registration will be confirmed via e-mail. In May, all entrants will be notified of winners. Submissions must be postmarked by January 21, 2020.

JUDGES may include authors, editors, agents, publishers, book producers, artists, experienced category readers, and health and business professionals. Note: Contest closed to the staff of Hopewell Publications and previous WNBA winning entries. At the low entrance fee, it is not feasible to provide judge’s critiques for each entry.

ENTRY FORM (submit one entry form per book):
You may also visit www.HofferAward.com and click on the “Nominate” link.

Book Information

Title:
_______________________________________
Author:
_______________________________________
Publisher:
_______________________________________
ISBN:
_______________________________________
Category (see below):
_______________________________________

Press Designation (check only one; see description below):
Self-Published __    Micro __    Small __    Academic __

Author Debut?  Yes __  No __ (select Yes if author’s first book)

Contact Information

Name:
_______________________________________
E-Mail:
_______________________________________
Phone:
_______________________________________
Address:
_______________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

AWARD CATEGORIES (select one per entry application):

* ART: titles involving the experience, execution, or demonstration of the arts, including art, fine art, graphic art, architecture, performing arts, design, photography, coffee table books, and poetry.
* CHAPBOOK: books 40 pages or less, with typically some form of saddle stitch binding and/or artistic assembly. (Qualifies for special registration fee.)
* CHILDREN: titles for young children, including stories and picture books.
* MIDDLE READER: Titles for pre-teen audience, including chapter books.
* POETRY: titles with poetry or highly stylized prose.
* YOUNG ADULT: titles aimed at the juvenile and teen markets.

ADULT FICTION
* COMMERCIAL: genre specific fiction, including thriller, suspense, religious, romance, and horror.
* GENERAL: non-genre specific fiction, including literary and mainstream.
* HISTORICAL: titles involving historical fiction.
* MYSTERY/CRIME: titles involving mystery, crime, and true crime.
* SCI-FI/FANTASY: titles within science fiction and fantasy.
* SHORT STORY/ANTHOLOGY: titles involving short story collections and anthologies.
* ROMANCE: titles in the romance genre.

NONFICTION/TRADE
* BUSINESS: titles with application to today’s business environment and emerging trends, including general business, career, computer, and Internet.
* CULTURE: titles demonstrating the human or world experience, including true story, essay, multicultural, women’s issues, sexuality, gay, lesbian, memoir, aging, travel, sports, true crime, and current events.
* HEALTH: titles promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being, including psychology, fitness, and sex.
* HOME: titles with practical application to home or home-related issues, including general home, gardening, cooking, parenting, family, interior design, animals, and pets.
* MEMOIR: titles capturing specific personal experience.
* REFERENCE: titles from traditional and emerging reference areas, including but not exclusive to history, psychology, biography, science, philosophy, education, fashion, sports, recreation, training, travel, and how-to.
* SELF-HELP: titles involving traditional and emerging self-help subjects.
* SPIRITUAL: titles involving the mind and spirit, including religion, metaphysical, and mystical.

E-BOOK
* FICTION: any fiction titles published in e-book format.
* NONFICTION: any nonfiction titles published in e-book format.

LEGACY
* FICTION: all fiction titles over two years of age.
* NONFICTION: all nonfiction titles over two years of age.
(Unlike major trade organizations, we think good books last more than a single season.)

INDIVIDUAL PRESS AWARDS (select only one; in addition to category):

In addition to the above category awards, books will be singled out for additional awards in the micro press, small press, academic press, as well as self-published arenas. Please check one of the following types on the application.

* SELF-PUBLISHED – books financed by author or not by the publisher (regardless of press size).
* MICRO PRESS – books from a press producing 24 titles or less per year.
* SMALL PRESS – books from a press producing 25 titles or more per year.
* ACADEMIC PRESS – books from a press with an academic or library affiliation.

ADDITIONAL AWARD DISTINCTIONS:

All registered titles will automatically be considered for the following:
* MONTAIGNE MEDAL – most thought provoking book(s).
* DA VINCI EYE – books with superior cover art.
* FIRST HORIZON AWARD ¬– superior books by debut authors.

If you don’t see your category or cannot determine your press designation, please e-mail us with a description at info@hofferaward.com, and our staff will guide you. A great book will supersede any category designation. Category designations may be reassigned to better suit the submission. Judges may include authors, editors, agents, publishers, book producers, artists, experienced category readers, and health and business professionals. After the contest, books will be donated to libraries, schools, and hospitals where appropriate, which are fine places to promote your book!

QUESTIONS:

Visit: www.HofferAward.com
Email: info@hofferaward.com
Fax: (609) 964-1718
The Eric Hoffer Awards
PO Box 11
Titusville, NJ 08560

Please be patient. We receive many inquiries this time of year. We will help you.

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We want to help you. The Eric Hoffer Book Award is primarily run by volunteers to help readers, writers, and independent publishers. We thought you would be interested in this unique opportunity to promote your book(s). Your e-mail is never sold or transferred. Only three notices are sent annually.
If you no longer want this annual notification, please use the easy unsubscribe link below. Be certain to use the e-mail address to which this message was sent; otherwise we cannot remove you from our list. Thank you!!!!
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The Internet Cookie Is Dead, and Marketers Should Plan for a Content-First World

28 06 2019

The Internet Cookie Is Dead, and Marketers Should Plan for a Content-First World


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Adult Trade, Kids’ Sales Up in First Quarter

24 06 2019

Adult Trade, Kids' Sales Up in First Quarter


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How to Avoid Self-Publishing Scams

17 06 2019

How to Avoid Self-Publishing Scams

June 14, 2019
by Alex Palmer

Being able to identify when a particular service is overcharging—or just overpromising what they are actually able to deliver—is an important skill for any author to master.

The booming growth of self-publishing has been great news for authors as well as providers of all variety of self-publishing services, including editing, designing, a d consulting. But as services have proliferated, promising all variety of benefits and recipes for boosting sales, it’s more important than ever for indie authors to have a discerning eye when seeking out assistance. Being able to identify when a particular service is overcharging—or just overpromising what they are actually able to deliver—is an important skill for any author to master.

Know Who You’re Dealing With

The first step any author should take when determining whether a particular service or consultant is worth tapping for their publishing efforts is to get a clear sense of their background.

“[I]f you’re not dealing with a specific individual whose resume you can study, figure out who’s behind the service,” says Jane Friedman, a publishing expert and consultant who has worked in the industry for more than 15 years. “Do you trust who’s behind it? Are there specific names attached? There should be! Do these people have experience that applies to what you’re trying to accomplish? How many years of experience?”

To help fill in this background, an author should determine how long the company or individual has been in business, and if they have testimonials from other authors who have used their service, or what Friedman calls a “track record and history of achievement.” Many services and individuals will have these endorsements right on their websites, but if that’s not readily available, make a direct request for examples of customers they have worked with. A reputable company will usually provide this. (Of course, it may be easier to work in the opposite direction and begin by asking other authors for service providers they would recommend and going from there.)

“It’s likely that, if the company produces low-quality work or is unreliable, the Internet will be chock full of horror stories and warnings,” says Hellen Barbara, founder and president of Pubslush, a platform that connects editors, publishers, and authors. “My biggest piece of advice is to never sign a contract with a company before doing your due diligence and knowing exactly what you’re signing.”

She adds that an author should also avoid going for the first company that seems to provide the service they need—instead, “compare and contrast several different companies before making a decision.” This includes getting a sense of the average cost of services, the staff’s speed of response, and the quality of the company’s work.

In addition to its track record, an author can spot a questionable service by understanding its business model—what services they provide, the terms, the payments and fees involved, and exactly what is delivered.

“By uncovering the business model, you have some insight into what actions that business wants you to take,” explains Friedman. “Are they upfront about what they do, what do they have a stake in, and how do they make money? Are they upfront about how the work gets done? I favor the ones who have nothing to hide, as well as those with a point-of-view and distinctive personality.”

Spotting the Danger Signs

As an author researches her options, a red flag should go up for any service that is not transparent about these points, or willing to provide speedy answers to questions about them. A slow response, even from a totally trustworthy service provider, should still be seen as a concern for an author.

“A lack of responsiveness or attention could mean if something were to go wrong—a mistake, poor quality work, a billing issue, etc.—there might not be someone available to assist you with your problem, which undoubtedly can be aggravating and unfair,” says Barbara.

They should clearly lay out exactly how much the project will cost—whether in hourly terms or for the whole project—and when you will be expected to pay. A significant upfront charge should raise red flags.

If everything seems above board, but there is extensive paperwork or a contract involved, an author may also consider getting a legal expert involved to review the document and make sure it’s a fair deal. Either way, an author should get the terms clearly in writing.

But often, the best protection from shady service providers comes from a different type of expert: fellow indie authors.

“Take advice from companies you trust, as well as other authors,” says Barbara. “There are more people willing to help than you might realize, so never feel like you’re in the publishing process alone.”

 

Alex Palmer is a freelance journalist and the author of Weird-o-Pedia.


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The BookLife Prize – Enter Now

3 06 2019

The BookLife Prize – Enter Now
$5,000 Grand Prize; $1,000 Prize for Every Finalist; Each Entry Receives a Publishable Assessment by a Publishers Weekly Reviewer

April 1, 2019

The BookLife Prize is an annual writing contest sponsored by BookLife and Publishers Weekly that seeks to support independent authors and discover great books.  The BookLife Prize has two Contests:

Fiction Contest

  • Entry period April 1, 2019, through August 31, 2019.
  • Five categories: Romance/Erotica; Mystery/Thriller; Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror; General Fiction; YA/Middle Grade.

Nonfiction Contest

  • Entry period October 1, 2019, through January 1, 2020.
  • Four categories: Memoir/Autobiography; Self-Help; Inspirational/Spiritual; and Business/Personal Finance.

Both Contests of the Prize are judged by PW reviewers, editors, acclaimed authors, and publishing veterans.

Prizes

The grand prize winner for both the Fiction and Nonfiction Contest of the BookLife Prize receives $5,000 cash as well as an author profile in Publishers Weekly.

All finalists receive a blurb from a bestselling/award-winning author or professional editor serving as a guest judge for the contest, as well as mention in Publishers Weekly.  Plus they each receive $1,000 worth of BookBaby’s Facebook + Instagram for Authors.

All entrants receive a Critic’s Report, which includes a score as well as a brief written critical assessment of their novel by a Publishers Weekly reviewer.  (Click here to see real examples of Critic’s Reports.)

“Since reaching the finals I have signed with a literary agent and been contacted by a film producer. Most importantly through the process of participating in the Prize, I got very valuable feedback on my work and broadened my author network considerably.” T.J. Slee

How To Enter

BookLife members enter the BookLife Prize by logging in and going to project page for the book or manuscript they’d like to enter.  Here are detailed instructions.

New users who have no BookLife account enter on this page.

Complete Information

Click here for complete infomation about the BookLife Prize.


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The BookLife Prize – Enter Now $5,000 Grand Prize; $1,000 Prize for Every Finalist; Each Entry Receives a Publishable Assessment by a Publishers Weekly Reviewer April 1, 2019

29 04 2019

https://booklife.com/about-us/the-booklife-prize-enter-now.html?utm_source=Publishers+Weekly&utm_campaign=ef2d98ea1d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_04_29_07_10&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0bb2959cbb-ef2d98ea1d-305746117


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Trade Books Post Good February Sales

19 04 2019

After a poor January, sales of adult trade books rebounded in February, rising 6.6% over February 2018, according to the AAP’s monthly StatShot program. Downloadable audio once again led the sales increase, with sales up 36.3% over last February, and accounted for 12.1% of adult trade sales in the month compared to 9.7% a year ago.

The hardcover segment also had a good month, with sales up 13.4%. Mass market paperback sales dropped 8.3% compared to a year ago. In the children/young adult segment, February sales were up 13.4%, led by double-digit gains in both the hardcover and paperback formats.

For the first two months of 2019, adult trade sales were down 1.0% compared to a year ago. Sales were off in all segments except for downloadable audio. In the children/ya category, sales were up 7.5% in the first two months of the year over 2018, with only e-book sales posting a decline.

For all 1,373 publishers who report data to the AAP, sales in February rose 7.2%, with the children/ya and higher educational course materials segments leading the way. For the first two months of 2019, total sales increased 0.6%, with sales of religion books having the best start in the two month period, seeing sales up 20.8% from reporting publishers. Sales of professional books had the biggest decline, with sales down 18.5%.


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