(DIRECTOR’S DESK)

By Angela Bole, IBPA Executive Director —

During this year’s Publishing University in Austin, TX, I had the great privilege of honoring some of the best books of 2014 at the annual Benjamin Franklin Awards ceremony. What a fantastic time!

I was able to announce the best books in 55 categories in front of a sold-out crowd of 250 people. Established indies such as Berrett-Koehler and Insight Editions competed with newer companies such as Blue Dream Books and Lowell Press. It was a celebratory evening focused on professionalism in indie publishing. There really isn’t anything else like the Benjamin Franklin Awards.

Now in its 27th year, the program drew nearly 1,400 entries. From those entries, more than 160 finalists were chosen to receive Gold and Silver awards.

My sincere congratulations to the full complement of Gold and Silver award winners (see “The 2015 Benjamin Franklin Award Winners” in this issue, or ibpabenjaminfranklinawards.com for the complete list).

Because a picture is worth a thousand words, I wanted to share some of the event photos here. I hope you enjoy!

Author/Photographer Erik Stensland accepts a Gold award in the Nature & Environment category and a Silver award in the Coffee Table Book category for Wild Light: A Celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park. Publisher: Morning Light Photography

Author Jane F. Collen (center) and her family accept a Gold award in the Most Improved Redesign category for Storming Back to Key West, illustrated by David Trumble; and a Silver award in the Science Fiction & Fantasy category for Enjella Uprooted, also illustrated by David Trumble. Publisher: Streamline Brand Associates, Inc.

Linda Jackson accepts a Gold award in the Body, Mind, & Spirit category and a Gold award in the Psychology category for The Mindfulness Toolbox by Donald Altman. Publisher: PESI Publishing & Media

Contributing author Michael Bailey accepts a Gold award in the Science Fiction & Fantasy category for Qualia Nous. Publisher: Written Backwards

Author Clint Greenleaf accepts a Gold award in the Children’s Picture Book (ages 4–7) category for Give, Save, and Spend with the Three Little Pigs, illustrated by Phil Wilson. Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

Author Lowell H. Press (left) and his family accept a Gold award in the Teen Fiction (ages 13–18) category for The Kingdom of the Sun and Moon. Publisher: Parkers Mill Publishing

Katherine Pickett accepts a Silver award in the Reference category for Perfect Bound: How to Navigate the Book Publishing Process Like a Pro. Publisher: Hop On Publishing LLC

Author Rita M. Gardner accepts a Gold award in the Autobiography & Memoir category for The Coconut Latitudes: Secrets, Storms, and Survival in the Caribbean. Publisher: She Writes Press

About the Author:

Just before Angela Bole became IBPA’s Executive Director, she was Deputy Executive Director of the Book Industry Study Group, Inc. (BISG), which fosters conversation and consensus across all sectors of the book business. Before that, Angela served for two years as BISG’s Associate Director and two years as its Marketing and Communications Manager. Angela also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of IDPF, the International Digital Publishing Forum.