About a year ago I did an article about pursuing book awards. Well with Minnesota book awards finalist just being chosen, I thought I’d update the article to include information on the MN book awards.

Pursuing Book Awards

Writers, make sure you pursue book awards for your work published last year.

Book awards promote your book and will help you to stand out among other authors. Book awards also add to the credibility of your book, which is always beneficial for first time authors.

For self-published authors, awards assist in building a platform, enhancing the appeal of buyers.

So why not start at home?
The Minnesota Book Awards is presented annually to great authors of Minnesota. It’s hosted by The Friends , a non-profit organization established in 1945 and in consortium with the Saint Paul Public Library.

These literary prizes are awarded in eight categories:
• Children’s Literature
• General Nonfiction
• Genre Fiction
• Memoir & Creative Nonfiction
• Minnesota
• Novel & Short Story
• Poetry
• Young People’s Literature

Books published in the previous year have been entered in one of the eight categories.

In addition, there are awards presented for Reader’s Choice. During the month of March, Minnesotans are invited to take part in the voting for this particular award. If interested, visit TwinCities.com to choose one of the Minnesota Book Award finalists.

Keep in mind, most book award submissions call for an entry fee. A fee of $40 per title must accompany the Minnesota nomination. The nomination fee for publishers submitting four or more titles is $150, which covers all titles nominated

There are many book award programs across the country such as, specialty awards, trade awards, and the major award programs (those well funded programs that receive more recognition).

How does this help the emerging writer?
There have been times when I gravitate to a book because I see that golden award sticker posted on the cover. Especially those awarded:

The Newbery Medal, which is awarded by The American Library Association for the most distinguished children’s book, published the previous year.),
Caldecott Medal, which honors the most distinguished picture book for children.
Nobel Prize of Literature where the winners are chosen by The Swedish Academy for the most outstanding work in “an ideal direction”, the candidate should also bestow the “greatest benefit on mankind” to be chosen.
Or The Pen/Faulkner Award which recognizes the best work of fiction by a living American writer.

These are credited awards. However, make sure to do a little research on the legitimacy of any award program you may be considering.

With all that being said I’d like to congratulate the finalist of the Minnesota 23rd Annual Book Awards.

Minnesota is home to some great talent!

On January 29th 2011, 24 judges from around the state have chosen 30 finalists. Winners will be announced at the Minnesota Book Award Gala held Saturday, April 16th. Come out to Saint Paul’s Crown Plaza Hotel and celebrate the accomplishments of some outstanding home state talent.

For those of us who have slept through the December 2010 deadline, Minnesota authors can submit books (published in 2010) in early September 2011 for the 24th Annual Book Awards.

For more information about Minnesota Book Awards contact:
Ann Nelson, Minnesota Book Awards Coordinator
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
651-366-6497, mnbookawards@thefriends.org
List of Book Award Programs:
bookspot.com/awards