The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) –www.ibpa-online.org– announced over the weekend the 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 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.
Lila & Theron by Bill Schubart was announced as the silver winner, publisher: Charles Michael Publishing ISBN:978-1-6826-1356-6. The book is a love story set in 19th century rural Vermont in which the exigencies of survival define the character and lives of the principal characters.
"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. 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.