I am proud to say that I am now an award-winning author!
In May of 2023, my book Knowledge-ABLE: Igniting a New Generation of Lifelong Learners was awarded the Silver Medal by the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs) in the category of Education (Commentary/Theory).
Check out the full list of the 2023 IPPY Award Medalists.
What are the IPPY Awards?
Conducted each year to honor the year’s best independently published books, the “IPPY” Awards recognize excellence in a broad range of styles and subjects. In a year where war and economic crisis has been ever present in the headlines, the 2023 IPPY medal-winning books offer inspiration and reflection. These independent voices have added hope and enlightenment to readers.
About the IPPY Awards
Each year since 1996, the Independent Publisher Book Awards have identified a reading list of progressive, thought-provoking books, the kind that can touch lives, advance careers, and stretch our imaginations. With the tag line, “Recognizing Excellence in Independent Publishing,” the IPPY Awards showcase the best books from throughout North America and the English-speaking world. Launched as the first unaffiliated awards program open exclusively to independent, university, and self-published titles, the awards are presented each spring by publishing services firm Jenkins Group of Traverse City, Michigan and IndependentPublisher.com, “THE Online Voice of Independent Publishing.”
“In a times like these, when the world can seem overwhelming, books offer us a bridge between what is and what can be,” says Amy Shamroe, director of the Awards. “Our medalist have created new worlds to escape to, shared new experiences and ideas, illuminated complex issues, and given us reflection with action. Each book is a new opportunity to move forward and find out what happens next with a little more insight and inspiration.”
Independent Publishing is the Future
Throughout this process I have learned that there are so many incredible authors who exhibit the courage, innovation, and creativity to go beyond the confines of traditional publishing in order to share their message. I have also learned that choosing to self-publish has significant advantages.
When I started my book project I assumed that I would land a book deal with an educational publishing company like many of my other colleagues did. However, I discovered that this was a lot more challenging than I had previously thought. After submitting my book proposal to a few publishing companies—and getting turned down—I decided to take this as an opportunity to self-publish my book.
Seeing the upside of this situation allowed me to really lean into the idea of self-publishing. After doing some research, I learned that most people choose not to self-publish because of the perceived lack of professionalism, and the additional work that is required. However, I have found that choosing to self-publish is often more lucrative in the long-term, and authors have complete control over the rights and content of the book.
In the end, I am so glad to I chose to self-publish my book and I am grateful for this incredible learning journey. Thank you to the Jenkins Group who established the Independent Publisher Book Awards, and congratulations to my fellow medalists!
If you are interested in learning more about the book you can visit my Book Page.