PRESS AND MEDIA
FIRE 2024 Book Awards
FINALISTS!!
2024 Psychology — Find Your Happy Place — David Bossert
2024 Suspense / Thriller — Murder by Storm — Russell Little
2024 Young Adult — Forever Boy — Michael J. Bowler
Embers 2019-2023 Book Awards
FINALISTS
2023 Suspense / Thriller — Insidious Dragon — Marc Liebman
2023 Fantasy — Runes of the Dokkrsdottir — Bjorn Leesson
2022 Historical Fiction — Ghost of the Rio Grande — Don A. Holbrook
HONORABLE MENTION IN DESIGN
Best Overall Fiction Book Design
2022 HISTORICAL FICTION — Ghost of the Rio Grande — Don A. Holbrook
Best Overall Nonfiction Book Design
2024 BUSINESS — Briefly Speaking — Deborah Shames & David Booth
Best Fiction Cover Design
2023 FANTASY — Runes of the Dokkrsdottir — Bjorn Leesson
Best Nonfiction Cover Design
2023 MEMOIR — Light Come out of the Closet — Roger Leslie
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FIRE Book Awards Celebrate Year One Success
Houston, TX—The FIRE Book Awards, a program dedicated to celebrating excellence in indie publishing, proudly announces the completion of its inaugural year and the launch of the final phase of the competition—the Internet vote. Readers worldwide can crown the Top Book of 2024 (FIRE) and from 2019-2023 (Embers). The Internet voting period runs from December 15 to December 30, 2024. Winners will be announced during a special presentation on January 7, 2025. Exciting Prizes for Outstanding Books • The author of the winning 2024 FIRE Book Award will receive $1,500. • The author of the winning 2019-2023 Ember Book Award will receive $250. Both awards are determined entirely by the Internet vote, allowing readers to have the final say in selecting the best of the best. Eligible books for the Internet Vote phase of the competition are those that earned GOLD status during the initial judging round. A Meticulous and Impartial Judging Process The FIRE & Embers Book Awards are committed to fairness and quality, ensuring only the best indie-published books rise to the top. This year’s impartial panel of judges included professionals from all walks of the book industry—educators, librarians, authors, and avid readers—none connected to the awards program. Each book was evaluated on a comprehensive range of criteria: • Book design, including cover and interior elements. • Standards of the book publishing industry. • Story content, grammar, punctuation, and genre adherence. • Plot development, character depth, and overall readability. Celebrating Excellence and Supporting Indie Authors “This program exists to shine a spotlight on outstanding work and to encourage the continued growth of independent publishing,” said Rita Mills, Chairperson of the Founding Committee. For more information about the FIRE & Embers Book Awards, including the full list of GOLD Medal Winners eligible for the Internet Vote, visit https://www.firebookawards.com/. About the FIRE Book Awards The FIRE Book Awards recognize and reward excellence in independent publishing. By combining rigorous judging standards with public participation (the Internet Vote), the program offers a unique platform for indie authors to gain recognition and celebrate their craft. For Additional Information, Contact: Sandy Lawrence PR Director, FIRE Book Awards PRwithSandy@gmail.com 281-989-8892
Author Talk Announces Priority Podcast Consideration for FIRE Book Awards Entrants
Houston, TX, August 2024—The FIRE Book Awards is thrilled to announce an exciting new opportunity for all entries in the 2024 competition. Each submission is prioritized for a guest appearance on the popular podcast, Author Talk, hosted by Aimee Ravichandran of Abundantly Social. This initiative underscores the mission of the FIRE Book Awards, which is to support and encourage independent authors by providing them with valuable marketing opportunities. The Author Talk podcast, which ranks among the top 10 podcasts in the United States for independent authors and publishers, offers a platform for authors to share their stories, insights, and experiences with a broad audience. The podcast was founded a decade ago by Aimee Ravichandran, alongside Sandy Lawrence of Perceptive Public Relations, and Russell Little, a Houston attorney and author. Over the years, Author Talk has become a trusted resource and a beacon of inspiration for indie authors, offering them a voice and visibility in the crowded publishing market. "The goal of the FIRE Book Awards is not only to recognize outstanding independent authors but also to aid them in their marketing efforts," said Rita Mills, Founding Director and Project Manager for the FIRE Book Awards. "By partnering with Author Talk, we are providing our entrants with a unique chance to reach a wider audience and to promote their work through a well-respected and widely listened-to platform." Submissions for the FIRE Book Awards are open until September 30, 2024. Independent authors who submit their work will automatically be considered for a guest spot on the Author Talk podcast, giving them an unparalleled opportunity to enhance their marketing efforts and connect with a dedicated audience of book lovers and industry professionals. For more information about the FIRE Book Awards and to submit your entry, please see their website—FIREBookAwards.com About Author Talk Author Talk is a leading podcast dedicated to independent authors and publishers. Launched ten years ago by Aimee Ravichandran, Sandy Lawrence, and Russell Little, the podcast provides a platform for authors to discuss their books, share their writing journeys, and connect with a broad audience. Author Talk is a top-ten podcast in the US for independently published authors, known for its insightful interviews and supportive community. —30— For press inquiries, please contact: Sandy Lawrence, PR Manager for the FIRE Book Awards Email: marketingTexas@gmail.com Cell: 281-989-8892
April Women's History - 2024
HOUSTON, TX—After successful careers in the book publishing industry, Rita Mills and Sandy Lawrence are coming out of retirement to launch a new project aimed at promoting independently published books and their authors. Teaming up with Aimee Ravichandran of Abundantly Social and Deena Rae of eBookBuilders, they are introducing the FIRE & Embers Book Awards, a unique literary award program designed to celebrate independently published books. “The passion for storytelling is alive and well, and we want to encourage and promote the incredible work of authors who have chosen to publish their books independently. We hope to encourage creativity and innovation in the literary world by helping these books sell, which is what everyone wants,” Sandy Lawrence stated flatly. This exciting global venture encompasses a wide range of genres from fiction to non-fiction, fantasy to romance, and mystery to science fiction. The variety of genres will ensure independent authors from diverse backgrounds and literary interests have an opportunity to shine. Aimee Ravichandran, a visionary when it comes to books, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, saying, “At Abundantly Social, we have always believed in the power of storytelling and community. The FIRE & Embers Book Awards align perfectly with our mission to support and connect authors and readers.” The FIRE & Embers Book Awards will be a game-changer in the world of literature. The award’s uniqueness lies in its showcasing of the winning books through an unparalleled international marketing campaign. This online internet vote will allow the reading public the opportunity to select the grand prize winner. Deena Rae emphasized the significance of independently published works, stating, “We have seen a surge in high-quality indie books, and it's time to celebrate the authors behind these extraordinary works. The FIRE & Embers Book Awards will play a pivotal role in raising the profile of those authors who venture into independent publishing.” Early registration ends May 31, 2024 with the final deadline for entries September 30, 2024. Stay tuned for further announcements and details about the FIRE & Embers Book Awards. Authors, publishers, and book enthusiasts are invited to join this exciting journey as we usher in a new era of literary recognition. Please visit www.FIREbookawards.com or contact admin@FIREbookawards.com for more information. #womenshistory #books #authors #bookawards #indiepublishing #independentpublishing #smallpublishing #hybridpublishing #indiepublisher #hybridpublisher #smallpublisher
Celebrate the 11th Annual Independent Bookstore Day - 2024
[Houston, TX] – As the literary world gears up for a day of celebration, anticipation is mounting for the 11th Annual Independent Bookstore Day, set to take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024. This nationwide event, observed on the last Saturday of April each year, honors independent bookstores both online and in-store, bringing together book lovers, authors, and local communities in a jubilant celebration of literature and independent entrepreneurship. Independent Bookstore Day offers book enthusiasts a unique opportunity to support their favorite local bookshops while indulging in exclusive literary offerings, contests, delectable cupcakes, and a myriad of other festivities. From rare and limited-edition books to literary-themed merchandise, there's something for everyone at this literary extravaganza. "For over a decade, we have celebrated Independent Bookstore Day as a beacon for the community of book lovers everywhere," says Rita Mills, principal of the FIRE Book Awards. "It's not just about books; it's about fostering a sense of community among readers and supporting the invaluable role that independent bookstores play in our cultural landscape. By launching the FIRE Book Awards we are doing our small part to help recognize quality books published by indie authors and small publishers. Therefore we are helping bookstores select product that is trade quality from the indie publishing market.” Independent bookstores have long served as vibrant hubs for literary discovery, offering personalized recommendations, hosting author events, and serving as gathering places for bibliophiles to connect and share their love of reading. This annual event shines a spotlight on these cherished establishments, encouraging book lovers to explore their local literary ecosystems and discover new voices and stories. For more information about Independent Bookstore Day and to find participating bookstores near you, visit https://www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day.