Northern California Publishers & Authors

NCPA Annual Awards FAQs

“Putting that little gold foil award sticker on my books has certainly helped the books sell! Watch people as they browse: they pick up a book, look at the front and back cover, then either put it back (if it didn’t pique their interest) and walk away, or open it (if it did). Invariably, browsers notice the little sticker, raise their eyebrows, then open it to read more. The award is like a flag, telling them this book already passed muster with lots of other readers. It’s like an invitation from a trusted friend to come in and enjoy.” – Dierdre Wolownick, Wordswrights International, winner in 1995, 1996 & 1997

What is the purpose of the annual NCPA Awards?

The annual awards recognize NCPA members who publish or write outstanding books and supporting materials such as videos, CD-ROMs, audiotapes, greeting cards, posters, postcards, and brochures.

Who can enter?

Entrants must be a member of NCPA. Publishers may enter their books in all categories. Authors may enter their books in categories not related to book design or production.

Who is the publisher?

The publisher is the person or company who owns the ISBN.

What are the awards categories?

Please see the entry form or the rules page for this year’s categories.

What books are eligible?

Books published the previous calendar year may be entered. Revised editions are eligible. For all entries, the copyright date must match the publication year. To be considered “published,” copies of the book in its published form (not as an ARC) must have been on hand and available for sale to retail customers before December 31 and not have been available for sale earlier than January 1 of the publication year.

Will every category or entry produce a winner?

No. Entry into the contest does not guarantee that a book will be a winner. Neither does being the sole entry for a category. Books and materials are evaluated according to quality.

Who judges the publications?

Judges are drawn from NCPA’s membership, the community, and publishing professionals including local news media.

What do winners receive?

Winners receive certificates and labels which they may use on their book covers. Winners may use supplied label art in marketing and promotional materials. Past winners have successfully used their NCPA awards to obtain media interest and increase sales.

How long has the NCPA awards program been in existence?

The awards program began in 1994, and as of 2007 NCPA has presented more than 137 awards.

“The awards I received from NCPA were a great jump start to promoting my books. Thanks to NCPA I am an award-winning author, which gives me confidence and credibility when selling my books.” – Stephen Burrows, Windmill Publishing