Since 1994 NCPA has honored the work of Northern California independent publishers and authors by presenting awards for overall excellence and quality book production, from cover illustration to interior design. Marketing materials are also eligible for awards. Past winners have successfully used their NCPA awards to increase bookstore and media interest, thus increasing sales.
“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
Books published in 2020:
27th Annual: 2020 Book Award Winners
Children and Young Adult Books
1 Silver Award - Diary of an Orphan Train Hatmaker, by Nancy Menees Hardesty
2 Silver Award - Kiyo Sato From a WWII Japanese Internment Camp to a Life of Service, by Connie Goldsmith
Poetry
1. Gold Award - Blood Memory, Gail Newman
2. Gold Award - Seize, by Brian Komei Dempster
General Non-Fiction
1. Silver Award - The Best Travel Experiences in Europe, by Tom Kando
Non-Fiction, Memoir
1. Gold Award - One Hundred Years of Exile: A Romanov's Search for Her Father's Russia, by Tania Romanov
Fiction
1. Gold Award, sub-category Visionary, Desperate Choices, by Sharon Darrow
1. Gold Award, Sub-category Romance, Sorrow, by Tiffanie DeBartolo
Covers / Interior Design
1. Silver Award - Fiebre Tropical, by Juliana Delgado Lopera
2. Gold Award - Searching Soul for Truth and Light, by Marva Samuels
Judges' Choice Award
Sorrow, by Tiffanie DeBartolo
ANTHOLOGY STORIES
2nd Annual: 2020 Anthology Risk Taker Award Winners
Destination the World Vol 1: Most Improved
Andrea Roth w/a A.K. Buckroth: An Irish Wog
Destination the World Vol 2: Most Improved
Ronald Javor: Israel & Egypt: Doppelgangers
ALL Holidays 2020: Writing out of Genre - BOTH
Barbara Klide: A Christmas Coffee Cruise
Scott Charles: The Ornaments
We couldn’t choose between Klide and Charles, so for the first time, we gave two awards for ALL Holidays 2020.
Books published in 2019:
Press Release
Northern California Publishers and Authors, a professional association of small, independent, and self-publishers, is pleased to announce the winners of its 2020 Book Awards competition, who were honored via Zoom and a live ceremony in Sacramento on Sunday, September 27, 2020.
Poetry
Gold
Painting Trees Linda Collins
Silver
Moon-Maze Barbara A. Barrett
On Valencia Street Jack Micheline
Children's Books
Silver
Will You Still Love Me? A Puppy Haiku Story Christine L. Villa
The Word Dancer Maxine Rose Schur
Young Adult
Gold
Eddie's Choice Marilyn Reynolds
General Non-Fiction
Gold
Tending the Spark, Lighting the Future for Middle School Students From the Deep South to the Promised Land Betty Staley
Silver
From the Deep South to the Promised Land
Kathy Lynne Marshall
Non-Fiction: Memoir
Gold
Echoes of Kapoho Frances H. Kakugawa
Silver
Gray is the New Black Dorothy Rice
Helping Yourself Grow Old: Thing I Said to Myself When I Was Almost 90 Frances Fuller
General Fiction
Gold
April M.L. Hamilton
Between Now and Forever Margaret Duarte
Silverr
Strive and Protect Sharon S. Darrow
The Love Story of Pinky Wollerman Ed Cole
Trade Publications
A Prayer for Travelers Ruchika Tomar
Clover Blue Eldona Edwards
Cover & Design
The Illustrated Hen
Black Cat and the Secret in Dewey's Diary
In Violation of Human Rights
Panda, the Ghost Kitten
Will You Still Love Me?
A Puppy Haiku Story
Books published in 2018:
Press Release
Northern California Publishers and Authors, a professional association of small, independent, and self-publishers, is pleased to announce the winners of its 2019 Book Awards competition, who were honored at a gala banquet in Sacramento on Saturday, April 20, 2019.
Poetry
First place
Seaworthy Marie Reynolds
Second place
Woman Song June Comarsh Gillam
For Better and For Worse
Children's Books
First Place
Zoobooloo: With Filipino Translation Christine L. Villa
Second Place
Daisy and the Dirty Dozen Brian Wallace
Young Adult
Crow's Rest: Faerie Crossed Book 1 Angelica R. Jackson
Merlin's Stronghold: Faerie Crossed Book 2 Angelica R. Jackson
The Case of the Bent Spoke Patricia E. Canterbury
General Non-Fiction
First Place
And Then They Were Gone: Teenagers of Peoples Temple from High School to Jonestown
Judy Bebelaar & Ron Cabral
Second Place
Finding Otho: The Search for Our Enslaved Williams Ancestors
Kathy Lynne Marshall
Third Place
Science in the Neighborhood Amy Rogers
Trade Publication Non-Fiction
First Place
Without Precedent Joel Richard Paul
Second Place
Farsighted Steven Johnson
Third Place
Almost Everything Anne Lamott
Trade Publication
Fiction
First Place
This I Know Eldonna Edwards
Nothing Forgotten Jessica Levine
Third Place
The Incendiaries R.O. Kwon
Trade Publication
Poetry
Terrible Blooms Melissa Stein
Fiction
First Place
She Survives Sharon S. Darrow
Second Place
Angel's Truth: One Teenager's Quest for Justice Bob Irelan
Mrs. Odboddy and Then There Was a Tiger Elaine Faber
Honorable Mention
Between Yesterday and Tomorrow Margaret Duarte
Foreign Publication
You Can't Save 80 Million Filipinos! Roberto E Aboitiz & Matthias Mendezona
Cover Design
First Place: Between Yesterday and Tomorrow
Second Place: Zoobooloo
Third Place: This I Know
Honorable Mention: Murder in Costa Rica L.D. Markham
Press release
Northern California Publishers and Authors, a professional association of small, independent, and self-publishers, is pleased to announce the winners of its 2017 Book Awards competition, who were honored at a gala banquet in Sacramento on Sunday, April 22, 2018.
Poetry
Dangerous Woman Frances Kakugawa
Worthy Deborah LeFalle
Mysterious Book of Old Man Poems Bill Gainer
American Dream Exit Wound Dawn McGuire
Children's Books
Frankie Loves to Burp
Christine L. Villa
Cayla’s Special Dark Glasses
Ronald Javor
Young Adult
Teens and Phobias
First Place
Bitsy Kemper
General Non-Fiction
Thinking Woman’s Guide to Breast Cancer
First Place
Janet Maker, PhD
Tom Flynn, Medium & Healer
Tom Flynn & Sharon S. Darrow
Nonie’s Big Bottom Girls Rio Linda Cookbook 2017
Norma Jean Thornton
Non-Fiction: Memoir
Til Death or Dementia Do Us Part
First Place
Marilyn Reynolds
Wondering Around God
First Place
Elva Anson
Fiction
American River: Tributaries
First Place
Mallory M. O’Connor
Between Darkness and Dawn
Second Place
Margaret Duarte
The Bell Tolls
R. Franklin James
The Han Agent
Amy Rogers
The Pitcher Plant
Pat Rigley
A Cold Blooded Rain
T. R. Leton
Trade Publications
The Weight of Him
First Place
Ethel Rohan
Cover & Design
First Place
'Til Death or Dementia Do Us Part
Second Place
Wondering Around God
Third Place
The Bell Tolls
Mrs. Odboddy: Undercover Courier
Honorable Mention
American Dream with Exit Wound
The Han Agent
Pictorial
Capturing the Castle
Honorable MentionAngelica R. Jackson
Press release
Northern California Publishers and Authors, a professional association of small, independent, and self-publishers, is pleased to announce the winners of its 2016 Book Awards competition, who were honored at a gala banquet in Sacramento on Sunday, April 23, 2017.
Children's Books
Sam and Sue’s Space Adventure
First Place
Ronald Javor
Genevieve Has a Very Very Periwinkle Day
Second Place
Karlene Kay Ryan
Young Adult
Martin McMillan and the Sacred Stones
Second Place
Elaine Russell
Kisses for Cash (book 3)
Honorable Mention
A.K. Buckroth
General Non-Fiction
Snowbound! Legendary Winters of the Tahoe Sierra
First Place
Mark McLaughlin
Body Intelligence: A New Paradigm
Second Place
John L. Mayfield, DC
Fiction
Mrs. Odboddy, Hometown Patriot
First Place
Elaine Faber
Everest Rising
Honorable Mention
M.D. Kambic
Memoir
Coming to America: An Immigrant’s Voyage
First Place
Mary M. Roy
The Space Between: Mother-Daughter Love at the End of Life
Second Place
Virginia A. Simpson
Cover & Design
Sam and Sue’s Space Adventure
First Place
Ronald Javor
The Space Between
Second Place
Virginia A. Simpson
Snowbound
Third Place
Mark McLaughlin
Sinking
Honorable Mention
Sarah Armstrong-Garner
Press release
April 25, 2016 Northern California Publishers and Authors, a professional association of small, independent, and self-publishers, is pleased to announce the winners of its 2016 Book Awards competition, who were honored at a gala banquet in Sacramento on Sunday, April 24.
Poetry
Orbital Paths
First Place
Richard Meyer
ScienceThrillers Media
Children's Books
Wordsworth, It’s In Your Pocket
First Place
Frances Kakugawa
Young Adult
Kidding Around NYC
Second Place
Suzanne Roche
Making It Home
Honorable Mention
Suzanne Roche
General Non-Fiction
When Your Child Has Lyme Disease
First Place
Dorothy K. Leland
& Sandra K. Berenbaum
Hazim Beg Shemdin Agha
Second Place
Hazar Shemdin Bazirgan
Fiction
Between Will and Surrender
First Place
Margaret Duarte
Hot Trail
Second Place
Katie Yaranon
Trade Publications
A Small Indiscretion
First Place
Jan Ellison/Random House
Cover & Design
A Small Indiscretion
First Place
Jan Ellison/Random House
Kidding Around NYC
Second Place
Suzanne Roche
Orbital Paths
Third Place
Richard Meyer/STM
Wordsworth, It’s In Your Pocket
Honorable Mention
Frances Kakugawa
Judges’ Choice
A Small Indiscretion. Special Award. Jan Ellison/Random House
2015 Awards (for books published in 2015; awarded April 2016)
Fiction
First place: Between Will and Surrender, by Margaret Duarte
Second Place: Hot Trail by Katie Yaranon
General Non-Fiction
First place: When Your Child has Lyme Disease, by Dorothy K. Leland & Sandra K. Berenbaum
Second Place: Hazim Beg Shemdin Agha by Hazar Shemdin Bazirgan
Poetry
First place: Orbital Paths by Richard Meyer (ScienceThrillers Media)
Children's
First place: Wordsworth, It's In Your Pocket by Frances Kakugawa
Young Adult
Second place: Kidding Around NYC by Suzanne Roche
Honorable Mention: Making it Home by Suzanne Roche
Trade Publications
First place: A Small Indiscretion by Jan Ellison (Random House)
Cover & Design
First place: A Small Indiscretion by Jan Ellison (Random House)
Second Place: Kidding Around NYC by Suzanne Roche
Third place: Orbital Paths by Richard Meyer (ScienceThrillers Media)
Honorable Mention: Wordsworth, It's In Your Pocket by Frances Kakugawa
Judges' Choice
A Small Indiscretion by Jan Ellison (Random House)
2014 Awards (for books published in 2014; awarded April 2015)
Fiction
First place: The Money Run by Richard Steele
Second Place: Justice and Closure by Daniel Pastre
Third place: Pianist in a Bordello by Mike Erickson
General Non-Fiction
Honorable Mention: Candy and More Sweet Stuff by Norma Jean Thornton
Honorable Mention: Front Office Mastery by Karl Palachuk
Honorable Mention: Employees and Internal Processes by Karl Palachuk
Honorable Mention: Running the Service Department by Karl Palachuk
Honorable Mention: Support and Service Delivery by Karl Palachuk
Non-Fiction: Memoir
First place: In Borrowed Houses by Frances Fuller
Second Place: From Hindsight to Insight by Sharon Darrow
Third place: Faces of Rescue by Sharon Darrow
Poetry
First place: Rumination by Matthias Mendezona
Honorable Mention: I Am Somebody by Frances Kakugawa
Children's
Honorable Mention: Home Finds a Home by Ronald Javor
Cover & Design (awarded to publisher)
First place: In Borrowed Houses by Frances Fuller
Second Place: Rumination by Pretty Road PressThird place: The Red Chair by Pretty Road Press Honorable Mention: Confetti by Pat Morin Honorable Mention: Front Office Mastery by Great Little Book Publishing Honorable Mention: Support and Service Delivery by Great Little Book Publishing Honorable Mention: Employees and Internal Processes by Great Little Book Publishing Honorable Mention: Running the Service Department by Great Little Book Publishing
2013 Awards (for books published in 2013)
The following awards were announced at the NCPA Awards Banquet held in April 2014.
Fiction
First place: Smelling Herself, by Terris McMahan Grimes (CreateSpace)
Second Place: River of Red Gold, by Naida West (Bridge House Books)
Third Place: Dying for a Daiquiri, by Cindy Sample (CreateSpace)
Honorable mention: This Side of Forever, by Jo Chandler (CreateSpace)
General Non-Fiction
First place: Relax, Focus, Succeed, by Karl W. Palachuk (Great Little Book Publishing Co.)
Honorable mention: Dictionary of Publishing Terms, by Ingrid Lundquist (TLC Publishing)
Honorable mention: Bottlekatz: A Complete Care Guide for Orphaned Cats, by Sharron S. Darrow (Lulu.com)
Memoir Non-Fiction
First place: From Tears to Triumph, by Linda Bellow-Ruiz (Mariah Publishing)
Second Place: PTSD’s Stealth Attack on a Vietnam War Veteran, by William J. Blaylock (Pretty Road Press)
Third Place: From Above the Golden Gate, by Thea Hohlmdahl (CreateSpace)
Poetry
Honorable mention: Japalino: Biography of a Japanese-Filipino in Poetry, by Doreen Amy Beyer (Pretty Road Press)
Children's
First place: Bart, the Pear Tree that Grew an Apple, by H. R. Barrera (Gold Seal Publisher)
Second Place: Animal Symphony, by Terry Burke Maxwell (Earth Patch Press)
Cover/Design/Layout
First place: From Tears to Triumph: My Journey to The House of Hope, by Linda Bello-Ruiz (Mariah Publishing)
Second Place: The Crystal Ball: A Micki Michaels Mystery, by Joyce Mason (New Inkarnation)
Third Place: Invisible: PTSD’s Stealth Attack on a Vietnam War Veteran, by William J. Blaylock (Pretty Road Press)
Honorable mention: Animal Symphony, by Terry Burke Maxwell (Earth Patch Press)
Honorable mention: Bart, the Pear Tree that Grew an Apple, by H. R. Barrera (Gold Seal Publisher)
2012 Awards
The following awards were announced at the NCPA Awards Banquet held on April 27, 2013.
Fiction
First place: Flint House, by Kathleen L. Asay
Second Place: The House's Memory, by Owen Sullivan
Third Place: The Brother-in-Law, by F. X. Biasi, Jr.
Honorable mention: Through Phantom Eyes, Volume 5, by Theodora Bruns
Non-Fiction
First place: I Can Dance: My LIfe with a Disability, by Laurie Hoirup
Second Place: The Seasoned Gardner, by Carolyn Singer
Third Place: Disaster & Triumph, Sacramento Women, Gold Rush through the Civil War, by Cheryl Anne Stapp
Honorable mention: Eye from the Edge, by Ruben Llamas
Children's
First Place: Wordsworth! Stop the Bulldozers!, by Frances H. Kakugawa
Best Design/Layout/Cover
First place: Terry Burke Maxwell, Earth Patch Press, for Eye from the Edge, A Memoir of West Oakland, California
Second Place: Carolyn Singer, Garden Wisdom Press, for The Seasoned Gardner
Third place: Wordsworth! Stop the Bulldozers!, by Frances H. Kakugawa
2011 Awards
The following awards were announced at the NCPA Awards Banquet held on April 29, 2012.
Fiction
First place: Dying for a Dance, by Cindy Sample
Non-Fiction
First place: Kapoho, Memoir of a Modern Pompeii, by Frances H. Kakugawa
Honorable mention: Dreaming in English, by Jeannie Johng-Nishikawa
Honorable mention: When Spirits Speak: Messages from Spirit Children, by Jeri K. Tory Conklin
Children's
Honorable mention: Where’s Wiley? The Mystery of the Canine Triangle, by John Westlund
Open Category
Nonfiction/Gift, first place: Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings: Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life, by Margie Yee Webb
Nonfiction/General, first place: History of a Place Called Rescue, by William C. Teie and Francis M. Carpenter
Nonfiction/General, second place: Skiing at Lake Tahoe, by Mark McLaughlin
Best Design/Layout/Cover
First place to William C. Teie for History of a Place Called Rescue
Second place to Margie Yee Webb for Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings: Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life
“Winning three NCPA awards was more valuable than gold stickers on my book covers. Media mention was useful but, for a speaker and bookseller, it has been dynamite promo to tell prospective buyers ‘This book received three major California publishing awards.’ In a speech, this usually gets a round of applause. In a selling situation, it often seals the deal.”
– Susan Maxwell Skinner, author of Carmichael, Americana on the Move
2010 Awards
The following awards were announced at the NCPA Awards Banquet held on April 30, 2011.
Fiction
No awards
Non-Fiction
Gold: Longboards to Olympics by Mark McLaughlin
Honorable Mention: Your Life & Your Money by Scott Feher
Honorable Mention: Earn It: Empower Yourself for Love by Bob Quinlan
Honorable Mention: Savvy, Sassy and Bold after 50! by Vicki Ward
Poetry
Gold: Paper House by Jessie Carty
Honorable Mention: Breaking the Silence by Frances Kakugawa
Children's
Honorable Mention: Hatless by John Witt
Best Design/Layout/Cover
Gold: Hatless by John Witt
Silver: Right Now Is Perfect by Carol Ryan
Best Marketing/Media Package
Gold: Your LIfe & Your Money by Scott Feher
2009 Awards
The following awards were announced at the NCPA Awards Banquet held on April 24, 2010.
Non-Fiction:
Gold The Network Migration Workbook, by by Karl W. Palachuk and Manual L. Palachuk (Great Little Book Publishing Co, Inc.)
Silver Successfully Start/Buy/Sell Your Business/Franchise (four book set), by Andrew Rogerson (Great Little Book Publishing Co, Inc.)
Bronze Body Intelligence, by John Mayfield, D.C. (Nubalance Publishing Company)
Fiction:
Gold Through Phantom Eyes by Theodora Bruns (iUniverse)
Silver Emma Snow by Joaquin Peralta (Balona Books)
Bronze Heart of a Pirate by Pamela Johnson (Stone Harbour Press)
Children’s:
Gold Bumper Hippos by Linda Marchus (Wee Read Publishing)
Silver Buster & Joe by Linda Marchus (Wee Read Publishing)
Bronze Dandy Dooley by Linda Marchus (Wee Read Publishing)
Best New Voice: Couldn’t Happen to Me: A Life Changed by Paralysis and Traumatic Brain Injury by Jill C. Mason (BookSurge)
Best Layout/Design: Successfully Start/Buy/Sell Your Business/Franchise by Andrew Rogerson (Great Little Book Publishing Co, Inc.)
Best Illustration: Bumper Hippos by Linda Marchus (Wee Read Publishing)
Best Young Adult Fiction: Desperado Moon by Sheila M. Keller (Shalako Press)
Best Autobiography/Memoir: Couldn’t Happen to Me: A Life Changed by Paralysis and Traumatic Brain Injury by Jill C. Mason (BookSurge)
Best Photography: B is for Bufflehead by Steve Hutchcraft (Photo Hutch Publishing Co.)
2008 Awards
Northern California Publishers & Authors Books Published in 2008
The following awards were announced at the April 24, 2009, NCPA awards dinner.
Gold AwardDeer in My Garden, Vol. 2 Groundcovers, by Carolyn Singer (Garden Wisdom Press)Silver AwardFeather River Country Adventure Trails by Tom DeMund (Know DeFeet Publishing Company)Bronze AwardLiberty’s Quest by Liberty Kovacs (Robert Reed Publishing)Best General NonfictionDeer in My Garden, Vol. 2 Groundcovers by Carolyn Singer (Garden Wisdom Press)Best First BookThe Take-Us by John Raymond Takacs (Age Publishing Company)
Best Nonfiction How-To Book30 Things You Should Know About Media Relations by Tim Herrera (Create Space)Best Reference/DirectoryFeather River Country Adventure Trails by Tom DeMund (Know DeFeet Publishing Company)Best Self-HelpThe Wealth Manifesto by Mark Rafter (New Knowledge Press)Best Young AdultAndi the Bee by Phil Silver (PBJ Books)Best Illustrated Children’s BookBigfoot and Joshua by Bob and Peggy Bishop (John Hinde USA)Best Spiritual BookChildren of Immortal Bliss by Paul Hourihan, edited by Anna Hourihan (Vedantic Shores Press)
Best Media/MarketingThe Take-Us, by John Raymond Takacs (Age Publishing Company)Best Exterior Soft Cover DesignAndi the Bee, written by Phil Silver and illustrated by Barbara Lyon (PBJ Books)Best Exterior Hard Cover DesignLiberty’s Quest, written by Liberty Kovacs and illustrated by Cleone Lyvonne (Robert Reed Publishing)Best Interior Photo/Photo LayoutFeather River Country Adventure Trails, by Tom DeMund (Know DeFeet Publishing Company)Best Interior Text/Images/GraphicsDeer in My Garden, Vol. 2, Groundcovers, by Carolyn Singer (Garden Wisdom Press)
Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to Awards Director Bradley Simkins and to the judges. Return to top
2007 Awards
Northern California Publishers & Authors Books Published in 2007
Award results were announced at the banquet held April 25, 2008, at Luau Garden in Sacramento.
Gold Award, Best First BookDandelion Through the Crack, By Kiyo Sato, Willow Valley PressSilver Award, Best Nature Photography Book, Best Interior Photos/Photo Layout, Best Exterior Hard CoverYuba Seasons by David McKay, Mountain Images PressBronze Award, Best Illustrated Children’s BookWordsworth Dances the Waltz by Frances H. Kakugawa, Watermark PublishingBest General Fiction Book, Best Media PackageThe Afterlife of Charlotte Browning by Christine B., Lighthouse ProductionsBest General NonfictionWhen We Were Colored: A Mother’s Story by Eva Rutland, IWP Book PublishersBest Exterior Hard Cover – Children’s Book, Honorable Mention – Best Illustrated Children’s BookDelta & Dawn: Mother and Baby Whales’ Journey by Stefanie Cruz, Big Tomato PressBest Nonfiction How-To Book, Best Interior Text LayoutStay Healthy, Live Longer, Spend Wisely by Davis Liu, M.D., Stetho PublishingBest Sports Reference Book, Best Interior Text & Images/GraphicsGold on the Diamond: Sacramento’s Great Baseball Players 1886-1976 by Alan O’Connor, Big Tomato PressBest Poetry Book, Best Exterior Soft CoverThe Petrified Heart by Charles E. Patterson, Corps ProductionsBest Juvenile/Young Adult – FictionServing Humanity: Exercises in Tasteful Philanthropy by Jonathan Pearce, BalonaBooksBest Juvenile/Young Adult – NonfictionFrom Slave to Superstar of the Wild West by Tom DeMund, Legends of the West Publishing CompanyBest Educational Children’s BookWhat Time Is It? by Virginia “Honey” Carter, AuthorHouseBest Reference DirectorySacramento Street Whys: The Whys Guy’s Guide to Sacramento Street Names by Carlos Alcalá, Big Tomato PressBest Alternative Media BookThe Super-Good Project Planner for Technical Consultants by Karl Palachuk, Great Little Book Publishing CompanyBest Spiritual/Self-Help BookRelax Focus Succeed by Karl Palachuk, Great Little Book Publishing CompanyHonorable Mention – Best Fiction, Honorable Mention – Best Media PackageThrough Phantom Eyes, Vol. 1 — A Child’s Guidance by Theodora Bruns, iUniverseHonorable Mention – Best FictionVirgin Trail by Var’Tus, published by Bill ZacconeHonorable Mention – Best Illustrated Children’s BookPlay Hopscotch on Saturn’s Rings by Nancy Hayden Curry, Corps ProductionsHonorable Mention – Best Reference BookIt’s In the Bag: Your Custom Business and Travel Wardrobe by Barbara DesChamps, Château PublishingHonorable Mention – Best Inspirational BookStems of Life Picked from the Garden of Survival by Virginia E. Hansen, Llumina Press
Northern California Publishers & Authors Books Published in 2006
The NCPA Awards 2007 banquet was held April 27, 2007, at Coco’s Bakery Restaurant in Citrus Heights.
GOLD, Best Interior/Text, Images and Graphics, Best Exterior/HardcoverHubie and the Fire Service by William C. Teie, Deer Valley PressSILVER, Best First Book, Best Exterior/SoftcoverDeer in My Garden, Vol. 1, by Carolyn Singer, Garden Wisdom PressBRONZE, Best Interior/Photos/Photo LayoutCarmichael: Americana on the Move by Susan Maxwell Skinner, Betty Milner ProductionsBest Nonfiction/GeneralThe Donner Party: Weathering the Storm by Mark McLaughlin, Mic Mac PublishingBest Nonfiction/Political CommentaryBushopedia by Bill Potts, Potts PublishingBest Nonfiction/Business/TechnicalService Agreements for SMB Consultants by Karl Palachuk, Great Little Book Publishing Co. Inc.Best Juvenile FictionGreeHee: The Journey of Five by Michele Avanti, GreeHee PublishingBest Children’s BookBuz Words: Discovering Words in Pairs by Maria Felicia Kelley, April Arts Press & ProductionsBest Media PackageThe Huna Warrior: The Magic Begins by Jennifer Martin, Prairie Angel PressSpecial Award for InnovationThe High Rider y Otros Cuentos by Hector R. Barrera, Gold Seal PublisherHonorable Mention/EssaysChatter to Flatter Your Platter by Moj Dehghan, iUniverseHonorable Mention/Humorous EssaysDad, You Are NOT Going Out Wearing That! by Tim Herrera, iUniverseHonorable Mention/General FictonBeloved Vagabond by Lew Osteen, Osteen-Zalar Publishing
Northern California Publishers & Authors Books Published in 2005
The Awards Gala was held April 28, 2006, at the Oriental Buffet in Citrus Heights.
GOLD, Best Juvenile/Young Adult, Best Exterior HardcoverThe Balloon Boy of San Francisco by Dorothy Kupcha Leland, Tomato EnterprisesSILVER, Best General Fiction, Best Interior Text Layout, Best Exterior SoftcoverMurder on the Middle Fork by Don Ian Smith and Naida West, Bridge House BooksBRONZE, Best Nonfiction How-To, Best Interior Text Images and GraphicsFirefighter’s Handbook on Wildland Firefighting, 3rd edition, by William C. Teie, Deer Valley PressBest General Nonfiction, Best First BookDon’t Get Thin Get Healthy by Loraine Holden, Golden Green Press
Northern California Publishers & Authors Books Published in 2004
The Awards Gala was held April 9, 2005, at the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza, Sacramento.
GOLD, Best First Book, Best Nonfiction/How-ToKeepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting by Laura M. Ramirez, Walk in Peace ProductionsSILVER, Best Illustrated Children’s, Best Interior Text Layout, Best Interior Text & Images/Graphics Layout, Best Exterior/HardcoverShy Sherman by Linda Marchus, Wee Read PublishingBRONZE, Best General Nonfiction, Best Spiritual/Self-HelpMysticism in American Literature: Thoreau’s Quest and Whitman’s Self by Paul Hourihan, Vedantic Shores PressBest General Fiction, Best Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction, Best Media/Marketing PackageOne Nation Under God by Vincent M. Wales, DGC PressBest PoetryTraveler Maps: Poems by Ko Un by Ko Un, Tamal Vista PublicationsBest Exterior/SoftcoverCoffee and Ink: How a Writers Group Can Nourish Your Creativity edited by Anne Da Vigo, Quill Driver Press
Thank You to Our Sponsors
- Thompson-Shore, Inc.
- Adams-Blake Company, Inc.
- Binding Plus
- Neil Wilkinson, Delta Printing Solutions
- Ellen Reid, The Book Shepard
- Mendocino Graphics / Cypress House Press
- Small Publishers Association of North America (SPAN)
Special thanks to:
- Gary Chew for emceeing and presenting
Sacramento Publishers & Authors Books Published in 2003
The Awards Gala was held April 17, 2004, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Sacramento.
GOLD, Best Historical FictionThe Others at Monticello by Esther Franklin, XlibrisSILVER, Best Children Illustrated, Best Cover/Child, Best Illustrated (Interior)/Child, Best Web SiteThe Gorilla Who Wanted to Dance by Linda Marchus, Wee Read PublishingBRONZE, Best Nonfiction/HistoryCalifornia’s Arab Americans by Janice Marschner, Coleman Ranch PressBest Nonfiction/History, Best Text and LayoutThe History of the Paso Robles Inn: More Than a Century of Pride by Ann Martin Bowler, Oak Lake PressBest Nonfiction/General, Best Self-HelpYour Life in Print by Pat Cuellar, LifePrints PublishingBest First Book, Best Bookmark, Best PostcardWe’ll Give Him a Hearty Welcome, Then . . . by Elizabeth A. Martin, 1st Books LibraryBest Fiction/DramaFool Me Once by Bill Pieper, Pacific Slope PressBest FantasyTen Dragon Tails by Candy Taylor Tutt, Libris Draconis PressBest Action NovelGold Raid by Ed Mitchell, California Coast PublishingBest Romantic NovelA Yellow Cotton Dress by H. L. Osteen, Osteen Zalar PublishingBest Health & FitnessWeight Lost Forever by Henry K. Chang, M.D., Long Bow PublishingBest SpiritualThe Death of Thomas Merton by Paul Hourihan, Vedantic Shores PressBest ChristianRecipes for a Happier Marriage by Marlys J. Norris and Joe Baginski, MSW, Pleasant Word Publishing
Sacramento Publishers & Authors Books Published in 2002
The Awards Gala was held April 5, 2003, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Sacramento.
GOLD, Best Cover, Best Text and Layout, Best Reference/Resource Directory, Best TravelBackCountry Adventures: Northern California by Peter Massey and Jeanne Wilson, Swagman Publishing, Inc.SILVER, Best Nonfiction: HistoryWestern Train Adventures: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly by Mark McLaughlin, Mic Mac PublishingBRONZE, Best Fiction/DramaRoots of the Blackthorn Tree by Basil S. Douros, Five and Dot CorporationBest First Book, Best Children’s Illustrated, Best Illustrator (Interior)/ChildHoot’n Annie by Linda Marchus, Wee Read PublishingBest Illustrator (Cover)/Adult, Best Mystery, Best Brochure, Best PostcardSpice: An Island Intrigue by Dan O’Connor, Waterton PressBest WesternThe Joshua Trail by Early Santee, Osteen Zalar Publishing Co.Best Poetry/CreativeUninhibited & Still Holding Back by Sandy Martin, Sweet-Rock Publications & EnterprisesBest SpiritualRamakrishna and Christ by Paul Hourihan, Vedantic Shores PressBest Other Materials/CDHappy Thoughts by Holly Scarabosio, Dandelion Productions
Thank You to Our Sponsors
- Don DeHart, DeHart’s Printing Services Corporation
- Alan Canton, Adams-Blake
- Tamara Dever, TLC Graphics
- Neil Wilkinson, Arvato Services Bertelsmann
- Dan O’Connor, Waterton Press
- Office Depot
- Safeway
Special Thanks to:
- Jeff Bell, KFBK Radio, for emceeing and presenting
- John Kremer for presenting
- Devin Kelly for presenting
- Andrea Patterson, Awards Chair, for organizing and publicizing the event
- Terry Prince, Chief Judge, for managing the juried book awards
- Aysha Sheppard for custom certificates
- Sandy Martin for her poetry reading
- Show Biz Kids for entertainment
- Lana Wong for entertainment
Sacramento Publishers & Authors Books Published in 2001
GOLD, Best BiographySymon’s Daughter: A Memoir of Elizabeth Symon Smith by Don Ian Smith, Bridge House BooksSILVER, Best Cover, Best Poetry/Creative BookFrom Hell to Jackson Hole: A Poetic History of the American West by Michael L. Johnson, Bridge House BooksBRONZE, Best Text and Layout, Best TextbookTurning the Corner: Energy Solutions for the 21st Century by Dohn Riley and Mark McLaughlin, Alternative Energy Institute, Inc.Best Children’s Illustrated, Best Illustrated Interior, Best Bookmark, Best Trade CatalogIf the World Were Blind: A Book About Judgment and Prejudice by Karen Gedig Burnett, GR PublishingBest Fiction/Drama/Juvenile, Best Juvenile, Best Science FictionThrough the Wormhole by Robert J. Favole, Flywheel PublishingBest Nonfiction/General, Best Self-Help, Best SpiritualMagical Living: Essays for the New Age by Bob Makransky, Dear Brutus PressBest Business Book, Best Computer BookNetwork Consulting in the Real World by David V. Grainger, CNE; JT Grainger Co.Best Fantasy, Best Fiction/Drama (Adult)Wish You Were Here by Vincent M. Wales, 1st Books LibraryBest First BookTrolling on the Edge: The Story of a Noyo Fisherman by Jeanne Duncan, Trafford Publishing CompanyBest AutobiographyFrom Communism to Capitalism by Gordon S. Riess, Four Continents Press
Special Thanks to:
- Jeff Bell
- Sheryl Counter
- Devin Kelly
- Sandy Martin-Dodds
- Dan Poynter
- Lana Wong
Sacramento Publishers Association Books Published in 2000
GOLD, Best Text and Layout, Best Nonfiction/History, Best Reference/Resource Directory, Best First BookCalifornia 1850: A Snapshot in Time by Janice Marschner, Coleman Ranch PressSILVER, Best Illustrator (Cover)/Adult, Best Fiction/DramaEye of the Bear: A History Novel of Early California by Naida West, Bridge House BooksBRONZE, Best Illustrator (Interior)/Adult, Best Travel BookEarth-Friendly Inns and Environmental Travel Northeast: A Green Guide to the Northeastern United States by Dennis Dahlin, WPM, Inc.Best Illustrator (Cover)/Child, Best Illustrator (Interior)/Child, Best Cover/Child, Best Children’s Illustrated, Best BookmarkKatie’s Rose: A Tale of Two Late Bloomers by Karen Gedig Burnett, GR PublishingBest Cover/Adult, Best PostcardTending Your Money Garden, 2nd Ed. by Bob Dreizler, Rossonya BooksBest Nonfiction/GeneralThe Hanging of Arthur Hodge: A Caribbean Anti-Slavery Milestone by John Andrew, XlibrisBest TextbookWhat’s The Rule? A Simple Guide to Perfect Punctuation, Great Grammar, and Superb Sentences and Style by Kathleen Sole, Real World Publications
Special Thanks to:
- Aysha Sheppard for certificates and Chris O’Connor for programs
- Jan Nathan, PMA, for presenting awards and Gary Chew, KXPR, for serving as MC
- Sandy Martin-Dodds for her poetic dramatization
- George Raley and Wendell Fishman for the jazz combo
Sacramento Publishers Association Books Published in 1999
GOLD, Best Illustrator (Cover)/Adult, Best Illustrator (Interior)/Adult, Best Text and Layout, Best Fiction/Drama, Best Cover, Best First BookCarved in Stone: The Greek Heritage by Basil Douros, Five and Dot CorporationSILVER, Best Nonfiction (General), Best Self-Help, Best Bookmark, Best PostcardThe Two Headed Dragon: Exploring the Gifts of AIDS by Sean Hoag, LCSW, Ravenwood PublishingBRONZE (shared honor)Simon’s Hook: A Story About Teases and Put-downs by Karen Gedig Burnett, GR PublishingPay Out and Pay Back by Barbara Scott, Zenar BooksBest Illustrator (Cover)/Child, Best Illustrator (Interior)/Child, Best Children’s Illustrated, Best HumorSimon’s Hook: A Story About Teases and Put-downs by Karen Gedig Burnett, GR PublishingBest MysteryPay Out and Pay Back by Barbara Scott, Zenar BooksBest CD, Best Trade Poster, Best Poetry/CreativeAromatic Blend: The Book of Coffee Poems by Don Anawalt, Abongold BooksBest First Endeavor (Other), Best PosterStretching the Drum by Sanaga Sardis/Art Roost PublishingBest AudioThe Crystal Palace: A Tale from the Gold Country by Paula Bonnier Anawalt, Abongold BooksBest SpiritualRemember the 10 Commandments Easy as 1,2,3 by Stephen E. Burrows, Evans Books
Special Thanks to:
- Aysha Sheppard for designing and framing the plaques
- Dale Schornack, KXTV, and Gary Chew, KXPR, for announcing
- Darlene Smith for her Prairie Rose dramatization
- Don Anawalt for his poetry reading
Sacramento Publishers Association Books Published in 1998
GOLD, Best First BookTending Your Money Garden by Robert Dreizler, Rossonya BooksSILVER, Best CoverA First-Year Teacher’s Guidebook by Bonnie Williamson, Dynamic Teaching CompanyBRONZEThe Red Bluff Navy by Arla Gridley Farmer, Ravenwood Publishers
Sacramento Publishers Association Books Published in 1997
GOLD, Best First BookGetting Thru to Kids: Problem Solving With Children Ages 6 to 18 by Phillip Mountrose, Holistic CommunicationsSILVERGold Country by Deirdre Wolownick Honnold, Wordwrights InternationalBRONZEBuilding Your Financial Portfolio on $25 A Month (Or Less) by E. S. Christensen & B. R. Christensen, Effective Living PublishingBest CoverA Traveler’s Guide to Caribbean History by Don & Dene Dachner, Traveler’s Press, Inc.
Sacramento Publishers Association Books Published in 1996
GOLDRiver of Red Gold by Naida West, Bridge House BooksSILVER, Best Cover, Best First BookGrandmother’s Bell and the Wagon Train 1849 by Joan Barsotti, Barsotti BooksBRONZEEnglish With Ease by Dierdre Wolownick Honnold, Wordwrights International
Sacramento Publishers Association Books Published in 1995
GOLD, Best CoverThe Silver Pen by Alan Canton, Adams-Blake PublishingSILVERWhere to Have Affairs by Carol Cullen Nelson, Riba CommunicationsBRONZE, Best First BookSan Jose With Kids by Deirdre Wolownick Honnold, Wordwrights International
Sacramento Publishers Association Books Published in 1994
GOLD, Best First BookHow to Guarantee Your Child’s Success . . . and Your Own, Too! by Richard W. Dehaven, Mayaland PressSILVERMilemarking I-80: San Francisco to New York by Mary Lou Kost, Mile PublicationsBRONZESacramento With Kids: A Family Guide to the Greater Sacramento Region by Dierdre Wolownick Honnold, Wordwrights InternationalBest CoverEncyclopedia of Sauces for Your Pasta by Charles A. Bellissino, Marcus Kimberly Publishing