Next Generation Indie Book Awards. . .

Controversial is the only way to describe the debate over today’s entrepreneurial Independent authors. As with any uninvited change to established institutions, the mainstream publishing industry has been uncomfortable with this fast growing trend.

Similar to Indie films and Indie music, the mainstream publishing posse has their points. The checks and balances in place for selecting just the right media bubbles up what they believe will sell to the public. True, this insures a high standard of editing and formatting. Also true, it restricts incredibly rich choices for those whom have a passion for their genres.

An unbiased answer to the cry for quality and choice are industry respected publications such as Kirkus Discoveries, Midwest Book Review, Foreward Magazine, and others who specifically target services for independent authors. Consumers can be assured that reputation is foremost for these publications – ergo a strong review assures a reader of a quality story.

Also emerging to meet the demand for quality are reputable Independent book competitions to showcase the best of the best. As with the Sundance Film Festival and South by Southwest Festival, these competitions seek to uncover budding talent that has gone unnoticed.

I am pleased to congratulate the winner of this year’s Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the Historical Fiction Category, “Buffaloed”, by Fairlee Winfield.
Alongside “Buffaloed”, I am proud to share a position as a finalist in the Historical Fiction Category for “. . .a rib from Eve”.

Kudos to all of the finalist and winners of these prestigious awards, and a special thanks to the judges and organizers for supporting this growing trend in publishing!