Alberta Publisher of the Year

This annual award honours an Alberta publisher which, through the overall quality of books produced, innovation in all areas of the industry, service to clients, and activity in the community, best exemplifies the spirit of Alberta and the book publishing industry.

The Alberta Publisher of the Year Award honours an Alberta publisher who shows outstanding merit in all areas of activity undertaken during the calendar year, and who best exemplifies the spirit of the Alberta book publishing community. Publishers may also be recruited to apply by the current Executive of the BPAA. The recipient of this award in a given year will not be eligible for the award the folllowing year.

Eligibility

  1. Publishers do not have to be members of the BPAA to apply but must meet eligibility guidelines as follows. A publisher will:
  • have its chief office of business located in Alberta;
  • be at least 80% beneficially owned by Canadian citizens or landed immigrants, or be fully owned and controlled by Canadian institutions or associations that are 80% controlled by Canadian citizens or landed immigrants;
  • have effective managerial and editorial control by people domiciled in Alberta, and
  • financial control in the hands of people living in Canada; and publish original Canadian books as a primary and not an occasional activity.
  1. A publisher must have been in operation for at least 2 years from the date of publication of their first book, and have a minimum of 4 original Canadian books in print. No more than 25% of books in print have been written by principals, directors or employees of the publisher.

Criteria

  1. Publishers will be judged on overall quality of books produced, including editing, design and production. You must submit a selection of 4 books from your 2011 list (3 copies of each title).
  2. Promotional activity and market acceptance will be considered. Publishers must provide a listing of promotional activities undertaken for each book, including author tours, book launches and other promotional events. Publishers must provide copies of reviews and details of media coverage.


Submissions

  1. A written application should accompany your submission. Please describe overall activities for the year and state the reasons why your firm deserves this award.
  2. Submissions shall consist of the completed entry form, 3 copies each of a selection of 4 titles from your 2011 list, 3 copies of your written application, 3 copies of catalogues, 3 copies of supporting documents, and a cheque or money order for an administration fee of $25.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, February 27, 2012.
For more information, please contact the Book Publishers Association of Alberta at (780) 424-5060, or by email.

Note: It is to your benefit to provide as much detail as possible in your written application. Please support statements with documentation. Please include exact sales figures, in number of copies sold.

Previous Winners

2011 University of Alberta Press
2010 NeWest Press
2009 Freehand Books (Broadview Press)
2008 Fifth House Publishers
2007 Fifth House Publishers
2006 Frontenac House
2005 The University of Alberta Press
2004 Broadview Press
2003 NeWest Press
2002 Duval House Publishing
2001 Duval House Publishing
2000 Reidmore Books
1999 Red Deer Press
1998 Red Deer College Press
1997 Red Deer College Press
1996 NeWest Press
1995 Lone Pine Publishing
1994 The University of Alberta Press
1993 Reidmore Books
1992 Red Deer College Press
1991 Lone Pine Publishing
1990 NeWest Press