FAQs
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE IBPA BOOK AWARD
Who is the Independent Book Publishers Association?
Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) is the largest and most recognized independent publishing association in the U.S. IBPA sees a world where its approximately 3,500 members and all independent publishers have the access, knowledge, and tools needed to engage in all aspects of an inclusive publishing industry.
What is the IBPA Book Award, formerly the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award?
The IBPA Book Award honors independent publishers who have demonstrated editorial and design excellence in a book. Celebrating excellence since 1985, these awards showcase the work of independent publishers and their professional teams. The awards are considered one of the highest national honors for independent book publishers.
When did the name change happen?
The 36th annual award recipients announced in April 2024 was the last year of the awards under the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award name. The 37th awards cycle launched as the IBPA Book Award.
How many IBPA award categories are there?
The IBPA Book Award has more than 50 categories, with one gold and two silver winners in each category.
I have an IBPA Benjamin Franklin award. What does the change mean for me?
If you have received an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award from our first award program in 1985 until our 36th program in 2024, congratulations again! You can choose to refer to the award as the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award or the IBPA Book Award.
Do I have to change all my marketing and collateral if I won an IBPA Benjamin Franklin award?
You can continue calling it the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award. You can continue using the Gold and Silver seals on your book covers if you wish.
Can I get more information on the criteria for the community award categories?
This suite of categories is intended to amplify authentic voices and underrepresented communities. Therefore, submissions will be judged on the quality of the publication and also on the book’s contribution to the community. Furthermore, it is required that one or more of the members of the book development team (editor, primary illustrator/photographer for highly illustrated books, publisher, author) be a member of the community.
Why change the name of the award program?
IBPA's book award program has a long history of recognizing outstanding books published by independent publishers. The new name, IBPA Book Award, more closely associates the award with IBPA’s strong brand and core values. The tagline "celebrating publisher excellence since 1985” makes it clear that the award is for publishers creating excellent books and audiobooks.
What is your definition of a Neurodivergent individual?
The term Neurodivergent can be used to describe an individual whose brain development, behavior, and thought pattern operates differently than those who are defined as “neurotypical.” This includes people with autism, ADHD, depression, Tourette's, dyslexia, synesthesia, anxiety, and more.
What is your definition of Disabled community?
The Disabled Community is comprised of individuals who have a limitation on their physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina. This includes individuals who have impairments that limit other facets of daily living, such as respiratory disorders, blindness, deafness, epilepsy and sleep disorders.
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact us and we are happy to help. Email terry@ibpa-online.org.
