Self Published Book Award 2011 - Chapter One Promotions

Our judge, Wendy O' Brien, from The Self Publishing Magazine, has presented us with the name of the winner of the Self Published Book Award and the runners up.

Having read all the book entries, we understand how challenging it must have been for Wendy to select her top nine books.  The range of stories, poems and non-fiction titles were breathtaking in their variety, depth and style.  Many of the books felt as if they belonged in high street bookstores, nestled alongside bestsellers and accomplished authors alike. 

A handful of the entries were let down by a lack of attention to detail where grammatical mistakes were too often sighted, or information had already been relayed therefore making the story sluggish in parts.  

Some of the book covers took our breath away with their lush colours or thought provoking images and designs.  A few covers looked 'hand made' making the glossy feel of a highly produced product seem lost in that first instance.  However, these were few and far between, and if the cover did not appeal on first impressions, then the narrative that unfolded certainly did.

There were many poetry collections that held gems in their midst, while others had poems that bought to life various emotions but were surrounded by otherwise OK pieces of poems. Dramatic editing of the individual pieces, or of the collection as a whole, would have created the necessary effect of making the work succinct.

Overall, we felt that the books on offer were of an extremely high standard and merit being self published in order that the public can access these books that the publishing world has yet to take note of.

Wendy's comments and thoughts on the winner and the runners up have been highlighted below.

Well, I have made my decision on the winner and although I was extremely impressed with ALL the books, this one for me was a clear winner.
 
The book I have chosen is Unravelling by Lindsay Stanbery-Flynn.
 
Not only is it a well-crafted story, it is very human too with realistic characters who are totally believable.  The dialogue is compelling, I did not want to put the book down.  I was desperate to finish the book to see what happened but at the same time did not want to finish the book as I was enjoying it so much!
 
This book is the best book I have read in a very long time and deserves to be on the book shelves amidst other bestsellers.  I would without a shadow of a doubt buy any future book that Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn writes and publishes, she is incredibly talented.

I can't praise this book enough.  I have tried to find areas in which she could improve but cannot.  Not only is the story totally brilliant, the title, book cover, grammar, layout is all incredibly professional.  Well done Lindsay - keep writing - please!

 
In second place I have chosen Daniel Asleep by Anya Cates.
 
Daniel Asleep was a fabulous read.  You are taken on a journey with Marie which becomes believable only through the cleverness and skill of Anya Cates writing.  It is a powerful book which explores how far we can go to help those we love, doing things we would not normally consider but which become 'essential' in the name of love.
 
Again, I cannot fault this book at all.  The cover is brilliant, the title is brilliant as is the grammar and layout.   Well done Anya, this really is an excellent read!

 
Third place goes to Secrets Only Sleep by Barbara Fagan Speake.
 
Barbara Fagan Speake has the ability and skill to spin an intricate and convincing plot.  This book is an excellent thriller which keeps you guessing right to the end.  The characters are very human and this gives the book emotion.  This was another book that was hard to put down but a little work on her style of writing could achieve a slightly more fluid text.
 
The title and book cover are excellent as is the grammar.  Layout wise my only comment would be that the chapters could be more defined, more space on the page at the start of the chapter but this is only my personal preference.
 
A powerful thriller, with believable characters, an excellent read - well done Barbara!

 
The other titles I have selected are in no particular order, with a few chosen words on each.
 
It Never Stays in Vegas by Lindy Hughes.
 
An interesting title and cover.  It is a good read but needs some editing in order to emotionally stir the reader.  I found this book enjoyable but for me it was a 'put down, pick up' book, I wasn't engaged in the storyline.  Editing I am sure would sort this.  The humour was excellent and Lindy Hughes definitely has talent!

 
Yeshua by Edmund Jonah.
 
Religion is always a difficult subject but Edmond Jonah handles the theme well.  However, the dialogue needs to be used to 'show' the characters emotions rather than 'tell' them.  A brave topic brilliantly handled.

 
My Ancestors Walked Out Of Africa by Edith Cory-King.
 
Edith's subject knowledge really shines through in this book making it a believable and interesting read.  I did, however, feel the layout of the book could be improved to make it more inviting.  The start of the story being on a left hand page made me question if I was starting in the correct place and I would also have preferred if the chapters were given more definition, more space.  A very enjoyable book.

 
Miriam's Legacy by Patricia Rantisi.
 
A very powerful and moving book.  Very cleverly written to include the correct historical facts. The dialogue was fluid and compelling.  Book cover, title and layout all excellent.  This book deserves recognition.

 
Exit Moonshine by Joy Howard.
 
On the back cover of this book it says 'These poems will make you reflect and smile'.  I was quite nervous about reading this book as I am not a huge poetry fan BUT it did exactly what it said on the tin!  These poems did make me smile and they did make me reflect and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading them.  I love the title and the book cover and am pleased to say that Joy has opened my eyes to the joy of poetry (no pun intended!).

 
Lady Luckless by Wilma Kay.
 
As with Exit Moonshine I was nervous of reading Lady Luckless but was amazed by the power of Wilma's words!  I found her words both moving and thought provoking.  Some made me laugh out loud and some made me cry!  Excellent title, cover and layout.  I will not be nervous of prose and rhyme again!

Wendy O' Brien
Judge
The Self Publishing Magazine

If you would like to contact us then please do so.  Our mailing address is Chapter One Promotions, Canterbury Court, 1-3 Brixton Road, London, SW9 6DE, England.  Alternatively you can e-mail us or call us on 0845 456 5364.

Submissions for the next Self Published Book Award will be accepted from Sunday 1 January 2012 and the deadline for entries is at midnight on Thursday 28 February 2013.