2012 Book Launch Winners Named -
Friday, July 27, 2012
Each year the SCBWI awards two Book Launch Awards of $2000 each for authors or illustrators with a book coming out the following year. The money is for implementing a marketing plan that will help increase the visibility and sales of their book.
The winners were chosen for 2012 were:
Anne Bryan Westrick and
Dorinda Makanaonalani Nicholson
Westrick won for her marketing proposal for
Letters to be released by Viking Children's Books in the fall of 2013. The middle-grade novel tells the story of a freed slave in Richmond, VA and how one person can make a difference. She plans to use her money to promote her book through a "Making a Difference" project. In collaboration with the
Podium Foundation, young people will create audio programs in the Richmond, VA area. Westrick then hopes to expand the project nationally.
Nicholson won for her marketing proposal for
The School the Aztec Eagles Built to be released in the Spring of 2013 by Lee & Low Books. Her nonfiction book tells the story of the how Mexico and the US fought together in WWII. She plans to use her money to help raise awareness about Hispanic contributions in WWII through events at schools, libraries and the
National Museum of the Pacific War.
The proposals were chosen for their comprehensive, achievable plans and their inventive ideas. The winners will work closely with their marketing departments to make sure the grant money is used resourcefully. Stay tuned for full reports on the successes and snags our winners experience as they implement their marketing plans over the coming year.
Any SCBWI member with a book coming out in 2014 is encouraged to apply for the 2013 Book Launch Awards. For more information and guidelines please visit the SCBWI website. In the meantime, to help in your own marketing plans, check out the
"Publicizing your Published Work" section of the SCBWI Publication Guide. It offers comprehensive marketing advice and ideas for any budget.