by Rita Baladad
Quick Summary
From MN Writes MN Reads
Self-Published Author Contest Winners Announced
Minnesota Libraries Honor State’s Self-Published Authors
From MN Writes MN Reads
Self-Published Author Contest Winners Announced
Minnesota Libraries Honor State’s Self-Published Authors
Minnesota libraries have announced the winners of their first annual self-published author contest.
Minnesota libraries launched MN Writes MN Reads (pronounced Minn Writes, Minn Reads) in 2017. This suite of tools allows authors and readers to create, share, and read ebooks. Learn more about MN Writes MN Reads.
In conjunction with the launch of these tools, Minnesota Libraries hosted the first annual MN Writes MN Reads Self-Published Author Contest. An increasing percentage of the book market is now composed of self-published authors, and the contest celebrates such authors from across the state. The contest recognizes young adult and adult fiction titles and was judged by a panel of Minnesota librarians, booksellers, and educators. Winners were announced on October 11 at the Minnesota Library Association Conference.
The winning young adult title is Journey’s Middle by B.K. Parent, Wildwood Library patron. Parent is a retired school psychologist and a lifelong storyteller. Her book was originally written as a serial sent by email once a week to friends and family.
The winning adult fiction title is Betting on Paradise by Lizbeth Selvig, Lonsdale Library patron. Selvig has worked as a journalist and magazine editor. She now writes fun, contemporary romance novels.
Finalists in the young adult category include Evalene’s Number by Bethany Atazadeh and They’re Always With You by Mary Lockman. Finalists in the adult fiction category include Nerve Damage by Tom Combs and Castle Danger by Chris Norbury.
Winners receive $1000 and a write-up in Library Journal, one of the country’s most respected publications for library news. Additionally, libraries from across the state will be buying winning and finalist books for their collections.
Minnesota libraries plan to host another contest in 2019, so start finishing up your books!
MN Writes MN Reads and the author contest are supported by public and academic libraries from across Minnesota, as well as by the Minnesota Library Foundation.
