Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on an FAQ for further information:
What are The Irish Book Awards?
The Irish Book Awards comprises nine categories of literary awards aimed at promoting and celebrating excellence in Irish writing. It is the only set of literary awards which enjoys the full support of all Irish bookshops.
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Who runs the Irish Book Awards?
In 2007 The Awards were registered as a new financially independent not-for-profit company, presided over by a board drawn from the principle book-trade sponsors. The awards are run by Chief Executive Alstair Giles and administered by Bert Wright. In addition, a consultative trade-wide Steering Committee which includes booksellers, publishers, BA officials and sponsors representatives meets regularly on matters of policy and procedure.
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How are titles submitted for consideration?
Submissions are welcomed at any time up to the closing date which this year is December 14th. Entries should be submitted online by clicking the Eligibility & Submissions tab on the home page.
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Are there any constraints on submissions?
Eligibility rules for all award categories can be examined by clicking on the Eligibilty & Submissions tab on the home page.
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Can I submit in more than one category?
Yes but see Eligibility & Submissions tab on the home page for specifics.
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As a submitting publisher do I have to supply copies of the books?
Yes, but only if your title becomes shortlisted, in which case you will be asked to send us ten copies which will be used for promotional purposes.
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How are the shortlists compiled?
By a ballot of Irish booksellers and librarians. The ballot paper which includes every title submitted is sent to all BA-afilliated member bookshops. This year's shortlists were selected by around 300 Irish booksellers and librarians.
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How are the winners selected in each category?
Two awards, the Listeners' Choice and the Popular Fiction awards, are decided by a public vote. The other awards are voted upon by members of The Irish Literary Academy. The DAA Children's prize has an added dimension in which a panel of three adult experts plus two children - winners of an essay competition - supplement the academy vote.
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What is the Irish Literary Academy?
The newly-launched Irish Literary Academy is an aggregate of around 100 bibliophiles - authors, publishers, booksellers, academics, critics - who are sent a ballot paper of the seven shortlists with the invitation to vote for their preferred winner in each category.
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How do I vote on the popular choice awards?
All good bookshops will have voting cards upon which you can record your votes. You will also be able to vote on the website of the IBAS and from the RTE website.
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When is the Awards Dinner and how do I get tickets?
The Awards Dinner for 2008 will be held in the Dublin's Mansion House Round Room on Thursday 24th April. This is a much bigger venue that last year's but demand will be high so if you want to attend, register your intent soon. Enquiries should be made to the IBA Administrator.
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Who do I talk to about sponsorship?
The only hitherto unsponsored category, The Best Newcomer of the Year Award, has been taken up by International Education Services Ltd of Leixlip. Any company wishing to be considered as a sponsor should contact either the Executive Director or The Administrator. Sponsorship proposals not specifically related to an award will also be considered.
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