Awards

Q3 Award Winner and Highly Commended Campaigns

It is with great pleasure that we announce the quarterly award-winning and highly commended publicists for our third quarterly award of 2020. Q3 is for campaigns carried out in June, July and August. Caroline Sanderson is our judge on behalf of The Bookseller.

From Caroline:

Judging the quarterly awards is always fiendishly difficult. But given the particularly exacting challenges that this year has presented us all with, both personally and professionally, I would sincerely love to reward each and every one of you. Throughout Q3 I witnessed the results of publicists doing remarkable work to keep books at the forefront of a crazy news agenda, and at the forefront of readers’ minds too. That the book market has held up so well is partly due to all of you.

But, dammit, there can only be one winner.

WINNER: Millie Seaward (Dialogue Books) for The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

“I canpersonally testify to the effectiveness of Millie’s campaign, having gone out to buy the book in hardback myself, so intrigued was I by all the noise surrounding it. Yes, we were all focused on reading more black voices at this time due to Black Lives Matter, but the publicity surrounding this title raised it to another level entirely. Actually I was impressed by the way Millie actually managed to separate this book from all the news pieces (noting that the author was unable to write pieces herself) to make publication an event in itself, even after the author’s UK author visit was cancelled. Her best laid plans over many months prior to publication had to be swiftly rethought, particularly her strategy with regard to online events.

Whilst some may argue that the success of The Vanishing Half was BLM assisted, I actually think this campaign was highly astute over a long period of time, in order to launch an unknown but utterly brilliant US fiction writer in the UK market. No mean feat.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sophie Calder (HQ) for Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie & Carolyn Durand

“I felt slightly sick reading about the media feeding frenzy which surrounded publication of this book about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. And full of admiration for how astutely Sophie dealt with it, despite huge challenges. Sometimes publicity is about dealing strategically with high demand for a book rather than creating it, and this campaign is a shining example of how to do it.”

Caroline also highlighted a couple of other campaigns that particularly impressed her:
Virginia Woolstencroft (Orion) for Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
Mia Quibell-Smith (Vintage) for Sisters by Daisy Johnson
Congratulations all!

A reminder on award deadlines!

Q4 (September, October and November books) – 11th December (form here)
Annual Awards – 18th December (form here)

Remember we are now accepting digital submissions and have 2 new categories! More info below.

Q1 and 2 Award Winners and Highly Commended Campaigns

It is with great pleasure that we announce the quarterly award-winning and highly commended publicists for our first two quarterly awards of 2020. We apologise for the delay in getting these to you, hopefully we are back on schedule now after the upheaval of the past six months…

Drumroll please!

Q1 results: for campaigns carried out in December ’19, January and February
Caroline Sanderson is now our judge on behalf of The Bookseller and judged Q1 for us. She will also judge Q3.

Winner: Ella Patel (Quercus) for Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad

Caroline’s comment: ‘Ella clearly put her heart and soul into a hugely impressive campaign which helped render the book a bestseller. She also carefully navigated both her author’s complex needs and wellbeing, and the challenges generated by the book, with great tact and sensitivity. But what makes her a particularly worthy winner is that Ella was also fired up to use the book to try and lever a culture shift both within Hachette and across our wider industry. Hugely impressive work which shows what game-changers books can be when we don’t just publicise them, but use them for good as well.’

Highly commended: Philippa Cotton (Bloomsbury) for A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
‘A wide ranging and canny campaign resulting in Allende’s first ever UK bestseller.’

Caroline also said that she particularly admired the following campaigns:
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins – Louise Swannell (Headline) and Elaine Egan (Hachette Ireland)
Fantastically Great Women Who Saved the Planet by Kate Pankhurst – Emily Marples (Bloomsbury Children’s)
Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid – Ros Ellis (Bloomsbury)
The Rules of Contagion by Adam Kucharski – Drew Jerrison (Profile)
Weather by Jenny Offill – Lamorna Elmer (Granta)

Q2 results: for campaigns carried out in March, April and May
Bea Carvalho is now our judge on behalf of Waterstones and judged Q2 for us. She will also judge Q4.

Winner: Francesca Pearce (Orion) and Elaine Egan (Hachette Ireland) for Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan

Bea’s comment: ‘Francesca and Elaine piloted a focused and nimble campaign which navigated the challenges of 2020 (both universal and book-specific) with confidence, achieving an unmissable, impactful launch for a debut despite the seemingly impossible circumstances. Not only does the breadth of the coverage speak for itself, but the way that the team reacted and adapted to the needs of the author, the changing retail landscape, and new opportunities, is to be applauded – especially with a strategy which was initially so reliant on bookshops. For a debut to launch at arguably the worst time in history and achieve such impact is testament to the team’s efforts, and their passion and expertise shine through in their submission.’

Highly commended:Millie Seaward (Little, Brown) for Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez
‘It’s clear how key Millie’s efforts were to the success of Rainbow Milk, and to establishing Paul as one of the most exciting new voices to watch in British fiction. Despite a low budget, a passionate and bold strategy ensured a robust framework for this title to survive the tides of 2020, and will will stand him in good stead for his onward career.’

 

NEW DEADLINES FOR Q3, Q4 & ANNUAL AWARDS

Q3 (June, July and August books) – 2nd October (form here)
Q4 (September, October and November books) – 11th December (form here)
Annual Awards – 18th December (form here)

Remember we are now accepting digital submissions and have 2 new categories! More info below.

We are accepting digital submissions to ppcawards20@gmail.com

  • Forms can be downloaded here (Q3) , here (Q4) and here (Annual)
  • Publicists must compile all clippings into one reduced-size PDF document
  • Submissions must be attached as a low-res PDF
  • Submission emails must be clearly labelled in the email subject line as to which award they submission is for

We also have 2 new categories:

YA and Children’s Celebrity Book Campaign (all formats)
Award for the best campaign for a book aimed at a young reader (including picture books, middle grade and teen) written by a well-known personality.

Crime and Thriller Campaign, hardback and paperback
Award for the best book campaign within the crime, psychological suspense or thriller genre. This can be a novel or non-fiction, including true crime narratives, in both hardback and paperback format.

 

DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS and NEW CATEGORIES

We are accepting digital submissions to ppcawards20@gmail.com

  • Forms can be downloaded here (Q1) and here (Q2).
  • Publicists must include links for all publicity, not attachments of coverage
  • Submissions must be attached as a low-res PDF
  • Submission emails must be clearly labelled in the email subject line as to whether they are for Q1 or Q2

We also have 2 new categories:

YA and Children’s Celebrity Book Campaign (all formats)
Award for the best campaign for a book aimed at a young reader (including picture books, middle grade and teen) written by a well-known personality.

Crime and Thriller Campaign, hardback and paperback
Award for the best book campaign within the crime, psychological suspense or thriller genre. This can be a novel or non-fiction, including true crime narratives, in both hardback and paperback format.

 

 

PPC ANNUAL AWARDS WINNERS 2019

 The Publishers’ Publicity Circle (PPC) is delighted to announce the winners of the PPC Annual Awards for 2019. The awards took place in London on 2nd March and celebrated the best book publicity campaigns delivered over the past year.

The judges this year were chaired by Stuart Evers from NETGALLEY, alongside Caroline Sanderson from THE BOOKSELLER, Zoe Steadman-Milne from BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF IDEAS, Bea Carvahlo from WATERSTONES, Sally Morris from THE DAILY MAIL, Emma Bradshaw from BOOKS ARE MY BAG, Rachel Fox from EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL and Philip Stone from NIELSEN BOOKSCAN.

Sophie Calder, Publicity Director at HQ and Chair of the PPC, said: “Year-on-year, publicity campaigns across the industry are progressively more inventive, strategic, and tangibly effective. I would like to congratulate my colleagues on their dynamic, relentless, and awe-inspiring work in 2019. This year, a place on the PPC shortlist was incredibly hard-won, notably for the Best Newcomer award where there was an abundance of new talent.”

Stuart Evers, Chair of the judges, said: “The judges had a hugely difficult time choosing between such high-quality campaigns. It was a joy to see such creativity, tenacity and intelligence, and we wish we could have given more awards.”

Sophie Calder now steps down and Stephanie Melrose, Deputy Publicity Director at Little, Brown Book Group will become chair for 2020 with Becky Short, Head of Publicity, Commercial, at Transworld, acting as her deputy.

THE WINNERS

THE BOOKSELLER AWARD FOR HARDBACK NON-FICTION

 Winner: Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez – Lucie Cuthbertson-Twiggs, Vintage

Highly Commended: Lowborn by Kerry Hudson – Anna Redman Aylward, Vintage

Judges comments: ‘A creative campaign that made a book about data relevant and interesting to everyone.’

 

THE WATERSTONES HARDBACK FICTION AWARD

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood – Fran Owen, Mari Yamazaki and Alison Davies, Vintage

Judges’ comments: ‘A campaign that was heard around the world, this stunning, unmissible campaign was a true cultural moment.’

 

BEST CELEBRITY CAMPAIGN SPONSORED BY CONNELL MPA

Tall Tales & Wee Stories by Billy Connolly – Alice Herbert and Yassine Belkacemi, John Murray Press

Judges’ comments: ‘With exception drive, this campaign didn’t just rely on the author, but also found new ways to reach as wide an audience as possible.’

 

THE MO SIEWCHARRAN AWARD FOR BEST DEBUT CAMPAIGN

Winner: Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams – Maura Wilding and Leanne Oliver, Orion

Highly Commended: Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl by Andrea Lawlor – Grace Harrison, Pan Macmillan

Judges’ comments: ‘A singular, utterly compelling campaign that with great ambition launched not just a new book but a new author.’

 

THE AWARD FOR BEST LIFESTYLE, GIFT & HUMOUR CAMPAIGN SPONSORED BY BOOKS ARE MY BAG

 Period Power by Maisie Hill – Katherine Macpherson, Bloomsbury

Judges’ comments: ‘Establishing the author as an authority on women’s health, in a crowded market, this campaign generated sales and coverage.’

 

THE NETGALLEY AWARD FOR PAPERBACK ORIGINAL: FICTION OR NON-FICTION

The Prison Doctor by Dr. Amanda Brown – Joe Thomas, HQ

Judges’ comments: ‘A campaign that required perfect author care, directly led to a huge sale, targeting multiple markets with real passion.’

 

THE BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF IDEAS AWARD FOR BEST ACADEMIC CAMPAIGN

Chaucer: A European Life by Marion Turner – Katie Lewis, Princeton University Press

Judges’ comments: ‘A strong campaign that took a difficult subject and made it interesting for the general market.’

 

THE DELICIOUS. COOKERY BOOK AWARD

Tin Can Cook by Jack Monroe – Jessica Duffy, Pan Macmillan

Judges comments: ‘Strong conceptual campaign that put the book in a wide variety of places, as well as finding innovative partnerships.’

 

THE CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD SPONSORED BY THE DAILY MAIL

Look Up! by Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola – Chloe Parkinson, PRH Children’s

Judges’ comments: ‘A grassroots campaign that identified key opportunites and brilliantly got in front of children and adults.’

 

THE YALC AWARD FOR BEST YA CAMPAIGN

The Places I’ve Cried in Public by Holly Bourne – Katarina Jovanovic, Usborne

Judges’ comments: ‘Extensive use and mainatance of partnerships and a keen eye for opportunity made this a standout entry.’

 

THE EDINBURGH BOOK FESTIVAL AWARD FOR BEST GENERIC CAMPAIGN

Elmer’s 30th Anniversary by David McKee – Paul Black and Shona Abhyankar, Andersen Press and EDPR

Judges’ comments: ‘A comprehensive campaign that left an impression everywhere, even on Love Island.’

 

BEST SPORTS BOOK CAMPAIGN SPONSORED BY THE SUN

The Great Romantic by Duncan Hamilton – Karen Geary, Hodder

Judges’ comments: ‘Under challenging conditions, this campaign delivered with a tenacity, perseverance and determination.’

 

BEST NEWCOMER AWARD SPONSORED BY JO JAMES

War Doctor by David Nott – Gabriela Quattromini, Pan Macmillan

Judges’ comments: ‘Comprehensive, and impressive campaign, that felt like it had been conducted by a seasoned pro.’

 

PPC JOURNALIST/ EVENTS MANAGER/ LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR

PPC members were also asked to vote for an events manager, journalist and librarian of the year. The 2019 winners are:

Events Manager: Rosie Beaumont-Thomas, Waterstones Gower Street

Journalist: Susie Dowdall, Daily Mail

Librarian: Susanna Thomas, Cardiff Libraries

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NEW FOR 2020: QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL AWARD CATEGORIES

Starting from our first quarterly award for 2020, the PPC is pleased to be introducing the following new categories to the PPC Quarterly and Annual Awards.

YA and Children’s Celebrity Book Campaign (all formats)
Award for the best campaign for a book aimed at a young reader (including picture books, middle grade and teen) written by a well-known personality.

Crime and Thriller Campaign, hardback and paperback
Award for the best book campaign within the crime, psychological suspense or thriller genre. This can be a novel or non-fiction, including true crime narratives, in both hardback and paperback format.

The introduction of these additional award categories is reflective of two key areas of strong and consistent growth within the trade, and which have produced an outstanding range of innovative, impactful publicity campaigns in recent years. As ever, we want the PPC Award listings to reflect the breadth of campaigns that publicists are tackling and to celebrate the excellent work being carried out across the industry.

Q4 AWARD WINNERS

Q4 Winner and Highly Commended!
Rosie Beaumont-Thomas from Waterstones kindly judged our Q4 award, the winner of which was automatically shortlisted for the annual awards. A statement from Rosie:
“In judging Q4, I was given an agonising job of choosing between some of the biggest campaigns in recent memory, alongside some of the most creative small campaigns I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. The standard was incredibly high, and each submission demonstrated that in the face of changing media, book publicists are adaptable, canny and defiant. Many – if not most – of these campaigns were presented with challenges of schedule clashes, limited media opportunities, fierce competition with each other, and enormous expectations – not to mention the turbulent political landscape as a backdrop. I was particularly impressed with the work of the children’s books publicists, whose work is challenging, yet obviously driven by passion and personal pride. I took this decision very seriously!”

Q4 winner: Kate Moreton, Orion, for In the Cut by Susanna Moore
At the outset, Kate had everything working against her: this was the first fiction campaign of her career, the book was a re-issue, she had no budget – and no access to her author. Yet she demonstrated a granular and sensitive understanding of the book’s themes for contemporary readers, created opportunities and talking points out of the campaign’s drawbacks, and managed to secure impactful non-author opportunities. She also demonstrated a genuine understanding of how to reach different audiences. I myself spent autumn experiencing a barrage of word-of-mouth insistence that I read this book, from people far outside the publishing industry. This submission impressed me the most because it was delivered with the same attention to detail, understanding, and confidence of a much more experienced publicist, and had the same impact as campaigns with far more budget and experience behind them. Kate is truly one to look out for.

Highly Commended:
Katy MacMillan-Scott, Hephzibah Kwayke-Saka & Harriet Venn (for The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman)
Fran Owen, Mari Yamakazi & Alison Davies (for The Testaments by Margaret Atwood)
Two of autumn’s most dominant books – from two of the world’s best-loved authors – understandably had two of the biggest campaigns behind them. Yet neither took it for granted or took the obvious route. Having collaborated with both teams on their launch events, I entered the PPC Q4 judging process almost determined to look elsewhere for inspiration. However, Fran Owen, Mari Yamakazi and Alison Davies; and Katy MacMillan-Scott, Hephzibah Kwayke-Saka and Harriet Venn ensured that their creative work (especially that which did not include their authors) created cultural moments which transcended traditional book publicity. Not only did they demonstrate what can be achieved collaboratively with the highest-possible targets, but each nimbly responded to unexpected challenges without loss of momentum. It was thrilling to read both their submissions – which could act as case studies for years to come – that I have chosen to acknowledge both of these PR teams (as is the vogue of the literary fourth quarter) with the PPC Highly Commended for Q4 2020.

A huge congratulations to Kate and all highly commended publicists!