Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on an FAQ for further information:
What are The Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards?
The Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards comprises ten 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 and libraries.
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Who runs The Bord Gáis Energy 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. Entries should be submitted online by
clicking the 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 six copies which will be used for promotional purposes.
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How are the shortlists compiled?
The Irish Book Awards shortlists are compiled by a panel of book industry experts; an independent and unbiased collection of booksellers and librarians. From over 300 books submitted annually, the panel selects the books which, in their view, represent the best of Irish publishing in any given year, titles, which have raised the profile of books, both in media publicity coverage and bestseller status. These will often include books which are published late in the year, books which are widely expected to make a substantial impact. Such books will have been presented to the panel months before publication date which must be no later than October 31st. Many of the panel will have read advanced proof editions of the titles to assess their potential before shortlisting.
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How are the winners selected in each category?
The winners will be decided by a combination of the public and Literary Academy votes. In the final adjudication, the highest-polling title in each voting group will earn six points down to 1 point for the 6th placed title. The public and academy points are then aggregated and the title with the highest number of points overall wins. In the event of a points tie, the highest score in the academy vote counts as decisive.
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What is the Irish Literary Academy?
The Irish Literary Academy is an aggregate of around 100 bibliophiles - authors, publishers, booksellers, academics, critics - who are sent a ballot paper of the 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?
Public voting will be conducted exclusively online at the Irish Book Awards website.
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When is the Awards Dinner and how do I get tickets?
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Who do I talk to about sponsorship?
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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Why did the awards move dates for 2010?
From 2010,the awards will move from their traditional spring date to November each year. This initiative arose from two motivations: a)the desire to reward books in the actual year of publication (as opposed to retrospectively in the following spring) and b) the desire to stage the promotions during the peak selling season in the run-up to Christmas when people are looking for gift recommendations.
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