What are The Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards?
The Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards comprises twelve categories of literary awards aimed at promoting and celebrating excellence in Irish writing on an annual basis. It is the only set of literary awards which enjoys the full support of all Irish publishers, bookshops and libraries.
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 Alastair 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.
How are titles submitted for consideration?
Submissions are welcomed at any time up to the closing date each year provided the title satisfies the eligibility conditions. While there is no limit on nominations, please nominate only those titles you feel have a reasonable chance of winning. Entries should be submitted online by clicking the Submissions tab on the home page.
Are there any constraints on submissions?
There are three fundamental eligibility conditions: title must be published within the awards year which runs from November to November each year; author must be Irish by birth, citizenship or long-term residence; the book must be original, ie not a reprint or previously published material. Certain categories have additional rules which can be examined by clicking on the Submissions tab on the home page.
Can I submit in more than one category?
Yes. The Best Newcomer and Best-Irish published categories are open to titles submitted in their generic categories: so, for instance,a first novel can be submitted for a fiction category and the Best Newcomer category; a nonfiction title can also be submitted for Best Irish-published. In general terms, it’s best to submit in the most appropriate categories. Speculative submissions in several categories are not encouraged.
As a submitting publisher do I have to supply copies of the books?
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.
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 300-400 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 published late in the year which are widely expected to make a substantial impact. Such books will have been presented to the panel months before publication date.
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 6 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.
How is the winner of the Book of the Year selected?
The winners of the individual categories go forward to compete for the title of the overall Bord Gáis Energy Book of the Year. The winner is decided by a combination of a public and Literary Academy vote.
What is the Irish Literary Academy?
The Irish Literary Academy is an aggregate of around 200 bibliophiles – booksellers, librarians, non-shortlisted authors, reviewers, journalists and cultural commentators – who are sent a ballot paper of the shortlists with the invitation to vote for their preferred winner in each category.
How do I vote?
Public voting will be conducted exclusively online at the Irish Book Awards website.
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. Contact us.