North of the Killing Hand 2017 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist

The National Indie Excellence Awards announced that North of the Killing Hand was a 2017 Finalist in the Suspense Category.

While at a book signing event in Boca Raton, Florida last weekend, I received an email notifying me that my book had finaled. After returning home on Sunday, I didn’t have time to celebrate. The four-hour drive home wore me out. I unpacked my stuff, hugged Handsome and fell into bed. So, today I share the news. It’s like my offspring made the Dean’s list at school. *sniffle* I’m so proud. Sure, it would have been sweeter to win. Nonetheless, any recognition from publishing professionals brings joy.

The National Indie Excellence® Awards exists to help establish independent publishing as a strong and proud facet of the publishing industry. Recognizing authors that put their heart and soul into their work, the NIEA is a champion of self-publishers and the small, independent presses that go the extra mile to produce books of excellence in every aspect. Established in 2007, the NIEA competition is judged by experts from all aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. The National award is open to recent English language books in print from small, medium, university, self and independent publishers.

​Winners and finalists are determined based on “overall excellence of presentation- a synergy of form and content” in a wide range of genres. Sponsorships and monetary prizes are awarded to juried titles as well. The winners and finalists were announced in Los Angeles on May 18th. The following is the email message that brightened my day.

CONGRATULATIONS!

It is our great pleasure to inform you that you are a Finalist in the 11th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards. Your book truly embodies the excellence that this award was created to celebrate, and we salute you and your fine work.

The lists of winners and finalists are proudly displayed on our brand new website, please log on to www.indieexcellence.com to see your name and book cover highlighted for all to see.

The entire team at the National Indie Excellence Awards sincerely hope your participation in our contest will serve you well in the your ongoing success. You have our deepest congratulations.

Warmly,

Everyone at the National Indie Excellence Awards

​Okay, the happy dance is over. Back to working on the next book.