Here’s how the juried Firebird Book Awards are different
and how they make a difference:
Difference #1: We are accessible, approachable, and not anonymous – We want to build a human connection with you. Every interaction with us is prompt and personal. You will always receive a reply from Pat Rullo, founder of the book awards. You are not just an entry but a new friend, and we treat your book submission with the care and attention it deserves.
Difference #2: Tax-Deductible Charitable Giving – Your entire entry fee/donation is tax-deductible to you. There are no additional fees, and we do not push post-contest merchandise. Your entry donation supports our ongoing partnership with Enchanted Makeovers, a 501(c)(3), and other shelters. This enables us to send fun and colorful handmade pillowcases, children’s books, and pampering room and body spray mists to shelters around the country to make someone’s life just a little bit brighter – thanks to you!
a note from Terry Grahl – founder of Enchanted Makeovers
Difference #3: How to Send Books – You can send your books to us as an attachment via email in any commonly used format. (formats PDF, Kindle, Word Doc, etc.) gifted Amazon ebooks or a Coupon Code from Smashwords.com. Send to Pat at pr@speakuptalkradio.com
Note: Since we are not anonymous and don’t hide our location, we are honored to receive your copy if you want to send a physical book. Please email us for our mailing address. However, a physical copy is not required to enter. All books will be sent to a homeless shelter, post-contest.
Difference #4: Judging – We judge books year-round so you can submit your entry anytime. Two of our 23 available judges meticulously evaluate each book based on our scoring system that assesses the content and quality of the writing and production aspects. All judges evaluate using the same scoring criteria. Each book is given a score from 0 to 100. The top 3 scores of each category are named as Winners. All titles that receive a score of 80 or higher and are not named Winners are named Honorable Recognition in their chosen categories. Entries are judged based on criteria specific to that category. Each category is evaluated individually. (If you’d like to see the judging criteria, please email us.)
Please note – entry into multiple categories does not guarantee a win in all categories entered. Each category has its own judging criteria.
All judges consist of published authors, editors, owners of publishing houses, librarians, audiobook producers, and writing professors. Our judges are also a diverse group of humans and represent a cross-section of ages, cultural heritage, race, religion, gender, and experience. To mitigate any bias, Pat Rullo is not a judge.
Difference #5: Genres/Categories – We accept most genres. And yes – we believe in subgenres. You decide on each genre category and may apply to enter multiple categories. *HINT* Some popular categories receive many entries, so you may want to submit to more than one appropriate category. Each category is evaluated individually. It is possible to win in several categories; however, only one set of prizes will be awarded per individual book entry. A potential genre/category list is below. If you do not see an appropriate genre for your book, please feel free to enter under what you think is best. Unless it’s outlandish, we will then add it to the list. *HINT* If you submit multiple books, you may want to enter them into different categories to avoid competing with yourself. (We will not read, judge, or award pornography or hate ‘literature.’)
Difference #6: Formats – We accept all formats, including audiobooks.
Difference #7: Publication Dates – We accept all publication dates. This allows you to add new life to your previously published books. You may also submit yet-to-be-published books.
Difference #8: Publishing Model – We accept self-published or traditionally published books from all countries worldwide, though books must be written in English or furnish us with an English version.
Difference #9: Donation Fee – The entry donation is quite reasonable. The initial category donation is $65 and is tax-deductible to you. Each additional category donation is only $33, is tax-deductible, and names you as the donor. We will email you a donation letter for tax purposes. You will also receive a payment receipt from us by email as soon as you pay below. (As always, your individual tax situation and advice from your tax advisor are important.)
Difference #10: Prizes – In addition to your tax-deductible charitable donation, all winners receive unique promotional tools. Because this is also a charitable opportunity, prizes increase based on the number of categories entered. This allows us to send even more handmade gifts and books to the shelters while rewarding you with additional prizes, such as radio interviews. (See PRIZES) Entrants may not win more than one set of prizes per book entered. If two different books are submitted, both can be named winners and receive prizes.
