150 Award Genres
Children
- Children - Action
- Children - Adventure
- Children - Animals
- Children - Audiobook
- Children - Christian
- Children - Coming of Age
- Children - Concept
- Children - Educational
- Children - Fable
- Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Children - General
- Children - Grade 4th-6th
- Children - Grade K-3rd
- Children - Mystery
- Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Children - Non-Fiction
- Children - Picture Book
- Children - Preschool
- Children - Preteen
- Children - Religious Theme
- Children - Social Issues
Christian
- Christian - Amish
- Christian - Biblical Counseling
- Christian - Devotion/Study
- Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Christian - Fiction
- Christian - General
- Christian - Historical Fiction
- Christian - Living
- Christian - Non-Fiction
- Christian - Romance - Contemporary
- Christian - Romance - General
- Christian - Romance - Historical
- Christian - Thriller
Fiction
- Fiction - Action
- Fiction - Adventure
- Fiction - Animals
- Fiction - Anthology
- Fiction - Audiobook
- Fiction - Chick Lit
- Fiction - Crime
- Fiction - Cultural
- Fiction - Drama
- Fiction - Dystopia
- Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
- Fiction - Fantasy - General
- Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
- Fiction - General
- Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
- Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
- Fiction - Historical - Personage
- Fiction - Holiday
- Fiction - Horror
- Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Fiction - Inspirational
- Fiction - Intrigue
- Fiction - LGBTQ
- Fiction - Literary
- Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
- Fiction - Military
- Fiction - Mystery - General
- Fiction - Mystery - Historical
- Fiction - Mystery - Legal
- Fiction - Mystery - Murder
- Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
- Fiction - Mythology
- Fiction - New Adult
- Fiction - Paranormal
- Fiction - Realistic
- Fiction - Religious Theme
- Fiction - Science Fiction
- Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Fiction - Social Issues
- Fiction - Southern
- Fiction - Sports
- Fiction - Supernatural
- Fiction - Suspense
- Fiction - Tall Tale
- Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
- Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
- Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
- Fiction - Thriller - General
- Fiction - Thriller - Legal
- Fiction - Thriller - Medical
- Fiction - Thriller - Political
- Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
- Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
- Fiction - Time Travel
- Fiction - Urban
- Fiction - Visionary
- Fiction - Western
- Fiction - Womens
Non-Fiction
- Non-Fiction - Adventure
- Non-Fiction - Animals
- Non-Fiction - Anthology
- Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
- Non-Fiction - Audiobook
- Non-Fiction - Autobiography
- Non-Fiction - Biography
- Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
- Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
- Non-Fiction - Cultural
- Non-Fiction - Drama
- Non-Fiction - Education
- Non-Fiction - Environment
- Non-Fiction - Genealogy
- Non-Fiction - General
- Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
- Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
- Non-Fiction - Health - Fitness
- Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
- Non-Fiction - Historical
- Non-Fiction - Hobby
- Non-Fiction - Home/Crafts
- Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Non-Fiction - Inspirational
- Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
- Non-Fiction - Marketing
- Non-Fiction - Memoir
- Non-Fiction - Military
- Non-Fiction - Motivational
- Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
- Non-Fiction - New Age
- Non-Fiction - Occupational
- Non-Fiction - Parenting
- Non-Fiction - Relationships
- Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
- Non-Fiction - Retirement
- Non-Fiction - Self Help
- Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Non-Fiction - Social Issues
- Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
- Non-Fiction - Sports
- Non-Fiction - Travel
- Non-Fiction - True Crime
- Non-Fiction - Womens
- Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Poetry
Romance
Young Adult
- Young Adult - Action
- Young Adult - Adventure
- Young Adult - Coming of Age
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- Young Adult - Fantasy - General
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
- Young Adult - General
- Young Adult - Horror
- Young Adult - Mystery
- Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Young Adult - Non-Fiction
- Young Adult - Paranormal
- Young Adult - Religious Theme
- Young Adult - Romance
- Young Adult - Sci-Fi
- Young Adult - Social Issues
- Young Adult - Thriller
Illustration Award
Recommend this book:
Brand Identity Breakthrough
How to Craft Your Company's Unique Story to Make Your Products Irresistible
Gregory V. Diehl
2016 Gold Medal
274 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
When one hears the word “brand”, one immediately thinks of a trademark. However, in Diehl’s world, brand becomes a three-dimensional rendering that encompasses more than just the name of a business. To Diehl, a strong business identity is achieved by combining personality and values with the functionality (and flexibility) of a good product. Brand Identity Breakthrough makes some interesting observations, some quite simplistic and of common sense, yet all of them valuable. Some of these are: (i) money is just a vehicle through which people exchange happiness and that businesses provide a method for people to do this in a tailored and systematic way; (ii) while the essence of business may be the creation of specific value, a business cannot succeed on the virtue of it being a good idea alone; (iii) while the corporate world today looks for individuals possessing a specific series of qualities combined with real working experiences which conform to their work environments, the traits of a good entrepreneur require thinking outside the box – not necessarily reinventing the wheel, just tweaking it a bit and making it your own; (iv) the key to keeping a foothold in today’s marketplace is having the ability to adapt to the constant flux of its consumers' demands; and (v) while it’s always a good idea to keep sight of the big picture, breaking things down into small goals helps.
By his own admittance, the author has led an adventurous and diverse life which has eventually led him to his ultimate calling. Moving out of his parents' home, he lived in a trailer while finishing high school, before setting out to travel the world, even teaching English in China. This has given Diehl considerable insight into both humanity as a whole and how the world works. He’s chosen to forge his own path and Brand Identity Breakthrough is a culmination of not only his business acumen, but also the way he’s seen people function and how that affects the marketplace and business entrepreneurs in general. His prose is down-to-earth, conversational and immediately engaging, while the book offers guidance on identifying one’s core values and developing a unique selling proposition.
Brand Identity Breakthrough by Gregory V. Diehl offers a no-nonsense approach to business by getting down to the bare bones of the business analysis, not only looking at what makes a business tick, but also examining what drives that business and whether it will be successful. However, Brand Identity Breakthrough is no walk in the park with rose-colored spectacles firmly in place – it identifies the many pitfalls facing entrepreneurs today and then offers anecdotes where others have turned potential problems into a positive solution. Overall, a great book with sound advice that’s a must-read for all individuals about to embark on the road to entrepreneurship.
Recommend this book:
Leadership Briefs
Shaping Organizational Culture to Stretch Leadership capacity
Dick Daniels
2015 Finalist
246 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
Leadership Briefs by Dick Daniels covers all the topics one can imagine having a connection with leadership, such as the social graces of memorable leaders, questions for leaders and followers, developing leadership capacity, a leader’s most valuable asset, or sustaining leadership. The content is quite exhaustive and hardly any facet of leadership is left untouched. In each of these areas, the pertinent questions are identified and appropriately answered. Rather than an open ended discussion on leadership, what is envisaged here, I think, is a closed examination of one's preparedness to meet the challenges of leadership. The price one should be prepared to pay for becoming a leader is also discussed. Whether it is criticism, challenge, gossip, or rumor, the leader should be ready to face all.
Leadership Briefs by Dick Daniels is written as a quick reference but also as a holistic guide. The book is replete with bulleted lists, important pointers, and procedural steps to ginger up the topic under study. The author has further enlivened the discussion by including intelligent quotations at all appropriate places, heralding his unique approach. For example, while discussing communication, the quotation from George Bernard Shaw, ‘The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place’ is given, I think, to show that there are many hidden pitfalls in communication, while the message you wish to pass on may be simple. Aphorisms of such nature are provided in many places, signaling the approaching topic.
Recommend this book:
Money Secrets
Keys to Smart Investing
Kim Curtis
2015 Honorable Mention
176 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
Money Secrets: Keys To Smart Investing by Kim Curtis begins with a short and pertinent discussion about money and the need to make decisions about money; how you deal with money is how you deal with life. After a brief overview of financial terms and practices, Kim goes on to the specifics of financial planning, the nuts and bolts of investment, the importance of a diversification strategy, as well as the role of a financial advisor. Kim has made good use of attention grabbers and data presentation techniques like flow charts, pie charts, and diagrams, giving the reader the easy option of mastering the art of investing. A glossary of terms and a list of source material guarantee its position as a reference book as well.
Money Secrets: Keys To Smart Investing by Kim Curtis examines the whole gamut of spending money to accrue delayed benefits holistically. Rather than merely acting as a practical guide, this book will go a long way in making the whole subject clear to us, explaining all related terms from a practical as well as fiduciary angle, using sample forms wherever necessary. Introducing us to different types of professionals and experts in this field, Kim familiarizes us with the jobs and functions performed by them. This is thus a very useful book, both for a newbie to investing for learning the art, and for an expert in finances as a quick reference. The author has succeeded in packing a rather small book with a host of big ideas.
Recommend this book:
StoryBranding (TM) 2.0
(Second Edition) Creating Standout Brands Through The Purpose of Story
Jim Signorelli
2015 Honorable Mention
296 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
Storybranding 2.0 is a non-fiction guide for marketing and sales professionals written by Jim Signorelli. Signorelli has been in marketing since he was a paperboy who devised ways to increase his number of customers. Storybranding is a technique he’s worked on that focuses on the brand’s reason for being, rather than the attributes of a particular product or service. Signorelli sets out step-by-step instructions to help his readers understand the concept of Storybranding, as well as its increased effectiveness over the traditional marketing techniques that proclaim the excellent virtues of products. A brand with a story has resonance with its customers that goes beyond any particular product. Getting to that level of resonance is a 4-step process which can seem daunting at first glance; however, Signorelli shows through examples and charts exactly how to do it.
I’m a freelance copywriter and was intrigued by the premise of Signorelli’s marketing and sales guide, Storybranding 2.0. I was, quite frankly, blown away by this book. It’s a marvelous guide for copy and creative writers alike. Signorelli’s insights into how to gain an empathetic understanding of both the brand and the prospect are perceptive. How that understanding can build resonance is shared and made accessible through his engaging and interesting prose, examples of real-life brand successes and failures, and techniques. As I read on, I started to think about how I could use Signorelli’s storybranding techniques, and how previous sales strategies might have been more successful had I known about them before.
Storybranding 2.0 is also an enjoyable book to read. It’s very well written, and I found myself reluctant to finish reading. I read on through the appendices where he’s included suggested reading, his blog entries on Storybranding (which are excellent and not to be missed) and his bio. I’m glad I’ve read Storybranding 2.0 and am planning to use the techniques I’ve learned with some current and future projects I’ve got lined up.
Recommend this book:
Smart Talk
The Public Speaker's Guide to Success in Every Situation (Quick & Dirty Tips)
Lisa B. Marshall
2015 Bronze Medal
288 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
Smart Talk by Lisa B. Marshall begins by taking the hell out of hello – how to introduce yourself or make a first impression. Lisa discuses many points here including the oft forgotten but very important dictum, the introduction should be relevant. The magic of conversation, the next topic discussed, focuses on what to say when, and how to say it with tact and grace. Lisa also devotes a full chapter to discussing difficult people to talk to, the procrastinators, the chatterboxes, the bullies, and other such misfits. How to give feedback, how to receive criticism as well as practicing responses to handle criticism, are then discussed. Lisa explains nine models of saying no, a vital part of any talk, as well as the fourteen rules of negotiating, a rather difficult skill to master, without damaging important relationships.
Smart Talk by Lisa B. Marshall is a godsend, especially when it comes to the problems that we are most often faced with in connection with our work, resolving conflicts, strengthening natural charisma, or persuading others. This book can prepare us to face any trouble, unannounced or otherwise. With bulleted lists, prominent display of points to remember, and practice exercises, this is a complete manual to master the art of communication. A helpful index, references of real life instances of many of the concepts introduced, and a chapter summary make this an invaluable reference for anyone involved in public speaking.
Recommend this book:
The Perpetual Paycheck
5 Secrets to Getting a Job, Keeping a Job, and Earning Income for Life in the Loyalty-Free Workplace
Lori B. Rassas
2015 Silver Medal
194 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
The Perpetual Paycheck by Lori B. Rassas begins by identifying the fact that ‘in the workplace, there are only short term commitments - an absence of mutual obligation between employer and the employee.’ Introducing the topic with a short discussion on paychecks and the necessity that one has to fend for oneself, Lori jumps to Secret #1: Cash is the king. Because of the transient nature of today’s workplace, one cannot hope to see it exist for a long time, let alone being a permanent part of it. Lori thereafter discusses Secret #2: Remembering who the Boss is. Other secrets follow, Turning troubles into triumphs where focus is on advantages, Expanding one's hunting grounds which talks about a more rational job search, and ending with How to develop and use the benefits of networking, which examines the potential of modern ‘communities.’
The Perpetual Paycheck by Lori B. Rassas is a book made for the present. Because of the fast pace of technological changes, society overall is facing certain shifts everywhere, one of the most notable areas being our workplace. This book has the potential to greatly increase one's self-confidence, an invaluable asset in leading a happy life in such an environment of transience. I wish I had read this book many years earlier which would have prepared me better in dealing with all the unsettling changes I faced. The book follows a simple and easy style of narration. Replete with humor, cartoons and anecdotes, this book is a light read conveying, however, more important ideas.
Recommend this book:
Scaling Up
How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't (Rockefeller Habits 2.0)
Verne Harnish
2015 Gold Medal
256 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
First there was Verne Harnish’s Best Seller: Mastering the Rockefeller Habits and now, after 12 years, Verne has revised his popular first book with Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't (Rockefeller Habits 2.0). It’s power-packed with a wealth of information as to how familiar and iconic companies were able to scale up. Verne offers case studies, charts, plans, and principles that companies have created within their companies to obtain their desired outcome. Business owners, leaders, and CEOs make several business decisions whether they are home based or Fortune 500. They all have four basics in common: people, strategy, execution, and cash.
Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't by Verne Harnish is developed as if Verne was your coach and the book is your training manual. In using the resources, the reader is challenged and learns how to best overcome the barriers they may encounter as they scale their business. The case studies add an element in displaying how successful businesses view, manage, and improve their internal business processes. Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't by Verne Harnish is equipped to help the business owner analyze how people, strategy, execution and cash affect the growth of their business.
Recommend this book:
Back Taxes & Tax Debt
A Consumer's Guide to Understanding IRS Debt and What can be Done About It
Donald Lowrey
2014 Finalist
142 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
Back Taxes and Tax Debt by Donald Lowrey is an informative look at the IRS and how to deal with problems arising from tax debt and back taxes. Starting from the beginning, Back Taxes and Tax Debt takes you on a journey through a world that most fear - the IRS. Learn exactly how the IRS works and how their actions affect you. Understand exactly what the IRS wants and learn what your duties are. Understand exactly what your rights are when it comes to paying off taxes. Back Taxes and Tax Debts also teaches you what your rights are and how to deal with every possible tax situation without being an expert on tax law or even having any real knowledge of the system. Read case studies, learn how your personal information is used, and understand that fearing the IRS is natural; you just have to learn to face your problems head on.
Back Taxes and Tax Debt by Donald Lowrey is a fascinating insight into how the IRS works and where we fit in. I found it to be highly informative as well as being easy to read. Donald has created a masterpiece. Each chapter is written as a separate book which means you don't need to read the entire book from start to finish. You simply pick out the chapters that refer to your situation. However, no matter what your problem with the IRS, the full benefit can only be gained by reading the entire book and all I can say is, you won't be sorry you did.
Recommend this book:
Keys to the Corner Office
Success Strategies for Women by Women
Ms. Rhonda F. Rhyne
2014 Honorable Mention
356 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
Keys to the Corner Office: Success Strategies for Women by Women by Rhonda F. Rhyne is the perfect how-to book for any aspiring female executive. Organized into five parts with sixty chapters, the practical manual provides the proven strategies and a road map for achieving career advancement. The book starts with a brief history of some of the most recent advances in the workplace for women’s equality, but the overall focus is more on what women can do now to improve their chances of breaking through “the glass ceiling.” It all starts with a positive self-image, dressing the part and creating a brand identity. Then areas are explored such as how to land the job, networking, the importance of communication, confidence in public speaking and keeping life in balance. In the back of the manual is an extensive suggested reading list.
Rhonda F. Rhyne shares her own personal experiences that help lend wisdom to the most common situations that women encounter in a male-dominated workplace. As a professional life-coach, she empowers women to live a well-rounded life where 40% of their time will be spent on career functions. Beyond the basic management and leadership topics, she offers examples of how to say no in a positive way, how to appear strong without being a “dragon lady,” and surviving gender-bias and double standards. This book is both motivating and inspiring, taking in the big picture of a 19% disparity between the sexes, but provides a clear-cut path to holding the keys to the corner office.
Recommend this book:
Manage It Right!
Intrapreneurial Skills to Succeed in Any Organization
Carlos Zorea,Dee Zorea
2014 Bronze Medal
347 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
Dennis definitely seems as if he’s in over his head when he begins working in a business unit called BLM. It’s a job he’s highly unprepared for, but luckily he has the support of someone who knows what he’s doing and can help immensely. Together Chuck and Dennis are able to overcome many obstacles and to improve the company so that it’s not only sufficient but actually operating well. This is a non-fiction story of how two men were able to turn around a company and Manage it Right! can help anyone else do the same.
This book may seem like a non-fiction biography of how Dennis and Chuck managed to turn around BLM, but that’s not all it is. In fact, even when you’re reading about the specifics of the one company these two men saved, it’s possible to apply many of the same tips and ideas to any problems you may currently be facing in business as well. There’s a lot of in-depth information contained in this book and it’s actually a very interesting read as well. I found myself caught up in the story and not even realizing that I was also learning some new management tools. Manage it Right! by Carlos Zorea and Dee Zorea is definitely a book that I would recommend to anyone who is working in the business industry. There’s a lot that can be done to save what some might consider a sinking ship and this book lays it all on the line.