Booker Prize recipient backs indie author awards
Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch has been announced as the patron of an Irish awards ceremony for independent authors.
The writer, whose book The Prophet Song, won the prize in 2023, is backing the CAP (Carousel Aware Prize) for Independent Authors, which opened for this year’s submissions on March 4.
He said: “I am delighted to be patron, as this is an important initiative, getting the cream of brave and original, Irish independently published books out to readers, while being a fundraiser for the mental health charity Aware.
“I’d like to congratulate the past winners of the award and wish those submitting this year the best of luck.”
Local writer, Dolores Keaveney, is on the committee for the midland region for the CAP Awards, which were launched in 2016.
They aim to provide a platform to showcase the best of Irish independently-published authors, bringing them to the attention of book shops, distributors, and the media in Ireland and abroad.
All money raised from the process and awards night, goes to the charity Aware, who provide education, support, and information on depression and bipolar disorder in particular, and promote positive mental health.
“It is a privilege to be at the helm of The Carousel Aware Prize for Independent Authors,” said Carolann Copland, founder and chairperson of The CAP Awards.
“This innovative award aims to bring the best of original writing out to readers seeking unique and significant publications.
“Raising funds for Aware is of utmost importance to me, as their support has been indispensable to my family through tough times,” she added.
As well as having Paul Lynch on board this year, Carolann and the reputation she has cultivated for the awards, have secured a dedicated committee and a panel of high profile judges, also top authors.
“Independent publishing is changing the face of publishing worldwide and The CAP Awards has helped to give Ireland its place in that – they provide recognition for the best that Ireland has to offer from Indie authors,” said Carolann.
“The written word, like every art, needs competition to keep it moving forward. Readers now have a bigger choice, and independently published books are competing well alongside traditionally published books.
“The CAP Awards are committed to acknowledging and promoting excellence in Irish independent book publishing and are also a reader’s guarantee of quality, offering them fresh, new voices from independent authors combined with professional, high-level standards of publishing.”
Stephen Butterly, head of Fundraising and Business Development at Aware, said: “We are honoured to have been chosen as the partner charity for the CAP Awards, a fantastic initiative to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Ireland’s many self-published authors.
“We are grateful to Carolann for her ongoing support of Aware, for bringing attention to the topic of mental health and raising funds for the organisation.
“I’d like to wish all entrants the very best of luck.”