January 21, 2023 – Speak Up Talk Radio announced the winners of the recent FIREBIRD BOOK AWARDS contest.
One of the winning entries was from Ontario, Canada Author Maighread MacKay whose book titled Finding Charli won First Place in the Visionary Fiction category.
Authors and publishers from around the world submitted their work to the International Firebird Book Awards. Two judges from a select panel of 25 judges read each book in its entirety, and independently score each entry. All judges commit to a set of standardized criteria that evaluates the quality of the writing as well as production aspects. Only entries with the highest of scores are awarded the coveted Firebird.
Patricia J. Rullo, founder of the Firebird Book Awards, says, “the Firebird Book Awards adds a charitable twist that allows the author’s entry fee to be tax-deductible. In return, we personally make and send handmade fun and colorful pillowcases and children’s books to women and children in homeless shelters via Enchanted Makeovers, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. In this way, authors get notoriety for their work while helping to transform homeless shelters into bright and happy homes.” Pat adds, “this quarter we also kicked off our Love Labels project in conjunction with ZapnZen, where we send hand blended essential oil room and body sprays to women who are sheltering due to trafficking. Often they have little to pamper them, and these gifts let them know that people care.”
The Firebird Book Award judging panel grew again this quarter and includes a diverse group who represent a cross section of ages, cultural heritage, race, religion, gender, and experience. At Speak Up Talk Radio, the mission is to offer authors and others a welcome place to promote themselves and their books via book awards, podcast awards, radio interviews, audiobook production, voiceover marketing tools, and podcasting services, including the BOOMBANGOHMYGOSHWOW podcast where authors share short but helpful tips with fellow authors.