Publishing Professionals Network, a nonprofit association founded in San Francisco in 1969 under the original name of Bookbuilders West, promotes and supports book publishing throughout the United States.
Since 1970, awards for outstanding book design, production, and manufacturing have been presented at the Publishing Professionals Network Book Show. The judges are experienced in design, production, and related areas. The PPN Book Show is one of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind in the United States. Following an exhibit of all entries, winning entries are announced and awards presented at a gala event.
Book projects that receive awards are showcased in the annual catalog, which is distributed to attendees at the book show and awards event, and on the PPN website. They are also announced in press releases to the trade press.
In an effort to encourage a new generation of quality book designers, PPN also encourages students to submit entries of books, covers, and jackets in all categories. Book design projects produced in any U.S. college-level graphic arts program are eligible.
Judges and Judging
PPN selects a panel of 12 judges who are qualified to assess book design and/or manufacturing quality. We look for professionals with expertise in one or more of the following areas: production, paper, printing, binding, manufacturing, design, and overall book publishing. We ask potential judges not to submit themselves for consideration as a judge if they have judged in the past three years (volunteers to lend a hand with judging are most welcome). Judges are featured in the book show catalog along with a photo and short biography.
The judging takes place over the course of one day and usually lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the number of entries. Judges are assigned to categories and are responsible for scoring each entry within those categories. Judges are asked to recuse themselves from any project that they worked on or that their company submitted.
For 2019, judging will be held at Chronicle Books (680 2nd Street, San Francisco) on Wednesday, October 9, and PPN will provide refreshments and lunch. We strive to make this day a fun and exciting day for all!
In addition to the judges, it takes 4 to 5 additional volunteers to complete the judging process. Volunteers are an indispensable part of the team and help with organizing the submissions for the judges, tabulating score cards, and more.
If you are interested in being a judge or a volunteer, please send an email to operations@pubpronetwork.org.
For more information, be sure to take a look at the online book show catalogs.
Timeline
- May 15, 2019: Call for book show entries. The entry form will be available at this time.
- June 1, 2019: Call for judges. If you are interested in volunteering to be a judge, please contact operations@pubpronetwork.org.
- September 25, 2019: Judges selected. A short bio and photo of each judge will be included in the book show catalog.
- October 1, 2019: Call for book show entries closes. All entries must be received by this date.
- October 9, 2019: Book show judges gather to review entries and select category winners.
- October 14, 2019: Winners notified. Winners will be featured in the book show catalog.
- November 2019: Guest speakers for the book show will be announced.
- December 1, 2019: Book show registration available
- January 24, 2020: Book show
Please email us at operations@pubpronetwork.org to learn more about entrance deadlines.