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.

Judges and Judging

PPN recruits judges from among the top design, manufacturing, production, and publishing professionals. This mix of expertise allows for a holistic assessment of the entries ensuring that winning selections are truly exceptional in a manner that delivers both aesthetically and functionally. Our judges are featured in the book show catalog with their photo and a short bio.

The actual judging takes place over the course of a day with lively interaction taking place as the entries are reviewed and discussed. We ask that judges recuse themselves from any project on which they were somehow involved so as to ensure an unbiased assessment.

For more information, be sure to take a look at the online book show catalogs.

Timeline

October 9, 2020: Call for book show entries

December 31, 2020:  Book show entries due

March 2, 2021: Registration open for the book show

April 21, 2021: Book show gala event

Please email us at operations@pubpronetwork.org to learn more about entrance deadlines.