Story Nature Press' inaugural travel guide, A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls, has brought home ForeWord Magazine’s 2006 Book of the Year Bronze Award in the Travel Guide category. The announcement took place in June at a ceremony on the ground floor of Book Expo America (BEA), the United States’ largest convention for the book industry, held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. ForeWord Magazine, one of America’s most respected book trade journals, distributes to more than 20,000 booksellers and librarians.
"Wow, I can't believe it!" said the book’s author, Johnny Cheng. "There were quite a few impressive books considered for this award, and I didn't think we could compete with some of the more established publishers who have been in the industry for much longer than we have. I'd like to thank all the people who have helped with this project – our editors, designer, peer reviewers all across New Zealand and other parts of the world, friends and family, and especially my wife!"Judging the books were dozens of librarians and booksellers – the primary readers of ForeWord Magazine. They narrowed the field of about 1,400 entries from the vibrant and diverse independent publishing community to a select group of winners spread out over 50 categories. The judges evaluated each entry based on originality, quality, and interest in the topic. The panel held daily meetings to select and recommend the titles for further judgment.
"It was a great experience, and I know our patrons will benefit from these titles," said Mary Cooper, a librarian and one of this year's judges.
The award is good news for publisher Story Nature Press, which is releasing a series of similar full-color, waterfall-themed titles. However, the Bronze Award wasn't the only accolade for A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls (ISBN 0-9769551-9-9). The book was also a finalist for the Indie Excellence 2007 Book Award hosted by PubInsider Magazine, an online publication which destributes to over 10,000 readers in the book publishing industry.
"I think this book will benefit readers by showing them a side of New Zealand that is very much underappreciated yet no less beautiful than the naturesque scenery featured in the 'Lord of the Rings,'" said Cheng. Staying true to his love of nature, Cheng shows its readers where to find over a hundred of the country’s waterfalls with color photos, color maps, ratings, directions, information, and descriptions. This 288-page book serves as both a guide as well as a visual keepsake for appreciating and experiencing the scenic wonders of the "Land of the Long White Cloud."
For more information, visit www.storynature.com.
To see Fore Word Magazine's Book of the Year Award Winners in the Travel Guide Category, click here.
