The 2022 IPG Independent Publishing Award shortlists have been announced – and we are absolutely delighted that Nosy Crow has been shortlisted in six categories!
We’ve been shortlisted for the Clays Children’s Publisher of the Year, against Oneworld, Sweet Cherry Publishing and Usborne Publishing. In their commendation, the IPG said: “Nosy Crow has won this Award a remarkable six times. Like all these publishers it faced tough trading conditions in key markets, supply challenges and rising costs but overcame them by finding new channels. Judges also admired its marketing, innovation and commitment to sustainability and diversity. ‘Nosy Crow is such a tenacious and agile company… they rolled up their sleeves and delivered more amazing results,’ they said.”
We’ve been shortlisted for the The Alison Morrison Diversity and Inclusivity Award, against Bloomsbury Publishing, Emerald Publishing, Jacaranda Books and Joffe Books. In their commendations, the IPG said: “Nosy Crow stepped up its publishing of authors and illustrators of colour last year, including through an open submissions programme. It set out more plans to diversity its workforce and showed excellent support of its team in a disrupted year, especially on mental health. ‘Nosy Crow’s commitment to diversity has always been strong, and you can see the results—it’s following through on all its promises.’”
We’ve been shortlisted for the HP Sustainability Award, against Cambridge University Press & Assessment and Quarto. In their commendations, the IPG said: “Nosy Crow is shortlisted for its work to cut the environmental impacts of its book production and travel, and for playing a leading role in cross-industry sustainability initiatives. Judges particularly liked how the company is urging partners in manufacturing, distribution and elsewhere to reach its same high standards. ‘This is really good strategic and tactical work on sustainability. It’s well informed and well thought through, and is at the core of their messaging.’”
We’ve been shortlisted for the Zebralution Audio Award, against Boldwood Books and Faber. In their commendations, the IPG said: “Nosy Crow is shortlisted for its Stories Aloud initiative, which bundles free digital audio with print books via a QR code on the inside cover. Judges liked the way it makes picture books even more accessible to children and parents, especially for English language learning and those with literacy difficulties or disabilities. ‘This is a brilliant example of how audio can enhance printed content… it’s also a great marketing tool that builds the Nosy Crow brand.’”
We’ve been shortlisted for the Virtusales Metadata Award, against Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Hardie Grant, Kogan Page, and Phoenix Publishing House. In their commendations, the IPG said: “Nosy Crow recognised that with retail channels disrupted in early 2021, discoverability would be a big factor in sales. It responded with a thorough review of its processes, including via knowledge-building across the business, identifying areas for improvements and additions, and new checklists and schedules. Its work resulted in extra sales and a BIC Excellence Award. ‘This was timely work that perfectly illustrates the value of metadata,’ judges said.”
And Frances Sleigh, Nosy Crow’s Senior Sales Manager, has also been shortlisted for The Ola Gotkowska Young Independent Publisher Award. In their commendation, the IPG said: “Frances Sleigh of Nosy Crow was instrumental in more stellar growth for her publisher in 2021. As senior sales manager she is responsible for supermarket, online and special sales, from which a large proportion of Nosy Crow’s UK turnover is drawn. Judges admired her expert market knowledge and eye for promotional opportunities. ‘Frances is clearly a great partner for retailers… she’s also at the heart of Nosy Crow’s publishing strategies.’”
You can find out more about all of the award shortlists here. The winners of all the awards will be revealed at a special gala lunch at the OXO Tower in London at 12pm on Wednesday 27 April.
Wish us luck!
