While many books printed by prominent publishing companies receive deserving attention, just as many self-published books or books printed by independent and small presses go unnoticed, but are equally deserving of such acclaim. The Reader Views Annual Literary Awards were founded to honor such authors, who have fulfilled their aspirations to write.

“The Reader Views Annual Literary Awards are important because they grant credibility to books that my not otherwise gain mainstream recognition and open doors for the authors as they further their careers,” Reader Views Managing Editor Irene Watson said. Reader Views is a budding book review and publicity service website that has reviewed nearly 6000 titles since its inception in December 2005.

Along with the specialized awards, which include cash prizes or value packages from sponsors, general awards will be given in genre categories for both fiction and nonfiction works. Finalists will be chosen in each category, from which winners will be awarded.

Authors are eligible regardless of residency, as long as the book has a 2009 copyright date on the copyright print page, is published in English and intended for a North American audience.

Reader Views reviewers will complete the initial judging and winners will be selected by a jury of judges. Each reviewer and judge is an expert in his or her field and an avid reader. Criteria for judging are content/originality, presentation/design, innovation, social relevance and production quality. Reader Views offers honest book reviews, professional book editing and affordable publicity services for authors. For further information about the Reader Views Annual Literary Awards 2008, including guideline and registration deadlines, please visit http://www.readerviews.com/Awards.html