🚀 go-pugleaf

>  i think one reason that the RITA and other awards are not well known is due
>  to lack of effort by publishers. i've been reading romance for ... a long
>  time, yet was relatively unaware of the RITA until a few years ago.
>  publishers would be doing their authors a great service if they promoted
>  their award winners -- if the book is reprinted, the award should be
>  mentioned; if not reprinted, perhaps shelf talkers or other promos. i think
>  tjhat people are naturally attracted to award winners (which is why winners
>  of oscars have increased box office grosses the week after the cermony).
but
>  if they don't know about the award ...
>
The above person is on the right track.  The publishers have to spend time
promoting this.  When the Nebula and Hugo came out the public didn't realize
instantly what they were.  Over a period of time, as the the public saw it
splashed on books and advertised in various places, they knew they were the
sci-fi awards.  Ditto to the Edgar in mystery.  After just a few years of
putting it on book covers, suddenly readers were looking for that sticker on
their books.  This is not a overnight process.

Carol