ST. PAUL, Minn. — Independent publishers in the Midwest have been invited to submit entries to the 28th Annual Midwest Book Awards for excellence in books published in 2017.

The awards honor publishers in the Midwest who are producing quality work, and it helps publishers compete in today’s expanding publishing industry by recognizing their creativity and quality in content and execution. All entries must have a 2017 copyright and an ISBN.

Deadline for entries is Dec. 30. The awards, which began in 1990, are sponsored by the Midwest Independent Publishing Association.

“Each year writers and publishers bring great entries to our table,” said Deb Jacobson, Book Awards chairperson. “Last year we had 192 titles entered and presented awards to finalists and winners in 30 categories. We’re honored to have judges with diverse backgrounds who take their assignment seriously and who truly love books. There are so many authors and publishers who are producing amazing books in this changing industry and bringing a whole new level of excellence to their work. This is what makes the Midwest Book Awards extraordinary!”

Eligible publishers must be located in Midwest Independent Publishing Association’s 12-state area: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

For a complete set of rules and entry form, visit www.mipa.org or send an email to [email protected].