Austin SCBWI

A message from Jo Virgil, Community Outreach and Information Coordinator

Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities

Our Committee on People with Disabilities voted recently to add a Book category to our Barbara Jordan Media Awards. In the past, we have accepted submissions of books for the awards, but they were clumped together with several other types of entries under the category “Special Contribution by an Individual.” I’m thrilled that they’ve agreed to add the book category separately. 

Now, however, I need to start getting the word out to publishers and authors so they will know to nominate their book for the award. The award is for a book that is either about a disability, or that features a character with a disability in a respectful and realistic manner. Former nominations have included Polio by David Oshinsky, Saving Ben by Daniel Burns, and Saffron Dreams by Shaila Abdullah, as well as Busy Bees by Marvie Ellis and other children’s books. No book won an award this year (mostly because there was not a separate category for them), but The Horse Boy did win an award for the film based on the book. 

So – can you help me get the word out to publishers and authors? All submissions must have Texas connections and have been published in the current calendar year. Submission Guidelines and Entry Forms are on our website, and there is no fee for submissions. I am currently compiling a list of Texas  publishers. Other suggestions are much welcome – small presses, University presses, even reputable self-publishers qualify. Eventually I’ll work on getting the word out to the major publishing houses, but for now I’m starting on Texas publishers, since their books are more likely to have the Texas connections. Thanks for any help or advice in letting folks know. Holler if you have questions.

Jo can be contacted at jo.virgil@governor.state.tx.us