Pandora and New Venture Awards 2008

Entries now open

Do you know a woman who has made valuable contribution to publishing this year?
Do you want to honour her outstanding achievement in raising the profile of women in publishing?

Then nominate her for the 2008 Women in Publishing Awards!

Entries close 14 Novober 2008, and the Awards will be presented at the Women in Publishing Christmas party on 10 December 2008.

Contact awards@wipub.org.uk for an entry form

Pandora Award
For a significant and valuable contribution to publishing

The Pandora Award has been presented since 1981 to an individual or organization for promoting positive images of women in publishing, bookselling and related trades. Since 1982 onwards the prize, appropriately enough, has been a writing box which is passed on from one winner to the next. The Award – Pandora’s Box – will be presented to a woman or an organization in the publishing industry that has consistently made significant and valuable contributions from which women have benefited.

Winners in past years have been women who have made important literature and studies more widely available, taken leading roles in publishing in countries where that is difficult for women, or set up apprenticeships for women wanting to get into publishing. They have put their issues onto the mainstream agenda and the publishing industry has benefited from re-assessing its output and reflecting the lives and perspectives of today’s society.

New Venture Award
For a courageous departure into uncharted territory

Since 1987, the New Venture Award, an engraved silver letter opener or pen, is presented to a pioneering woman or group of women who have embarked on a venture whose aim is to highlight the work and lives of under-represented groups of society.

Previous winners of the New Venture Award have been concerned that the publishing world was not dealing adequately with important cultural, sexual and minority issues. Their frustration led them to research, plan and start on a brave venture that has helped improve cross-cultural understanding in many different communities. They have helped to bring neglected issues to the fore of public debate.