I had some great news from my publisher, TouchWood Editions, this week: A Family by Any Other Name has received a national medal in the Independent Publisher Book Awards (known as the IPPYs).

We received a silver medal in the Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Trans Non-Fiction category.

The IPPYs were launched in 1996 “to bring increased recognition to the deserving but often unsung titles published by independent authors and publishers,” according to the program’s website. “This year’s IPPY medalists represent 45 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia, six Canadian provinces, and ten countries overseas: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom.”

This was a lovely surprise, since I hadn’t realized we were even nominated, and it feels great to receive an award from a program that celebrates independent book publishers considering all of the support and encouragement I’ve received from TouchWood Editions over the years in sharing the kinds of stories that often go untold.

So, thanks to my wonderful publisher and my talented writers for all of their dedication–this is an award for all of us!