They've announced (warning ! dreaded pdf format !) the winner of the inaugural Natan Book Award, which is given to:
What's interesting here is how the $50,000 award is doled out:
In this modern-day literary prize-culture -- where prizes take the place of reviews and other official seals of approval -- is this the next step, with not just cash for the author, but actual (and pretty significant) support for winning books, going way beyond the 'prize-winner'-stickers that can be put on book-covers ?
an exceptional, not-yet-published, non-fiction book on Jewish themes that has the potential to catalyze new conversations about Jewish life(See also the Haaretz report, Haaretz columnist Ari Shavit wins U.S. literary prize for book on Israel.)
What's interesting here is how the $50,000 award is doled out:
The Award has two stages: a cash award of $15,000 to the author to be used during the writing or final editing of the book; and the unique second stage, up to $35,000 to be used to promote and distribute the book. Natan is working with the publishing house to customize a publicity, marketing, distribution, and programmatic plan for the book that will leverage Natan's networks within the Jewish community and ensure that the book reaches broad, new, and diverse audiences.Random House imprint Spiegel & Grau is the publisher of the winning title, so the book already has good backing, but the additional funds will no doubt prove very helpful.
In this modern-day literary prize-culture -- where prizes take the place of reviews and other official seals of approval -- is this the next step, with not just cash for the author, but actual (and pretty significant) support for winning books, going way beyond the 'prize-winner'-stickers that can be put on book-covers ?