My book has won a number of other awards, but no organization has done more than yours to help promote it. Your adding reviews to Goodreads, Barnes and Noble and Amazon is fantastic.
Author Stephen Watts
Searching for Charles
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In 2013 I was awarded a Gold Medallion by Indie B.R.A.G. for my Juvenile Book “Jenny and the Hummingbird Faeries”.
First off I cannot thank your group enough for the honor. I did receive some Medallions and used them on the books I sold.
I wanted to let you know that they were a great asset in selling by book. The book has continued to sell in the hundreds and I believe you were instrumental in making that happen.
I have a number of venues coming up in the next several weeks and months where I will be selling even more books. The problem is that I have used all, yes all, the Gold Medallions and am desperately asking to purchase from you 200 more. Is that possible? It would be a marvelous if you could send them as soon as you can.
Thank you in advance. Keep up the tremendous work you all have been doing.
S.R. Zales
Author of Jenny and the Hummingbird Faeries
Gate Keepers
For more than a century the only “gate keepers” for writers have been literary agents and publishers. This arrangement worked reasonably well until new technologies made it possible for hundreds of thousands of new authors to present their work direct to the public without recourse to gate keepers at all.
At present the market suffers from an over-abundance of fiction, much it of it, let’s be honest, pretty mediocre. Publishers are wary of taking on new writers. Most play safe, concentrating on a pool of proven commercial authors. This is understandable. The industry sails in stormy seas.
A few years ago Geri Clouston had the foresight and boldness to introduce Indie- B.R.A.G. as a third gate-keeper, one willing to seriously evaluate every book that was offered .The B.R.A.G. Medallion is now a vital and much needed addition to the world of books and writers.
Indie BRAG is as generous as it is unique. As far as I can see, there is no other organisation in the world like it.
Geri and her team are tough. When they turned down my first book, I knew I had to raise my game. When, eventually, my latest novel was awarded a B.R.A.G. Medallion, I was over the moon. I knew I had received something worth having. Writing is a lonely business – this was encouragement indeed!
For two years now I have made a point of ordering and reading the work of other B.R.A.G. awardees. I am never disappointed. I write an Amazon review for each book. It costs nothing except the odd half hour and I think the time is well spent. I recommend the practice.
I congratulate and thank President Geri Clouston on leading a remarkable project. She will never know where her influence stops.
Author Christopher Holt
The Winter Chaser
Orphaned Leaves
Prayer of the Crow
“President Geri Clouston and all the wonderful people at B.R.A.G.Medallion are performing a vital service by recognizing and promoting previously unheralded independent authors. I am proud to be a two-time B.R.A.G.Medallion honoree, and I urge everyone associated with independent publishing to celebrate and support this magnificent organization.”
Joe Perrone Author of the Matt Davis Mystery Series
Self-publishing is expanding exponentially; it has long ceased to be a minority interest. But along with the glorious freedom of writing any genre, mixed genres or no genre and the ability to control every aspect of a book’s production comes responsibility to the readers.
Some authors write books purely for their own pleasure and that’s great fun and personally very satisfying, but today self- or independent publishing is a serious option for commercial writers. However, not everybody is conscientious in producing a well-rounded, page turning book with impeccable production values. How is a reader able to distinguish the dross from the diamonds in today’s avalanche of self-published work?
This is where the B.R.A.G. Medallion® comes in. When INCEPTIO, the first in my series of Roma Nova thrillers, was awarded a Medallion, I was delighted; my writing had passed one of the highest bars around. Rapidly becoming recognised in the world of self-publishing as an impeccable seal of excellence, its selection process is rigorous, rejecting 90% of applicants. If a book carries a B.R.A.G. Medallion® sticker, it will be a quality assured read, whatever its genre. I was proud to explain what the sticker meant and people were impressed. More importantly, I’m sure it helped clinch purchasing decisions.
I now have 6 books in my Roma Nova Series with the B.R.A.G.Medallion! I still haven’t come down from that particular high.
Author Alison Morton
The Roma Nova Series
Writing and publishing a book is just the beginning of a journey for an indie author. Once your book is out there, marketing and promoting your baby begins. These days there is a plethora of platforms where you can reach out to a wider audience. Book signing offers the opportunity to connect with readers. Reviews play an important role in providing readers with an overview of what others think of you your book. These are all tools that can be used in your marketing plan, but one thing that does makes people sit up and want to learn more about your book is an award. There are zillions of books published and only a few of these will ever receive recognition or an award. Receiving an award is an indicator your work has reached a high level. To be honoured with a BRAG award is a first class accolade on any scale of published books. My third published book, Sometimes It Happens… in 2012 received a BRAG award. I was speechless when I learnt of the award because BRAG does not give out awards to any author. In fact more than 90% of books that pass through their hallowed halls are rejected. So to have one of my books proudly displaying the BRAG logo, makes me feel humble and very proud. It has provided me with additional confidence to talk about my work and my award. But it does not end once the award had been made, BRAG continues to promote all of its honourees through their extensive programme, no one is excluded, it is an exclusive place to be and I am proud to be associated with an organisation that has a reputation for excellence.
Author Pauline Barclay
The Wendy House
Sometimes it Happens
‘In my opinion, the most significant boost for the lot of Indie Authors in recent times has come from President Geri Clouston and the B.R.A.G. Medallion Award team. Now an internationally recognized stamp of quality, the B.R.A.G. Award is an assurance to all readers that the Indie book they are about to purchase meets the highest of publishing standards. More importantly, for me anyway, it is satisfying to be recognized for the hard work required to write and produce a quality manuscript and especially to be acknowledged for due care given to copy and proof editing. The good news is that the Gold Medallion on my book cover has led to increased sales and an increased interest in my other work. It was a perfectly timed boost to my writing career. As a proud BRAG award winner, I do feel a responsibility to continue producing work to the standards set by this organisation. Thank you so much to all involved in the creation of the B.R.A.G. Medallion Award. You guys are the best.
Kind regards
Thomas Ryan
The Field of Blackbirds
” Let me say once again that indieBRAG is a dream to work with. You are head and shoulders above most every other social media site. I’m so pleased to work with you, and you never seem annoyed with my questions and requests!
Pam Eglinski
The Can-Can Girl
Broken Portal in Rocky Mountain Park: The Last Pandemic (Time Travel Series Book)
“I learned about indieBRAG from fellow historical fiction authors who are members of Facebook groups. With the emergence of POD and digital publishing, the good news is anyone can now publish a book; the bad news is anyone can now publish a book! The greates challenge indie authors confront is the stigma of inferiority caused by books rushed into the market without professional design and editing. indieBRAG offers an invaluable vetting service to readers who might otherwise she awar from indies. With the rapid changes in the industry, i’m confident the walls between indie and traditional publishing will continue to crumble.”
Author Glen Craney
The Spider and the Stone
The Yanks are Starving
The Virgin of the Wild Rose The Cotillion Brigade
While I’ve always believed Miss Matched at Midlife is a good product, I discovered it’s not easy
for one to have their writer’s voice singled out by articulate people in the business of books.
Therefore, the B.R.A.G. award is a healing salve for my sometimes bruised ego and also the inspiration
I needed to keep moving forward with marketing my book.
Rebecca Brockway 11/27/17
Miss Matched at Midlife
I am elated and humbled to learn that my novel has received a Medallion. An Indie author can enter many a contest, but win or lose, one knows nothing of the quality or quantity of the competition. The Medallion is different. Any author can see every novel in the Medallion competition. Just go to the BRAG website, click on a novel’s purchase link and read a sample. Each new nominee is essentially competing against the standards set by every Medallion novel that’s gone before. And that makes receiving a Medallion very special. Unique. I am proud and honored to be a Medallion author.
As you might have guessed from the paragraph above, I have been to the BRAG website many times. My wife’s book club is currently reading a Medallion novel. Just last month, I blogged about the merits of indieBRAG. Readers need filters. The Medallion is arguably the best filter.
I am very pleased to agree to adding my novel to the Medallion list.
My schedule is currently overflowing, so please accept my apology for not immediately providing the information you requested. When I return home late next week, answering your request will be my first task.
Thank you,
George Peters
(Pen name, G. Egore Pitir, author of Face Of Our Farher)
Dogs don’t look both ways
Was featured for “adopt a pet month” (promo from indieBRAG)
I did notice an increase in sales this month and now I know why!
Author Jane Hanser
Dogs Don’t Look Both Ways
(talking about Susan Weintrob and Foodie Lit)
Susan had some good ideas that I am going to look into. She is a great source in regard to Dirt and I hope to see some activity working with her.
I really appreciate you putting us together. This is what indie Brag is all about – authors helping other authors.
Author Sharon Dwyer
Dirt
The Orb
The Fantasmagorical Forest
I highly recommends indieBRAG.
Indie B.R.A.G. is quite accessible to self-published authors and have done an admirable job of keeping communications open and supportive.
Author Samantha St. Claire
Comes the Winter
I truly admire the indieBRAG commitment to acknowledging indie authors who are able to create books worthy of readers’ interests, sensibilities, and expectations for good quality writing.
Author Al E. Boy (John Angus McNeil)
Til The Last Snowflake Falls
The Ona Pendulum
The Adventures of Fawn
I truly admire the indieBRAG commitment to acknowledging indie authors who are able to create books worthy of readers’ interests, sensibilities, and expectations for good quality writing.
Author Inge H. Borg
Khamsin – The Devil Wind of the Nile
I like the way IndieBRAG is proactive and responsive. I am impressed with professionalism and support it provides to its authors. Consider myself fortunate to be an Honoree….
Author David Burke-Kennedy
Legacy of Strangers
If you are a self-publisher author, you definitely need to be part of this great organization and amazing group of authors! Love the support and quality of people involved!
Author John Paul Padilla
Johnny Big Ears
I’m tickled pink – perhaps magenta – that “Miss Matched at Midlife: Dating Episodes of a Middle-Aged Woman” is a B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree!
Author Rebecca Brockway
Miss Matched at Midlife
Professional and supportive; IndieBrag is a great group with which to work.
Author Michael Jan
Dog Water Free
IndieBRAG is a thorough and well organised initiative that finds and celebrates riches in the growing world of indie authorship and publishing. Thank you!
Author Phill Featherston
Paradise Girl
” Let me say once again that indieBRAG is a dream to work with. You are head and shoulders above most every other social media site. I’m so pleased to work with you, and you never seem annoyed with my questions and requests!
Pam Eglinski
The Can Can Girl Broken Portal in Rocky Mountain par
Self-publishing is expanding exponentially; it has long ceased to be a minority interest. But along with the glorious freedom of writing any genre, mixed genres or no genre and the ability to control every aspect of a book’s production comes responsibility to the readers.
Some authors write books purely for their own pleasure and that’s great fun and personally very satisfying, but today self- or independent publishing is a serious option for commercial writers. However, not everybody is conscientious in producing a well-rounded, page turning book with impeccable production values. How is a reader able to distinguish the dross from the diamonds in today’s avalanche of self-published work?
This is where the B.R.A.G. Medallion® comes in. When INCEPTIO, the first in my series of Roma Nova thrillers, was awarded a Medallion, I was delighted; my writing had passed one of the highest bars around. Rapidly becoming recognised in the world of self-publishing as an impeccable seal of excellence, its selection process is rigorous, rejecting 90% of applicants. If a book carries a B.R.A.G. Medallion® sticker, it will be a quality assured read, whatever its genre. I was proud to explain what the sticker meant and people were impressed. More importantly, I’m sure it helped clinch purchasing decisions.
I now have 6 books in my Roma Nova Series with the B.R.A.G.Medallion! I still haven’t come down from that particular high.
Author Alison Morton
Roma Nova Series Double Identity
“When I received my B.R.A.G. Medallion 7 years ago, I had no idea the depth and breadth of the organization. Nor did I know to what extent the honor afforded me. Geri Clouston is one of the best cheerleaders a self-published author could have. She and her team do the very best to rotate recognition and spotlight different books in different and unique ways. I am very proud to have my book included in this elite group.”
Author Victoria L. Thurman
The Dating Dilemma of Delilah Dunnfield
Mama taught me not to brag, and when I first started trying to promote my books, I was haunted by her words. Now, the Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion does the bragging for me. I explain to potential readers that this award signifies a book is of high quality and is worth their time. While at book events, I often point to the gold seal and explain that a panel of readers from around the world recommends my book. Thank you Indie B.R.A.G. Mama would be proud!
Author Janie Dempsey Watts
Return to Taylor’s Crossing
Mothers, Sons, Beloveds, and Other Strangers
Pap Pap Goes to Paris, and so does Ricky
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