The Nancy Olson Bookseller Award

The Nancy Olson Bookseller Award is named for the late founder of Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a pillar of the literary community.

An admirer of Olson, in conjunction with SIBA, awards two $2500 gifts in her memory in December.

The award honors Nancy Olson: a legendary bookseller, a first-class wit, a remarkably gentle soul, and a tireless supporter of writers, especially new writers looking for a chance in the publishing world. Simply put, she was one of the best folks to ever work in the book business, and her Quail Ridge Books was—and is—a literary institution.  

Nominations open in November, and recipients are announced in December.

SIBA booksellers—but not owners—are eligible for the awards. Booksellers from stores that have received the award in the last two years are not eligible. Writers, readers, and/or store owners may submit a name and any helpful information in the form below. Individual booksellers may also nominate themselves.  

While the nominations should explain why a particular nominee deserves to be selected, there are no hard and fast rules, requirements, or guidelines for the submissions—the hope is to honor Nancy and recognize special booksellers who particularly excel in the areas important to Nancy: customer service and helping writers, especially new writers, reach their reading audience. The winners will be selected from these nominations by Sarah Goddin of McIntyre’s Books, SIBA’s Linda-Marie Barrett, Nancy’s husband Jim, and the donor of the gifts.

Details:

• Award: Two $2500 grants 
• Eligibility: Frontline booksellers (not owners) of SIBA member bookstores who have not received the award in the past two years.
• Nomination Period: November 1-25
• Recipients Announced: December 10