In the News

May 31, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Gail Fields, Fields Publishing
508-487-5901, fieldspublishing@comcast,net

"Anne Packard" wins the "Best Art Book" category in the 23rd Benjamin Franklin Awards from PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association in Recognition of Excellence in Independent Publishing.

PMA honored the best books and marketing programs in 53 categories at the annual Benjamin Franklin Awards handed out in New York on May 31, 2007 two days prior to the annual Book Expo America conference.

Judged by a panel of book industry experts including buyers at wholesale and retail levels, librarians, book critics, design experts and independent publishing consultants, these books have been scrutinized by individuals involved in the very markets in which the books are competing.

Named in honor of America's most cherished publisher and printer, the Benjamin Franklin Award recognizes excellence in independent publishing. Publications, grouped by genre, are judged on editorial and design merit by top practitioners in each field. A panel of more than 180 judges from throughout the publishing industry weighed and evaluated more than 1,700 submissions in 53 categories to create the list of more than 159 finalists for the 2007 publishing year. Publishers large and small from across the nation, Canada and Mexico competed for the coveted Benjamin Franklin Awards.

What the Judges Say
"Anne Packard is a breathtaking volume of artwork. It has been designed with such care and attention to detail. The size is amazing - I have nearly dropped it a couple of times because its weight and slick cover make it slippery - and yet it struck me that for this art it is the perfect size. Nothing else would do it justice. The pictures are beautiful, but they are enhanced even more by the incredibly generous use of white space. The short, simple descriptions of the images make them seen as if both the words and the images are floating in air, connected but not connected. The same quality of care can also be seen in the necessary, but often ignored title and copyright pages. This is an exquisite volume, one of the absolute best submitted in this category this year."

"Obviously an exceptional art book - example of what an art book of its best is meant to be and can be - both the production / design quality and the art / painting are outstanding."

"Breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and emotionally involving - such is the presentation offered by the large format, color quality reproduction and Packard's work. The quiet layout is powerful - it lets the paintings speak for themselves. The text accompanying some of the art works is insightful."

About PMA
PMA, with more than 4,200 members, is the largest non-profit trade association representing independent publishers. Founded in 1983, its mission is to advance the professional interests of independent publishers. For more information, contact Gail Fields at Fields Publishing, 508-487-5901. For a complete listing of finalists and to view the award winners in each of the 53 categories, check out the PMA website at www.pma-online.org