Mercer University Press had a banner night at the 47th annual Georgia Author of the Year Awards banquet, with three of its authors taking top awards and another receiving a lifetime achievement award. The program was held June 11 at the Kennesaw State University Center.
The Georgia Writers Association recognizes Georgia’s authors of excellence by presenting the Georgia Author of the Year Awards. The GAYA has the distinction of being the oldest literary awards in the Southeastern United States while reflecting the current publishing world. The GAYA honors both independently published authors, those whose books are published by traditional publishing houses.
Winning Mercer University Press authors include:
• Georgia Author of the Year Award for Poetry: Phillip Lee Williams for The Flower Seeker: An Epic Poem of William Bartram.
• Georgia Author of the Year Award for Biography: Larry L. McSwain for Loving Beyond Your Theology:The Life and Ministry of Jimmy Raymond Allen.
• Georgia Author of the Year Award for History: Toni P. Anderson for “Tell Them We Are Singing for Jesus”: The Original Fisk Jubilee Singers and Christian Reconstruction, 1871-1878.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Terry Kay, whose Mercer Press titles include The Book of Marie and Bogmeadow’s Wish, as well as The Greats of Cuttercane, which will be released by MUP in the fall.
In addition to the honors that went to Mercer Press authors, Mercer English professor Dr. Anya Silver was named a finalist in the poetry category for her book The Ninety-Third Name of God.
“Mercer University Press is thrilled that these gifted authors have received the attention they deserve in writing extraordinary books,” said Dr. Marc A. Jolley, MUP director. “It is a privilege to work with writers of such stature, ability, and creativity.”
About Mercer University Press
Established in 1979, Mercer University Press has published more than 1,200 books. Operated by a six-member staff, the press publishes more than 35 books annually. The reputation of the Press significantly enhances the academic environment of the University and carries the name of Mercer throughout the world. The Press seeks and acquires manuscripts that contribute to the advancement of knowledge; publishes monographs and other texts in the humanities, primarily in history, philosophy, religion, and Southern studies; and disseminates these publications.
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