Award-Winning Author Jana Bommersbach to Preside Over Arizona Book Awards May 9

Phoenix, AZ, April 21, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Jana Bommersbach will emcee the 2009 Arizona Book Awards hosted by the Arizona Book Publishing Association, to be held May 9th at the Arizona Club. Ms. Bommersbach is an acclaimed and respected journalist whose work has encompassed every facet of the profession: she's been a reporter and editor for both weekly and daily newspapers; she's written a book and is a major contributor to an anthology; she's written columns and investigative stories for magazines; she's appeared on television with both political commentaries and investigative stories.

Ms. Bommersbach has received many awards, including 2007 Media Person of the Year by the Arizona Psychological Association, 2007 writing awards from the Arizona Press Club, 2005 inaugural honoree in the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, a 2001 "Laurel" accolade in Columbia Journalism Review for her coverage—in both Phoenix Magazine and on KTVK-TV—of a woman serving 25 years in prison for killing her abusive husband. Her work has consistently shed light on issues relating to domestic violence, mental illness, minorities and other often overlooked and under-served populations.

There were more than 100 entries for this year’s growing book competition. Eligible works must have been published in 2008 by an Arizona author or publisher or must be primarily set in or about Arizona.

Founded in Phoenix in 1992, the Arizona Book Publishing Association’s mission is to advance and promote successful book publishing in Arizona through education, community involvement, cooperative effort, peer recognition, industry advocacy, and the support of 1st Amendment rights.

Membership is open to all publishers (including self-publishers), and associates such as printers, distributors, graphics and design firms, typographers, artists, booksellers, authors and others interested in the book publishing field. The annual membership fees for both publishers and associates is $125 and includes access to experts, contacts, referrals, professional growth, ongoing education, industry information, and joint marketing opportunities. The current ABPA President is Bill Fessler of Primer Publications 602-234-1574, Bill@PrimterPulbications.com and ABPA’s Executive Director is Gwen Henson, 480-777-9250, gwen@azbookpub.com

Finalists and winners will be announced to the major news media within Arizona as well as national media and will also appear on the Arizona Book Publishing Association webpage. Winning titles may also be displayed at Book Expo America 2009, a national publishing exposition with thousands in attendance.

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