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CAP Awards Celebrates Chapters Bookstore’s Bold New Move for Indie Finalists!

Writer's picture: Helen O'SullivanHelen O'Sullivan

Please check out the info below from the CAP committee about Chapters Bookstore's fantastic support for indie authors. Big thanks to all bookstores who support indie authors. It means a lot!


The Carousel Aware Prize for Independently Published Authors (The CAP for Indies as it has become known) is an important initiative celebrating Ireland’s top indie talent, founded by Carolann Copland. CAP’s patron is the 2024 Booker Prize Winner, Paul Lynch, and it is the only book competition specifically for indie authors in Ireland. Categories include Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children's Senior, Children’s Junior and Anthologies. It also provides sponsored opportunities for low-income writers, promoting inclusivity.



books

CAP supports self-published authors by connecting them to bookstores, distributors,

and media — while raising awareness for the mental health charity Aware.

It was ‘Super Thursday,’ last week, a significant day in traditional publishing, with up

to 2,500 new books hitting UK and Irish shelves, all competing for the lucrative pre-

Christmas market. Celebrity biographies and children's books dominate this year’s releases, with publishers battling to capture readers’ attention and boost sales.


For indie authors, the challenges are even greater. Unlike traditional publishers, they

must fight to get their books on store shelves, facing tough barriers like distribution

issues and high listing fees—all without the support or resources of traditional

publishing. It’s an uphill struggle fuelled by passion and determination. But now, Chapters Bookstore in Dublin is changing the game. Recognising that the

indie author market is evolving, Chapters will host ‘Indie Author Days’ this year and

next for the Carousel Aware Prize (CAP) winners.


Chapters Bookstore, one of Ireland's largest independents, is a beloved Dublin

bookshop known for its vast selection of new and second-hand books. Its welcoming

vibe and affordable prices make it a go-to spot for book lovers.


One of these initiatives is the opportunity for CAP Prize winners to spend an ‘Indie

Author Day’ in-store — signing books, doing readings and interacting directly with

readers to highlight their work. Chapters is proving they are partners, not

gatekeepers, for the CAP Award finalists.


CAP for Indies logo

They’re setting a new standard by championing these up and coming authors. As co-

owner Michael Finucane explains, they aim to discover the ‘golden nuggets’ missed

by traditional publishers, where only about 1% of manuscripts are accepted.

With so many great stories overlooked, CAP.ie is thrilled to see Chapters leading the

way in championing independent writers.


The CAP Awards ceremony will be held at Chapters, Parnell Street, Dublin, on

Friday, 1st November at 6:30 pm. Please come along and join us!


Contact Carolann Copland here for further information at cacopland@gmail.com

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