Lynch is patron for awards ceremony for independent authors

Booker prize winner Paul Lynch has been announced as the patron of an Irish awards ceremony for independent authors.

The writer, whose book Prophet Song picked up the prestigious gong in 2023, is backing the CAP (Carousel Aware Prize) for Independent Authors, which has opened for this year’s submissions.

“I am delighted to be patron of the Carousel Aware Prize for independent authors," said Mr Lynch. "This is an important initiative, bringing the cream of brave and original, Irish independently published books out to readers, whilst being a fundraiser for the mental health charity Aware.

“I’d like to congratulate the past winners of this award and wish those submitting this year the very best of luck.” 

The CAP awards, which were first launched in 2016, aim to provide a platform to showcase the very best of Irish independently-published authors, bringing them to the attention of bookshops, distributors, and the media in Ireland and abroad.

All money raised from the process and awards night itself goes to the charity Aware, a non-profit organisation that provides education, support, and information around depression and bipolar disorder, in particular, as well as promoting positive mental health.

“It is a privilege to be at the helm of the Carousel Aware Prize for independent authors,” said Carolann Copland, founder and chairperson of the CAP Awards.

“This innovative award aims to bring the best of original writing out to readers seeking unique and significant publications.

“Raising funds for the mental health charity, Aware, is of utmost importance to me, as their support has been indispensable to my family through tough times,” she added.

As well as having Paul Lynch on board this year, Carolann - and the reputation she has cultivated around the awards - have secured a dedicated committee and a panel of high-profile judges, who themselves are top authors.

“Independent publishing is changing the face of publishing worldwide and the CAP Awards has helped to give Ireland its place on that world map, with the awards providing recognition for the best that Ireland has to offer from indie authors,” said Carolann.

“The written word, like every art, needs competition to keep it moving forward.

Readers now have a bigger choice, and independently published books are competing well alongside traditionally published books.

“The CAP Awards are committed to acknowledging and promoting excellence in Irish independent book publishing and are also a reader’s guarantee of quality, offering them fresh, new voices from independent authors combined with professional, high-level standards of publishing.” 

Stephen Butterly, Head of Fundraising and Business Development at Aware, said: "We are honoured to have been chosen as the partner charity for the CAP Awards. This is a fantastic initiative to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Ireland's many self-published authors. We are very grateful to Carolann for her ongoing support of Aware, for bringing attention to the topic of mental health and raising much-needed funds for the organisation. Finally, I'd like to wish all entrants the very best of luck!"

For more information, log onto www.capawards.ie or www.carolanncopland.ie.