The federation, which co-hosts the awards with Oxford Brookes University, the Publishers Association and The Bookseller is calling for entries to the industry’s only awards that promote the excellence and craftsmanship of British book design.
Jarrold said: “We had a fantastic awards event last year with some superb winners. I am looking forward to seeing the books that are put forward this year and of course to the awards evening, which is a fantastic chance for the industry to come together, celebrate success and network."
All books published between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016 are eligible for entry. There are 18 categories including literature, digital, educational and interactive multimedia.
There is also an overall prize for Book of the Year and a special category for aspiring students, which Jarrold is particularly looking forward to.
He said: “We hope to have more than 450 entries this year and will be particularly drawing attention to the Best Student Book, which gives students the chance to win a cheque for £500 as well as a short internship with a leading designer, publisher or printer.”
Last year, Jarrold used a speech at the awards to highlight the resurgence in the printed book. He believes this resurgence has continued into 2016, and that the e-book market has done little to reduce sales of printed books.
“Both printed books and e-books have their place. What’s been interesting is that predictions that 'e' would displace 'p' are wide of the mark. Both have their place, with the physical book providing a set of experiences, a depth of engagement and a level of enjoyment that is unique,” he said.
Bloomsbury Publishing was the big winner last year, scooping three awards, Lifestyle Illustrated, Children’s Trade and the coveted Book of the Year. The Best Student Book prize was awarded to Thomas Lynes from Norwich University of the Arts. There were also awards for Pureprint, which won Best British Book, and hand-made book printer and publisher Fleece Press, which took home the Limited Edition and Fine Binding gongs.
According to Jarrold, printed books still represent approximately 80% of the sales value of the market, with the forecast set to remain steady. Data taken from the latest available Intergraf Economic Report shows that the UK leads the European market in printed books, with an industry worth €1.9bn (£1.5bn). Germany is second with €1.1bn and Italy's market is third worth €900m.
The deadline for this year’s entries is 30 June. The ceremony will be held at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, Knightsbridge.
For more information, go to www.britishbookawards.org
