Pandora and New Venture Awards 2007

P R E S S R E L E A S E

Women in Publishing c/o Gill Rowley, 3 Gordon Road, London W5 2AD

14 December 2007

For immediate release Photos available

Women publishers honour industry achievers

Book marketing expert Alison Baverstock and publisher Helen Bate, who produces books for people with dementia, were given awards at a Christmas party given by Women in Publishing at the University Women's Club in Mayfair on 12 December.

Alison Baverstock, author of 15 books, was presented with the Pandora award for her achievements in improving the professionalism of the marketing of books, running publishing training courses, co-founding the MA in Publishing course at Kingston University and campaigning to change public attitudes to women in the Church and also to writers of romantic fiction. She has also been involved in various literacy projects and done much to promote the growth of reading groups.

Alison's much-reprinted How to Market Books (Kogan Page, new edition due January 2008) is regarded as the bible of book marketing throughout the industry.

Helen Bate, who runs the not-for-profit publishing house Pictures to Share, was presented with the New Venture award, which is given to a pioneering woman (or group of women) who have started a company that promotes the interests of under-represented communities. Her picture books for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, based on extensive research, feature images old and new to help stimulate memories and act as a communication aid with carers.

Women in Publishing spokesperson Gill Rowley said: "This year's winners are both remarkable innovators. There had never been a guide to marketing books before Alison wrote one, and Helen's beautifully produced picture books are the first to be specially designed for those whose lives are blighted by dementia."
NOTES FOR EDITORS

Contacts: Gill Rowley (daytime phone no. 020 7843 9421 or mobile 079 504 17364 ; email gill@srowley.dircon.co.uk or gill.rowley@helptheaged.org.uk)

Pictures to Share: www.picturestoshare.co.uk; tel. 01829 262565

Currently over 700,000 people in the UK have dementia, which is one of the main reasons why older people end up in care homes. The condition kills 60,000 people every year.

Photos of presentation/award winners available