Byzantium Sky Press sweeps DPA Awards for book design

Byzantium Sky Press received three awards for book design in the 2023 Delaware Press Association Professional Communications Contest.

The Ellendale-based publisher earned first place in Best Book Design for “Evergreen” by Anne Crown; second place in Best Book Design for “The Mischief Maker” by Frances Oakes; and third place in Best Book Design for “Under A Jungle Moon” by Kathleen L. Martens.

In the Best Novel category, Crown also took first place for “Evergreen,” and Martens snagged third place for “Under a Jungle Moon.”

“Evergreen” is about Emma, a travel writer who begins to unravel emotions and relationships that take her on a journey through the past. She reflects on her own life and dreams to find the answers and meaning to choices she’s made concerning love. Emma feels helpless to move into the future without some resolution of the past, of what could have been and what remains, until her heart opens to an unexpected romance with a young vintner she meets while working on a story in Provence.

“Under A Jungle Moon” follows a headstrong investigative reporter as she fights to save the life of an indigenous woman destined to be sacrificed according to her tribal traditions. The novel explores the balance of life and death, bridging a cultural gap between the present and the Paleolithic past, and finding forgiveness.

“BSP’s mission is to share the voices of authors from all walks of life. My dream has always been to publish stories that celebrate strong yet vulnerable women and stories that uplift BIPOC and the LGBTQ+ communities. Nothing could be more important today,” said Crystal Heidel, Byzantium Sky Press owner. “I’m so happy that not only have my design and art been awarded for these amazing books, but that Anne’s ‘Evergreen’ has also been recognized for its amazing writing. This solidifies the multiple five-star reviews she’s receiving. And Kathleen’s ‘Under A Jungle Moon’ is such a women-forward, empowering story with an incredible lesson and characters I love.”

As first-place winner, “Evergreen” will progress to the National Federation of Press Women competition for the Best Book Design and Best Novel categories.

The purpose of the Delaware Press Association is to promote and uphold the highest ideals and standards of journalism and communications, to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences, to offer professional development opportunities, to recognize outstanding work, and to coordinate the efforts of the DPA affiliate and the National Federation of Press Women.

Founded in 2013, Byzantium Sky Press LLC is an independent publisher based in Ellendale. With an open submission period running through Thursday, June 15, BSP  is looking for stories featuring and/or written by women, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people, charting new paths, fighting for what is right, and finding the courage to make their life better. “I want stories that enlighten me and give me hope. I want stories that teach me something new, show me places I’ve never been, and let me experience the world through another’s eyes. I want stories that challenge the norm and can change the way the world thinks,” said Heidel.

To purchase any of the books that placed this year, go to Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach for signed copies. To inquire about publishing, author coaching or author self-publishing services, go to ByzantiumSkyPress.com or email Crystal at ByzantiumSkyPress@gmail.com.