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The San Diego Book Awards have turned to their last page, at least for now.
The non-profit organization, founded in 1994, announced in an email and on its website that it “will close its doors until further notice”. No reason was given.
“Who knows what the next few years will bring?” Said the announcement.
The awards were initiated by the late Chet Cunningham, a prolific author of approximately 450 books in a variety of genres who sought to honor and encourage local authors, both published and unpublished. Cunningham died in 2017.
The winners and finalists were selected in around a dozen categories each year, including best fiction, non-fiction, mystery, poetry, memoirs and children’s books. In addition, a “Best in Show” prize was awarded, named after Theodor Geisel alias Dr. Seuss, who wrote many of his popular and influential children’s books from his home office on Mount Soledad.
Last year’s hostage winner was Corey Lynn Fayman for his ballast point breakdown mystery.
At this time of year, from October 1st to December 31st, entries are usually submitted. The winners would be announced the following June.
The awards were submitted by a mix of authors, from newbies to veterans, whose books have been reviewed in the New York Times and other leading publications. There was a fee to enter. Winners received trophies and could purchase San Diego Book Awards stickers to adorn copies of their books.
For most of its history, the competition was only open to writers who lived in San Diego County. It recently expanded to include writers from around the world.
Like many nonprofits, the organization relied on volunteers each year to read and judge submissions, and in their announcement of the closure, the group singled them out as thanks.
It added, “Our social media and citywide exposure to the publishing industry, our patronage for the arts in San Diego, and our honored winners have been such inspiration, despite all the difficulties (the group) faced. Chet Cunningham would be proud of what his organization has achieved. “
Cunningham faced a few lean financial years while leading the group. He sought donations from people in the literary scene and informed them that an anonymous donor had offered to complement their gifts.
He was the anonymous donor.
After his death, the group created an annual award for best unpublished book and named it after him.
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