On Valentine’s Day I found out that The Blue Man has received a Chill with a Book Premier Readers’ Award. Winning an award for any of my books is a first in my author career, so to say I’m thrilled is an understatement.
According to the Chill Awards website, a Premier Readers’ Award is only honoured to books that receive exceptionally high evaluations from Chill Readers. Books are given to a panel of readers who evaluate them based on questions, assigning points per answer. The Blue Man was given to three readers in the UK and Spain, as part of a pool of books of – I don’t know what size – all I can say is, the six months wait since I had submitted my book was definitely worth it! It was evaluated based on the following questions:
1. Were the characters strong and engaging?
2. Was the book well written?
3. Did the story/plot have you turning the page to find out what happened next?
4. Was the ending satisfying?
5. Would you recommend to someone who reads this kind of story?
Getting feedback from the readers was marked as optional, but I was very grateful that all of the readers who evaluated my book left comments, which I enjoyed reading.
Receiving a Premier Readers’ Award means that The Blue Man is now in the shortlist for Book of the Month for February 2023. Whether it wins or not, I’m delighted that it’s now an award-winning book, and the news definitely made Valentine’s Day extra special – and indeed my whole week so far!
Leilanie Stewart 