Winning awards, including "Book of the Year" at the iBook Authors Conference in Nashville, no doubt has helped sales. As a Canadian self-publisher/co-author of an interactive eBook made for the iPad, I've had to break down barriers not only to have this book accepted into ebook competitions, I do so as a woman in tech over the age of 50. I will be the first to say that print is not dead. Based on my web design background, I wanted to offer readers a visually engaging interactive experience. Proudly, How to Say Cheese, delivers pure edutainment. 

The idea of entering awards came after seeing a presentation by Theresa Nicassio PhD, at a local YVR Authors Group. Theresa self-published YUM, a hardcover cookbook. She explained that winning multiple awards, including Gourmand - Best in the World, has open doors that otherwise may not have been open. She encourages authors to embrace the idea of entering competitions, but be discerning of awards that are just interested in taking your money.