The Quill Award was an American

literary award A literary award or literary prize is an award presented in recognition of a particularly lauded Literature, literary piece or body of work. It is normally presented to an author. Organizations Most literary awards come with a corresponding award c ...

that ran for three years, from 2005 to 2007. It was a "

consumer A consumer is a person or a group who intends to order, or use purchased goods, products, or services primarily for personal, social, family, household and similar needs, who is not directly related to entrepreneurial or business activities. ...

-driven award created to inspire reading while promoting

literacy Literacy is the ability to read and write, while illiteracy refers to an inability to read and write. Some researchers suggest that the study of "literacy" as a concept can be divided into two periods: the period before 1950, when literacy was ...

". The Quills Foundation, the organization behind the award, was supported by a number of notable

media Media may refer to: Communication * Means of communication, tools and channels used to deliver information or data ** Advertising media, various media, content, buying and placement for advertising ** Interactive media, media that is inter ...

corporations, including

Reed Business Information RELX plc (pronounced "Rel-ex") is a British multinational information and analytics company headquartered in London, England. Its businesses provide scientific, technical and medical information and analytics; legal information and analytics; ...

, then parent of ''

Publishers Weekly ''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of ...

'', and NBC Universal Television Stations, along with ''

Parade Magazine ''Parade'' was an American nationwide Sunday newspaper magazine, distributed in more than 700 newspapers nationwide in the United States until 2022. The most widely read magazine in the U.S., ''Parade'' had a circulation of 32 million and a read ...

'', Borders,

Barnes & Noble Barnes & Noble Booksellers is an American bookseller with the largest number of retail outlets in the United States. The company operates approximately 600 retail stores across the United States. Barnes & Noble operates mainly through its B ...

, and the

American Booksellers Association The American Booksellers Association (ABA) is a non-profit trade association founded in 1900 that promotes independent bookstores in the United States. ABA's core members are key participants in their communities' local economy and culture, and to ...

History

In February 2008, Reed Business Information announced plans to dissolve the awards program and distribute the remaining Foundation funds to non-profit organizations First Book and Literacy Partners. Reed declined to give reasons for the suspension, but the awards had produced little effect on book sales, and the televised ceremonies were criticized for being too long and poorly planned.

Selection process

Winners were selected through a two-part process involving nomination by industry experts and final selection by consumer votes. To be eligible for nomination, a book had to be published in English during the previous year and be included in at least one industry or sponsor listing. Readers selected the winners from among the five nominees selected by the board for each category. For the 2007 edition, however, the choice by public vote was restricted to book of the year, and winners in other categories were chosen by retailers and librarians.

2007 Quill Award winners

*Book of the year: ''Angels Fall'',

Nora Roberts Nora Roberts (born Eleanor Marie Robertson on October 10, 1950) is an American author of over 225 novels, known for romance novel, romance published under her own name. She also writes police procedurals which have elements of science fiction ...

*Debut author of the year: Diane Setterfield, '' The Thirteenth Tale'' *Audio book: ''

To Kill a Mockingbird ''To Kill a Mockingbird'' is a 1960 Southern Gothic novel by American author Harper Lee. It became instantly successful after its release; in the United States, it is widely read in high schools and middle schools. ''To Kill a Mockingbird'' ...

'',

Harper Lee Nelle Harper Lee (April 28, 1926 – February 19, 2016) was an American novelist whose 1960 novel ''To Kill a Mockingbird'' won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize and became a classic of modern American literature. She assisted her close friend Truman ...

(read by

Sissy Spacek Mary Elizabeth "Sissy" Spacek (; born December 25, 1949) is an American actress and singer. She has received List of awards and nominations received by Sissy Spacek, numerous accolades throughout her career spanning over five decades, including ...

) *Children's illustrated book: '' Flotsam'', David Wiesner *Children's chapter book/middle grade: '' The Invention of Hugo Cabret'', Brian Selznick *Young adult/teen: '' Sold'', Patricia McCormick *General fiction: '' The Road'',

Cormac McCarthy Cormac McCarthy (born Charles Joseph McCarthy Jr.; July 20, 1933 – June 13, 2023) was an American author who wrote twelve novels, two plays, five screenplays, and three short stories, spanning the Western, post-apocalyptic, and Southern Got ...

*Graphic novel: '' Making Comics'',

Scott McCloud Scott McCloud (born Scott McLeod; June 10, 1960) is an American cartoonist and comics theorist. His non-fiction books about comics, ''Understanding Comics'' (1993), '' Reinventing Comics'' (2000), and '' Making Comics'' (2006), are made in comic ...

*Mystery/suspense/thriller: '' What the Dead Know'', Laura Lippman *Poetry: ''For the Confederate Dead'', Kevin Young *Romance: ''Angels Fall'',

*Science fiction/fantasy/horror: '' The Name of the Wind'', Patrick Rothfuss *Religion/spirituality: ''Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know - And Doesn't'', Stephen Prothero *Biography/memoir: ''Einstein: His Life and Universe'',

Walter Isaacson Walter Seff Isaacson (born May 20, 1952) is an American journalist who has written biographies of Henry Kissinger, Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Jennifer Doudna and Elon Musk. As of 2024, Isaacson is a profes ...

*Business: '' The No Asshole Rule'', Robert I. Sutton *Cooking: '' Joy of Cooking: 75th Anniversary Edition'', Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker *Health/self-improvement: '' How Doctors Think'', Jerome Groopman, M.D. *History/current events/politics: ''

The Assault on Reason ''The Assault on Reason'' is a 2007 book by Al Gore. In the book, the former U.S. Vice President heavily criticizes the George W. Bush administration for its actions in furthering the "assault on reason". He argues that there is a trend in U.S. ...

'',

Al Gore Albert Arnold Gore Jr. (born March 31, 1948) is an American former politician, businessman, and environmentalist who served as the 45th vice president of the United States from 1993 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. He previously served as ...

*Humor: ''I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence'',

Amy Sedaris Amy Louise Sedaris (; born March 29, 1961) is an American actress, comedian, and writer. She played Jerri Blank in the Comedy Central comedy series '' Strangers with Candy'' (1999–2000) and the prequel film '' Strangers with Candy'' (2005), wh ...

*Sports: '' The Kings of New York'', Michael Weinreb

2006 Quill Award winners

*Book of the Year: ''Don't Make a Black Woman Take off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life'',

Tyler Perry Tyler Perry (born Emmitt Perry Jr., September 13, 1969) is an American actor, filmmaker, and playwright. He is the creator and performer of Madea, Mabel "Madea" Simmons, a tough elderly woman, and also portrays her brother Joe Simmons and her ...

*Debut Author of the Year:

Julie Powell Julie Anne Powell (; April 20, 1973 – October 26, 2022) was an American author known for her 2005 book ''Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen'' which was based on her blog, the Julie/Julia Project. A film adaptation b ...

for work in ''Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen'' *Audio Book: '' Marley & Me'', John Grogan *Children's Illustrated Book: ''If You Give a Pig a Party'', Laura Joffe Numeroff *Children's Chapter Book/Middle Grade: '' The Penultimate Peril'',

Lemony Snicket Lemony Snicket is the pen name of American author Daniel Handler and a fictional character of his creation. Handler has published various children's books under the name, including ''A Series of Unfortunate Events'', which has sold over 60 millio ...

*Young Adult/Teen: ''

Eldest ''Eldest'' is the second novel in ''The Inheritance Cycle'' by Christopher Paolini and the sequel to ''Eragon''. It was first published in hardcover on August 23, 2005, and was released in paperback in September 2006. ''Eldest'' has been releas ...

'',

Christopher Paolini Christopher James Paolini (born November 17, 1983) is an American and Italian author. He is best known for ''The Inheritance Cycle'', which consists of the books '' Eragon'' (2002), '' Eldest'' (2005), '' Brisingr'' (2008), ''Inheritance'' (2011 ...

*General Fiction: '' A Dirty Job'', Christopher Moore *Graphic Novel: ''

Naruto ''Naruto'' is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. It tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks recognition from his peers and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. T ...

, Volume 7'',

Masashi Kishimoto is a Japanese manga artist. His manga series, ''Naruto'', which was in serialization from 1999 to 2014, has sold over 250 million copies worldwide in 46 countries as of May 2019. The series has been adapted into two anime and multiple films, vi ...

*Mystery/Suspense/Thriller: '' Twelve Sharp'',

Janet Evanovich Janet Evanovich (née Schneider; April 22, 1943) is an American writer. She began her career writing short contemporary romance novels under the pen name Steffie Hall, but gained fame authoring a series of contemporary mysteries featuring Stepha ...

*Poetry: ''Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem'',

Maya Angelou Maya Angelou ( ; born Marguerite Annie Johnson; April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014) was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credi ...

*Romance: '' Blue Smoke'',

*Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror: ''

A Breath of Snow and Ashes ''A Breath of Snow and Ashes'' is the sixth book in the ''Outlander'' series of novels by Diana Gabaldon, published on September 27, 2005. Centered on time travelling 20th century doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th century Scottish Highlander ...

'', Diana Gabaldon *Religion/Spirituality: ''Mama Made the Difference'', T. D. Jakes *Biography/Memoir: '' Marley & Me'', John Grogan *Business: ''The Girl's Guide to Being a Boss (Without Being a Bitch): Valuable Lessons, Smart Suggestions, and True Stories for Succeeding as the Chick-in-Charge'', Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio *Cooking: ''Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats: A Year of Deliciously Different Dinners'',

Rachael Ray Rachael Domenica Ray (born August 25, 1968) is an American cook, television personality, businesswoman, and author. She hosted the syndicated daily talk and lifestyle program '' Rachael Ray''. Other programs to her credit include ''30 Minut ...

*Health/Self Improvement: ''It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider'',

Jim Henson James Maury Henson (September 24, 1936 – May 16, 1990) was an American puppeteer, animator, actor, and filmmaker who achieved worldwide notability as the creator of the Muppets. Henson was also well known for creating ''Fraggle Rock'' ( ...

*History/Current Events/Politics: ''

An Inconvenient Truth ''An Inconvenient Truth'' is a 2006 American documentary film directed by Davis Guggenheim about former vice president of the United States Al Gore's campaign to educate people about Climate change, global warming. The film features a slide s ...

'',

*Humor: ''Don't Make a Black Woman Take off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life'',

*Sports: ''Get Your Own Damn Beer, I'm Watching the Game!: A Woman's Guide to Loving Pro Football'', Holly Robinson Peete *''Variety'' Blockbuster Book to Film: '' The Devil Wears Prada'' and its film adaptation, author Lauren Weisberger and

director Director may refer to: Literature * ''Director'' (magazine), a British magazine * ''The Director'' (novel), a 1971 novel by Henry Denker * ''The Director'' (play), a 2000 play by Nancy Hasty Music * Director (band), an Irish rock band * ''D ...

David Frankel David Frankel (born April 2, 1959) is an American filmmaker. He directed '' The Devil Wears Prada'' (2006), '' Marley & Me'' (2008), '' Hope Springs'' (2012), '' Jerry & Marge Go Large'' (2022), and the first and fourth episodes of the Netflix mi ...

2005 Quill Award winners

*Book of the Year: ''

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ''Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'' is a fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling. It is the sixth and penultimate novel in the ''Harry Potter'' series, and takes place during Harry Potter's sixth year at the wizard scho ...

'',

J. K. Rowling Joanne Rowling ( ; born 31 July 1965), known by her pen name , is a British author and philanthropist. She is the author of ''Harry Potter'', a seven-volume fantasy novel series published from 1997 to 2007. The series has List of best-sell ...

, Mary GrandPré (Illustrator) *Debut Author of the Year: Elizabeth Kostova for '' The Historian'' *Audio Book: ''

America The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

'',

Jon Stewart Jon Stewart (born Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz, November 28, 1962) is an American comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor, and television host. The long-running host of ''The Daily Show'' on Comedy Central from 1999 to 20 ...

and the writers of ''

The Daily Show ''The Daily Show'' is an American late-night talk show, late-night talk and news satire television program. It airs each Monday through Thursday on Comedy Central in the United States, with extended episodes released shortly after on Paramount+ ...

'' *Children's Illustrated Book: '' Runny Babbit'',

Shel Silverstein Sheldon Allan Silverstein (; September 25, 1930 – May 10, 1999) was an American writer, cartoonist, songwriter, and musician. Born and raised in Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, Silverstein briefly attended university before being drafted into ...

*Children's Chapter Book/Middle Grade: ''Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'', J.K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré (Illustrator) *Young Adult/Teen: '' Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood'',

Ann Brashares Ann Brashares (born July 30, 1967) is an American Young adult fiction, young adult novelist. She is best known as the author of ''The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants'' series. Life and career Brashares was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and gr ...

*General Fiction: ''

The Mermaid Chair ''The Mermaid Chair'' is a 2005 novel written by American novelist Sue Monk Kidd, which has also been adapted as a Lifetime movie. Synopsis ''The Mermaid Chair'' is the tale of Jessie Sullivan, a middle-aged woman whose stifled dreams and des ...

'', Sue Monk Kidd *Graphic Novel: '' Marvel 1602 Volume I'',

Neil Gaiman Neil Richard MacKinnon Gaiman (; born Neil Richard Gaiman; 10 November 1960) is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, audio theatre, and screenplays. His works include the comic series ''The Sandman (comic book), The Sandma ...

, Andy Kubert and Richard Isanove *Mystery/Suspense/Thriller: '' Eleven on Top'',

*Poetry: ''Let America Be America Again: And Other Poems'', Langston Hughes *Romance: ''44 Cranberry Point'',

Debbie Macomber Debbie Macomber (born October 22, 1948) is an American author of romance novels and contemporary women's fiction. Six of her novels have become made-for-TV movies and her ''Cedar Cove'' series of novels was adapted into a television series of the ...

*Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror: '' The Stupidest Angel'', Christopher Moore *Religion and Spirituality: ''Peace is the Way: Bringing War and Violence to an End'',

Deepak Chopra Deepak Chopra (; ; born October 22, 1946) is an Indian-American author, New Age, new age guru, and alternative medicine advocate. A prominent figure in the New Age movement, his books and videos have made him one of the best-known and wealthi ...

*Biography/Memoir: '' Chronicles, Vol. 1'',

Bob Dylan Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan; born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter. Described as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture over his nearly 70-year ...

*Business: ''

Freakonomics ''Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything'' is the debut non-fiction book by University of Chicago economist Steven Levitt and ''New York Times'' journalist Stephen J. Dubner. Published on April 12, 2005, by Wil ...

'', Steven Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner *Cooking: ''Rachael Ray's 30-Minute Get Real Meals: Eat Healthy Without Going to Extremes'',

*Health and Self-Improvement: '' He's Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys'', Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo *History/Current Events/Politics: ''

1776 Events January–February * January 1 – American Revolutionary War – Burning of Norfolk: The town of Norfolk, Virginia is destroyed, by the combined actions of the British Royal Navy and occupying Patriot forces. * January ...

'',

David McCullough David Gaub McCullough (; July 7, 1933 – August 7, 2022) was an American popular historian. He was a two-time winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. In 2006, he was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United S ...

*Humor: ''America'',

and the writers of ''

'' *Sports: '' Faithful: Two Diehard Boston Red Sox Fans Chronicle the Historic 2004 Season'', Stewart O'Nan and

Stephen King Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author. Dubbed the "King of Horror", he is widely known for his horror novels and has also explored other genres, among them Thriller (genre), suspense, crime fiction, crime, scienc ...

The foundation awarded a Quills Corporate Literacy Award to

Verizon Verizon Communications Inc. ( ), is an American telecommunications company headquartered in New York City. It is the world's second-largest telecommunications company by revenue and its mobile network is the largest wireless carrier in the ...

for its support of

programs in the

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

References

External links

* * {{Cite web , url=http://www.thequills.org/ , title=The Quill Awards : Auction , access-date=July 1, 2007 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430021149/http://www.thequills.org/ , archive-date=April 30, 2008 , url-status=usurped , df=mdy-all Awards established in 2005 Awards disestablished in 2008 American literary awards 2005 establishments in the United States 2008 disestablishments in the United States