We’re proud to announce the 2011 Independent Booksellers Choice awards — the first award for indie publishers judged by indie booksellers.

Wait you say… another book award? Why?

Because indie booksellers know books best. They are the people who guide readers past the flavor-of-the-moment titles to the hidden gems. No Amazon algorithm recommendation or Oprah book club pick can compete with your local bookseller when he or she says, “You might not have heard of it, but this book is going to blow your mind.”

There are so many independent books that simply wouldn’t survive without the passion, hard work, and erudition of the independent bookstores. It’s not a glamorous or financially rewarding profession, but when it comes to finding brilliant and surprising literature, no one does it better.

There are enough book awards judged by critics, columnists and random faceless committees. Booksellers are the ultimate readers—it’s time for their voice to be heard.

Our goal is to create an open platform for booksellers to discuss the books they love. “Staff picks” are always the best places to find wonderful new books. Think of this prize as the staff picks for the entire country. We’re aiming for as much transparency and participation as possible so when all is said and done everyone will know what the five best books published in 2010 were and why.

Visit booksellerschoiceaward.com to learn more/vote/help name this big bad thing.

The polls are open so if you’re a bookseller get goin’!

If you aren’t a bookseller forward this on to one you love and check out the action on the site from time to time.

And we’ll see you at the award party at BEA. Have you ever been to a party with booksellers..? Crazy times.