Nominations are now open for the Nancy Olson Bookseller Award, named for the late founder of Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, North Carolina and a pillar of the literary community. The deadline to nominate is November 26, 2025.

An admirer of Olson, in conjunction with SIBA, awards two $2500 gifts in her memory in December. Recipients will be announced on December 18.

The award honors Nancy Olson: a legendary bookseller, a first-class wit, a remarkably gentle soul, and a tireless supporter of writers, especially new writers looking for a chance in the publishing world.  Simply put, she was one of the best folks to ever work in the book business, and her Quail Ridge Books was—and is—a literary institution.  

SIBA booksellers—but not owners—are eligible for the awards. Booksellers from stores who have received the award in the last two years are not eligible. Writers, readers, and/or storeowners may submit a name and any helpful information here. Individual booksellers may also nominate themselves.  

While the nominations should explain why a particular nominee deserves to be selected, there are no hard and fast rules or requirements or guidelines for the submissions—the hope is to honor Nancy and recognize special booksellers who particularly excel in the areas important to Nancy: customer service and helping writers, especially new writers, reach their reading audience. The winners will be selected from these nominations by Sarah Goddin of Mcintyre’s Books, SIBA’s Linda-Marie Barrett, Nancy’s husband Jim, and the donor of the gifts.

Nominate here.