Grayslake author wins librarian-run statewide writing competition

For the 10th consecutive year, Illinois librarians have uncovered literary gems missed by the traditional publishing world through the Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project.

This year’s outstanding winner is “The Fallen Woman’s Daughter” by Michelle Cox of Grayslake. Upon learning of her win, Cox said, “I’m absolutely thrilled that my first truly indie book has been honored with this award. I'd like to thank the judges and librarians who selected my book, but also to all the thousands of librarians who make a difference to so many in their community. I applaud you!”

Cox will receive a cash prize as well as opportunities to promote her book at Illinois libraries, and the opportunity to make her book available to Illinois library users through the online collection, Indie Author Project Select on the platform inkie.org.

Called “an addictive read” by Kirkus Reviews, “The Fallen Woman’s Daughter” tells the story of eight-year-old Nora who along with her sister arrives at the Park Ridge School for Girls in 1932, certain that there has been some mistake. When their mother fails to rescue them week after week — and cruel house matron, Mrs. Morris, drops hints that their mother may be a “fallen woman” — Nora begins to doubt they will ever see her again. The story that unfolds uncovers secrets of a tragic choice Nora’s mother was forced to make, and the attempts by the daughters and their mother to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.

Learn more about this book and other works by Michelle Cox at michellecoxauthor.com/fallen-womans-daughter.

About the project

In 2013, a group of librarians in northern Illinois teamed up to create the Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project to demonstrate how important self-published books can be in the lives of readers. Through the project, libraries are helping connect talented local indie authors with readers. This exciting, library-driven initiative, now in its 10th year, has been replicated in 14 states and two Canadian provinces so far, and is the model on which the national Indie Author Project is based.

In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain statewide recognition by Illinois libraries as the top indie-published adult fiction books, the chance to compete with winners from other state contests for the title of Indie Author of the Year, and opportunities to earn royalties through the Indie Author Project Select collection.

For information about the Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project, visit soontobefamous.info.