AboutUs
The Georgia Independent Author of the Year Awards was established in 2018 by Vickie Bley, after the Georgia Author of the Year Awards decided to exclude independently published authors. As an author under the pen name of Tori Bailey, Ms Bley was interested in supporting indie authors. The first Awards were issued in 2019. The awards, as well as a writers conference, were sponsored by her bookstore that carried only indie authors. After the 2022 awards, Ms Bley stepped away and Mary Treadwell took over the awards and finalized the establishment of the Georgia Independent Author Association. Mary had worked alongside Ms Bley in the bookstore events as well as the awards.
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Mary Treadwell, like most book lovers, began her passion for books at an early age. She devoured all the books in her school library that interested her by the 6th grade, including the complete Trixie Belden series. Her accomplishment gained her permission to check books from the high school library.
Mary got involved with indie authors when her friend began writing her first book. Mary was a beta reader first for her and then began beta reading for others. As Mary’s involvement with authors increased, she began assisting authors in publishing, editing, and promotions. She also assisted her friend with a bookstore that carried only indie author books, She enjoyed hosting book signings, book launches, and was involved in the annual writers conference. In the fall of 2022, Mary was asked to head up the Georgia Independent Author of the Year Awards and the Georgia Independent Author Association.
She has put two successful careers behind her as a Social Worker and 911 Communication Officer and returned to her true passions: books., cooking, and being a savvy shopper.
Mary lives in Metro Atlanta with her husband of over 36 years and her two rescue pups. When not enjoying the four children and three grandchildren, Mary and her husband love to travel.
Mary Massey Treadwell
Chairperson
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