The Christian publishing group behind the Christian Choice Book Awards has announced the winners of the first-of-its-kind contest.

Of the 407 entrants, first place winners were selected for each of the 22 categories and one – Christopher H.K. Persaud, author of Evolution – was awarded the grand prize. In total, 66 authors were awarded certificates.

“As the first contest of its kind in the Christian publishing arena, the Christian Choice Book Awards represents a unique opportunity for self-published Christian authors to make their voice heard,” stated Xulon Press, the publishing arm of Salem Communications, which launched the contest.

The contest, which was open to all self-published authors who released a Christian book in 2007-2008, received entries in categories that ranged from Christian living to poetry.

Prize money and certificates were awarded to the 66 authors who were selected as the top three in their respective category for their outstanding literary achievement. Approximately $1,500 in prize money was awarded to the grand prize winners, who received commemorative plaques in recognition of their achievement as well.

Receiving top marks were Grand Prize Winner Christopher H.K. Persaud's Evolution, a book that denounces evolutionary thought as beyond the real of real science; and First Runner-Up Waneta Dawn's Behind the Hedge; and Second Runner-Up Rick Brown's Out of the Forest.

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Notably, of the 66 winners, only 4 were authors whose works were not published or marketed through Xulon Press.

On the Web:
A full list of winners available at xulonpress.com/awards_contest/winners.html