OK... I know that technically this doesn't mean that I won... but I was selected as one of two finalists for the Fantasy/Sci-Fi category of the 2004 Independent Publisher Book Awards! I am now an almost-winner. A runner-up, if you will. A second or third place (not sure which) contestant, so to speak.
This is a huge honor, as the IPPY's attract the serious indie authors... those who are really trying to break out of the label of "vanity publishers" into something that is taken more seriously.
The award ceremony is on the weekend of June 4-6 at the World Book Expo in Chicago.