I’m incredibly honored to share that A Letter Is Better! The Art of Thank You has been recognized with a 2026 Communicator Award of Distinction.

This recognition is especially meaningful to me because communication is at the heart of everything this book represents. A Letter Is Better! was created around a simple belief: taking the time to express gratitude can create connection, strengthen relationships, and make someone feel truly seen.

In a world where so much of our communication happens quickly and digitally, there is still something incredibly powerful about slowing down, choosing your words thoughtfully, and letting someone know they matter.

An Unexpected Honor

One of the most rewarding parts of publishing a book is seeing its message resonate in ways you never expected.

When my publisher, Fabi Preslar from Spark Publications, told me she’d entered our book into the International Competition for Marketing and Communication Professionals, I never dreamed it would garner a Gold in the “Motivational” category.

Now I display the statue on my desk and feel proud whenever I look at it.

It’s more than an award to me. It’s a reminder of why I wrote this book in the first place—and of the impact that thoughtful communication can have.

The Art of Thank You

Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or grand. Sometimes, the simplest gesture—a handwritten note, a meaningful letter, or a sincere thank-you—can stay with someone for years.

That is the heart behind A Letter Is Better!: encouraging people to rediscover the art of personal communication and recognize how powerful their words can be.

Receiving recognition for a book centered on communication feels particularly special. It reinforces the idea that kindness, gratitude, and genuine human connection still matter—and perhaps matter more than ever.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring this book to life, to those who have read it and shared its message, and especially to Fabi for believing in the book enough to put it forward for recognition.

The award may sit on my desk, but what it represents extends far beyond it: a celebration of gratitude, meaningful communication, and the connections we create when we take the time to say thank you--Erica Gerard Di Bona