While some may decry this as simply a popularity contest without any basis on literary merit that argument weakens in the face of the selection process before voting begins. Besides, what's wrong with having an award for books based on popular opinion? There are sufficient book awards already that are supposedly based on merit, for those authors whose work is gifted but not bestseller material, to be appreciated.

The concept of having separate awards for distinct genres of writing also eliminates concerns that a more popular style of writing will overshadow offerings from writers in fields less well known. To me, the Quills seem to offer a more egalitarian approach to author recognition than say the Booker Awards, or other major "literary" prizes. Unlike its older relatives, it will also generate increased awareness of the variety of work available.

The Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) ran a similar contest called "Canada Reads" where they had individual authors promote their favourite books by reading excerpts. The radio audience than voted for a weekly winner, and the weekly winners were entered into a final "read off" to select the book most Canadians would like to read.

Aside from being able to vote for books within individual categories, readers will also be able to choose one book from the nominees as an overall best book of the year. Just like the Oscars, the winners will be receiving a physical rather than a monetary award. Each category winner will receive an award specially designed by Nick Fasciano.

Contests and award show like this are beneficial in creating interest and excitement in reading. No matter what reservations that anybody may have about the Quills, they seem to be doing their best to achieve that goal. All you need do to participate is vote.

To see the titles of the selected books in each category go here. As of August 15, 2005 if you want to vote you can go here or here to find the address of a Borders store to vote in. Ballots should also be available in all book and music stores across the United States (Voting is limited to those residing in the United States).