There’s a new kid on the block in award shows. Another red carpet, spotlight swirling, dressed to the nines event. Sounds just like the rest doesn’t it? Ah, its what’s being honoured that makes this show different.
The Quill Awards are for books. Yes, that’s right, dusty, sitting on library shelves, books. The Quill Literary Foundation has created the first literary awards whose results will be decided by the book buying public. Readers will get to choose from five pre selected titles in nineteen categories, ranging from Romance to History.
How was the list of ninety-five finalists set, and how are they judged? Well according to the Quill Foundation web site the initial qualification and selection was done in two stages.
The first requirement was that the book was published in North America and marketed in the United States between Aug. 1, 2004 and July 31, 2005. Secondly, it had to meet one of the following criteria:
1.) Starred reviews in Publishers Weekly 2.) Barnes and Noble Discover Great NewWriters Program 3.) BookSense Picks 4.) Borders© Original Voices 5.) Bestseller lists from Publishers Weekly, Book Sense, Barnes & Noble, and Borders
Once they had this list together, the Quill Nominating Board, a group of 6,000 librarians and booksellers, established, somehow or other, the short list of five books for each category. The last stage begins on Aug. 15th, 2005 when voting is opened up to the public. You’ll be able to walk into your local Barnes and Nobel and Borders book stores to cast a ballot, or on line at the Quills’ web site.
Once voting wraps up on September 15th, 2005 it will be another month until the award ceremony. On October the 22nd N.B.C. television will broadcast an hour long special with highlights from the award show announcing the winners.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Absolute balderdash for various reasons.
Firstly, as gypsyman points out - it is self-serving and intended to generate publicity
Secondly, who needs a new book award anyway - there are enough
Thirdly, if the reading public is to judge books, the New York Times bestseller list is a fair guide to what's on top.
2 - parker
Don't the readers vote with their wallets already?
3 - M. Lancaster
A member of my family has been nominated as an author. She has no political or big-city connections. I am thrilled that she has had this recognition for her first book.
4 - Cicely
It seems like fun to have an award...even if there are plenty out there. There are plenty of books to read and plenty of people with plenty of opinions. What's the harm?