For three years, we’ve been doing post-awards surveys. There are always great ideas and feedback, but two things stand out every year:
Judges want more time to talk about books.
Category Chairs want to make sure that all the worthy books in their category get nominated.
So. Starting this year, we are adding a second call for judges - for summer! We will still keep our traditional call in mid-August, but this new June Early Call gives judges and chairs four things.
They can read any books eligible in their category.
Everyone can read and/or review books without any deadlines or decision-making.
They can recommend books to each other and get comfortable with the process.
Everyone discovers books they hope to be nominated.
An added bonus: readers who want to see if the CYBILS Awards is a fit for them can see what it’s like to be a judge before making a firm commitment. Everything you need to know (including some FAQs) is in our announcement post.
I'm pointing people to this post, but just noticed that the link to your Announcement post goes to Inoreader instead of your Substack....?