Selection of finalists typically occurs from late January to late March. Selectors read all books submitted in their assigned category and work on a three-member committee to choose three finalist books. The number of books assigned to a selector varies based on the number of entries submitted in each category. If selectors cannot come to agreement, final overall scores will be used to determine finalists. Selectors may be asked to read up to 25 books.
Judging of finalists typically takes place from mid-April to early June. Judges read 3-4 finalist books in their assigned category and work on a three-member committee to choose a Colorado Book Award winner. If judges cannot come to agreement, final overall scores will be used to determine a winner.
Selectors and judges do not receive compensation for serving but will receive a complimentary ticket to the Colorado Book Awards ceremony for the year they select or judge, and may keep the books they review.
We will be prioritizing new selectors and judges who are qualified to serve. We hope this will allow more people the opportunity to experience the adjudication process. In addition, an individual may serve as both a selector and judge in any given awards year, provided she/he/they adjudicate(s) different categories. Volunteers will also be asked to sign a Code of Conduct policy if they are selected.
The Colorado Center for the Book Programs Coordinator will guide selectors and judges through the adjudication process and lead committee discussions. Selectors and judges are asked to come prepared to both contribute and listen in a civil discussion, demonstrating respect for fellow selectors, judges, authors, and publishers.
The information about books entered, the adjudication process, and all discussions about entries are considered strictly confidential.
Selectors and Judges will receive hard copies of all entries, but if an emergency arises, Colorado Humanities will provide access to a PDF version of the book. To review such digital books, aside from having a verified email address, you will need internet access and a computer, iPad, Nook, Kindle, or other e-reader that handles a PDF file format.
If you have any questions, please contact Valerie Eddy, Colorado Center for the Book Programs Coordinator, at valerie@coloradohumanities.org.