PUBLISHER SUBMISSIONS (AKA QUICK LISTEN) ROUND

DESCRIPTION
In this elimination round, experienced judges listen to samples of each audiobook to narrow the lists in high-submission categories in preparation for the Judges' Selections Round. This round is probably best done at a computer, for note-taking and quick switching to the next title.

You will listen to a short section (at least 30 minutes) from each assigned audiobook and vote YES or NO to move that title into full evaluation. You will receive titles in two digital shipments with two listening deadlines.

INSTRUCTIONS
We ask that you put no more than HALF of your titles through to the next round, or a max of 20 titles. But possibly even fewer. Please only put through a title that you really feel could be one of the best of its genre.

This is extremely important as the judges in the next round are tasked with listening to the entire audiobook, and we truly only want the few very best of the titles to move forward into that round. Please listen to your “maybe” titles a second time, and aim for just “Yes” or “No” votes before you submit your results. If a title is one that you would definitely put forward if only you had more spaces ... it is okay to leave as a maybe.

JUDGING TIPS/GUIDANCE

• Refresh yourself with the judging criteria.

• Watch this Zoom video where Judging Chair, Mary Burkey, discusses the quick listen round and to listen for as you evaluate the entries.

• Read this article: Sounds Good to Me: Listening to Audiobooks with a Critical Ear.

• Read this article: It's Time to Slow Down Your Audiobook Speed.

ACCESSING YOUR TITLES
All titles will be distributed to judges digitally. Most will be shared through Audible.com, but some (when not available on Audible) will be sent via dropbox. To access your complete list of titles and your log in information, please select your category from the list below.

EVALUATION FORM
Click this link to log in to Open Water. You will find your titles listed and you will be asked to rank them yes/no/maybe and also ... "not suitable for this category" and "this is not an audiobook."

DEADLINE to evaluate your first group of titles is September 13

DEADLINE to evaluate your second group of titles is November 15