SYP Oxford – Literary Awards: Behind Closed Doors

‘What’s your favourite book’? A tough question for anyone in publishing. With this in mind, it’s easy to appreciate how difficult it must be to judge a literary award; to select the best from a list of books which are often all fabulous. And, cranking up the pressure, your decision may bring significant international accolade to the winner, and sometimes large sums of money. Plus, not only do judges have to make an initial decision, they often need to persuade other members of the panel why their choice should win, sometimes resulting in passionate exchanges. What really goes on behind the closed doors of a literary award? Perhaps, like us, you’re intrigued to find out more…