One week.
The Call for Judges begins on 8/21. Hope you are as excited as we are to get the 2023 CYBILS Awards underway.
Whether this is your first application or your 10th, this handy-dandy checklist helps make fast work of the application. [Like 10 minutes or less!]
Want to make a good impression? We asked our we asked our Category Chairs about their experiences as judges and what they look for in an application!
THE BASICS. Stuff you know already.
__ Full Name
__ Email
__ State or Country
__ Your Book Role: parent, teacher, librarian, author/writer, illustrator
__ If applicable: Number of years you have judged for the CYBILS.
__ Optional: Diversity and Inclusion demographic
It took me a few tries to get accepted to a panel. I made sure I was applying for the category where most of my reading was so I knew I had good reviews for the category. Engagement is important as well - showing some sort of evidence that you will be engaged in the process and putting reviews out there.
ONLINE PRESENCE. More stuff you already know.
__ Place(s) you post about books
__ Your handle for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Goodreads, Tumblr, SubStack
Reviews shared in the application process can be for old books or brand new ones ... as long as there's enthusiasm and some thoughtful engagement.
I look for depth in their reviews. This shows me quickly if they are thoughtful readers.
THE MEAT AND POTATOES
__ 3 Category Choices, ranked in order of preference
__ 2 samples reviews (URLs) related to your top category preference
__ 1 sample review (URL) for your second choice
__ 1 sample review (URL) for your third choice
__ Panel choice: Round 1 (10/1 - 12/31), Round 2 (1/1-2/14), or no preference
__ Details of any potential conflicts of interest. See here for examples.
__ Optional: Additional narrative information about your KidLit or literacy related activities
__ Optional: Diverse and inclusive lived experiences you bring to being a judge.
Picture & board books were/are my category. I would pull some of my favorite review links from the year to share. I also made sure to explain how much early literacy means to me and the importance of quality books in the hands of kiddos!
I look for a good number of reviews in my category. Do reviews touch on the different aspects? I also like to see active social media - even if it’s more lists or features than reviews.
Tt took me three tries to be selected as a judge. And I've done it ever since.
Don't give up if you're not selected on your first try.
Got questions?
Check out the FAQs page. If you don't find the answer there, drop us a line at info [@] cybils [.] com