Book Prize Insider Reveals How Literary Awards Actually Work

Rebecca Makkai, a frequent book prize juror who has judged six major awards including the Pulitzer, National Book Award, and Giller Prize, explains the often misunderstood mechanics of literary prizes. She emphasizes that prizes are decided by small panels of judges, not the administering organizations, and that each panel's tastes are idiosyncratic. Makkai reveals that many books are eliminated in early rounds by a single reader, that submission fees and publisher decisions can keep worthy books out of contention, and that the process is more random than authors realize. She notes that judges often split hundreds of books among themselves, that recusals are common, and that group dynamics can sway final decisions. Makkai also details the unique Pulitzer process, where a jury of five nominates three finalists for the Pulitzer Board, which can override nominations. She advises finalists to prepare speeches and make separate afterparty plans. The piece underscores that judging is a brutal but rewarding crash course in contemporary literature.