Eligible books may include biography, memoirs, history, theory, criticism, reference, or related fields. Works which are ineligible for either award include anthologies (of previously published plays or other scripts except for new critical editions); directories, bibliographies; collections of articles and essays which were all previously published in other sources; reprints of earlier publications; works on non-theatrical dance, ballet, and opera; and plays, scripts, or similar dramatic works. Translations of significant works, other than play texts, will be considered.
Entries are judged on the basis of scholarship, readability, and general contribution to the broadening of knowledge. No galley sheets or proofs will be accepted. To be eligible for these awards, books must have been published in or (if published abroad) distributed in the United States during the specified calendar year. If date of publication does not appear on either the title page or its verso, the date must be indicated in writing by the publisher.
The Book Awards Chairperson will contact publishers in December/January with an official announcement about the awards including names and addresses of jurors, instructions for submissions, deadline, etc.
The winners of each award will be determined by three-member juries and the awards chairperson. Publishers are asked to submit FOUR COPIES EACH of all books nominated. One copy should be sent to each member of the jury for the award for which the book is eligible and one copy to the Book Awards Chairperson. (For books eligible for consideration for both awards, seven copies should be submitted: one to each juror on each panel and one copy to the Book Awards Chairperson.) There is no entry fee, and either hard cover or paperback editions may be sumbitted.
For more information, contact Stephen M. Vallillo.
