A few weeks ago, the message came that applications were open for Cybils judges. I debated. Should I or shouldn’t I? For the last 2 years, I served as a Round 2 judge for YA non-fiction.Round 1 judges narrow down nominations to 5-9 top titles. Round two judges select the best of the shortlist.
I knew I didn’t have the time to be a Round 1 judge. Book nominations open October 1 and close on the 15th. You’d be amazed how many books get nominated in that short time. Round 1 readers start reading right away and have to have a shortlist by the end of December. Round 2 judges get started after that. We have to read all the titles on the short list and debate their merits, coming up with a decision that can be announced on February 14th.
Except this year, I won’t be reading; I’ll be listening. A few new categories were added this year. One of them was audiobooks and that is the category to which I applied and was selected to be a Round 2 judge. I wanted to try something new and I have really upped my audiobook consumption this year. When you apply, you can apply to up to three categories. Regardless of the category, you have to attach a link to a blog post that shows your ability to review that category.
I am excited to be a judge again this year and excited to stretch myself and take on a new challenge.
booksandbassets 
This will be my first year to participate. I’ll be a Round 1 Audiobooks panelist.
You have the really hard job.
Yeah, I may end up getting overwhelmed, we’ll see.