Want to be a Judge?

Thank you for your interest in serving as a judge for the Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project!

We are currently recruiting Illinois library staff members to serve as judges for our three annual contests: the Illinois Author Project, de la Página a la Fama, and the Manuscript Project (details below). Sign up to help below.

Illinois Author Project

• Entries are indie-published or self-published works of adult and young adult fiction.
• Judges typically read 6 to 7 books over an eight-to-ten-week period beginning in August, and fill out a brief evaluation form for each title.
  • Each judge will be asked to read 3 or 4 books in the first round of judging, as well as the three finalists.

de la Página a la Fama

• Para español, haga clic aquí.
• Entries are indie or self-published works of adult, young adult fiction, and memoir in Spanish
• Judges typically read 4-5 books over an eight-to-ten-week period beginning in August, and fill out a brief evaluation form for each title.
  • Judges will review submissions to make sure they meet criteria
  • Each judge will be asked to read the three finalists.

Manuscript Project

• Entries are unpublished works of adult fiction.
• Judges typically read 9 to 11 manuscripts over a twelve-to-fourteen-week period beginning in March, and fill out a brief evaluation form for each title.
  • Each judge will be asked to read 3 or 4 books in the first and second rounds of judging, as well as the three finalists.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are judges required to attend any in-person or virtual meetings?

• No. Judges are asked only to read and evaluate their assigned books. No other commitments are required.

How do judges access their assigned books?

• Judges will read their assigned books electronically through the BiblioBoard platform. Judges can use the BiblioBoard app (available for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire) or read in a browser.

Do I need to be a librarian to be a judge?

• No. Judging is open to anyone who works for an Illinois library, not just librarians. Please note: judges must be employed at a library within the state of Illinois at the time of judging.

Questions/Comments

Any questions about being a judge or the judging process should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Wheaton Public Library. Questions about De la Página a la Fama should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Schaumburg Township District Library.