|
The Lambda Literary Awards seek to recognize excellence in the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender literature. Each year, over 80 judges -- writers, booksellers, librarians, journalists -- assess the entries in more than 20 categories.
Judging criteria: The two equally important criteria for judging a submission are 1) the LGBT content and 2) the quality of writing.
LGBT content is a combination of factors: LGBT characters, events that influence LGBT lives and/or have meaning to the LGBT community; LGBT stories that haven’t been told; or traditional LGBT material that is handled in a unique and fresh way.
Quality of the writing. If a work is beautifully written but has little LGBT content, then it may not deserve to become a finalist. If a work has substantial LGBT content but is poorly written (e.g., clichéd, inadequate characterization or other substandard craft), then it may not deserve to become a finalist. These awards seek to honor both talent and content, not just one or the other.
For the genre categories (Mystery, Romance, Erotica, Science Fiction, etc.), the quality of the writing should also fulfill the expectations of the genre. When assessing a mystery, consider how the mystery stands in relation to its genre: a) is it traditional, b) does it challenge the conventions of a mystery in a new and interesting way, or c) is it not really a mystery but a novel with a few mysterious elements?
Any book with LGBT content can be submitted for a Lambda Literary Award, by its author or by its publisher. In this awards cycle, 463 books were submitted by 190 publishers.
Congratulations to the 107 finalists, in 21 categories, for the 20th Annual Lambda Literary Awards!
Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in West Hollywood, CA, on May 29 -- early bird tickets now on sale!
2008 Readings by Lammy finalists in Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, New York, West Hollywood, New Orleans, and Seattle.
NOTE: If you are a finalist, please send an email to awards@lambdaliterary.org to inquire about a ticket.
To be notified when news becomes available, enter your e-mail address below:
|
 |
