It would be interesting to know what you think about the fact that self-published novels are excluded from entering the prize. One can understand the logistical and quality control difficulties, but you are, in fact, being asked to judge novels that the trad. Publishers have chosen for you - often based on little more than their random subjectivity and/or profitability in most cases.This is akin to the FA Cup being only open to Premier League clubs. There would be no magic of the cup in that! Similarly this prize. Given Orwell’s own jaundiced view of publishers, it also seems sublimely ironic.
Yeah, ta Mike..
It would be interesting to know what you think about the fact that self-published novels are excluded from entering the prize. One can understand the logistical and quality control difficulties, but you are, in fact, being asked to judge novels that the trad. Publishers have chosen for you - often based on little more than their random subjectivity and/or profitability in most cases.This is akin to the FA Cup being only open to Premier League clubs. There would be no magic of the cup in that! Similarly this prize. Given Orwell’s own jaundiced view of publishers, it also seems sublimely ironic.
Orwell: https://michaelmohr.substack.com/p/george-orwells-politics-and-the-english