IPPY Judging Criteria
IPPY judging is based on quality of content, originality, design, and production with an emphasis on innovation and social relevance. Our judging panels include experts from the fields of editing, design, reviewing, bookselling and library. Judges give numerical ratings in each of these six criteria:
FIRST IMPRESSION
Front, back and inside – would you pull it from the bookstore or library shelf?
DESIGN
Cover design, typeface, message, front & back – does the cover make you want to look inside?
Interior layout, typeface, illustrations – is it easy to read; is it a pleasure to look at?
ORIGINALITY
Is it a fresh approach? Has it been done too much?
USE OF LANGUAGE
Grammar, style, voice – does it flow? Does it make you want to keep reading?
MESSAGE DELIVERY
Is the message promised by the cover being delivered, and in a compelling way?
RELEVANCE
Is the book pertinent to our time? Is this a message that should be heard?