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?