Become a Judge
The Carlini Prize 2028 · Casa Carlini
Become a Judge
Shape what endures
We are assembling the judging panel for the Inaugural Carlini Prize 2028
The Carlini Prize is looking for judges who bring serious literary and intellectual judgment to the reading of unpublished manuscripts. If you are an editor, author, critic, academic, or publishing professional with a genuine commitment to the kind of writing that lasts, we would like to hear from you.
“The judges of the Carlini Prize are not arbiters of fashion. They are readers looking for books that will still matter in twenty years.”Charles Carlini, Founder & Publisher, Casa Carlini
Panel Roles
How the panel is structured
The Carlini Prize panel consists of five judges across three roles. Each role carries a distinct reading responsibility and time commitment.
Role 01
Category Judge
2 positions — Fiction
2 positions — Nonfiction
Category judges read the shortlisted manuscripts in their assigned category, score each manuscript using the judging rubric, and deliberate to select the category winner. First-round reading is handled separately; category judges receive a curated shortlist only.
Role 02
Grand Prize Chair
1 position
The Grand Prize Chair reads the two category winners, presides over the final deliberation with the full panel, and announces the 2028 Carlini Book of the Year. The Chair's name leads all prize communications and winner announcements. The reading commitment is intentionally contained.
Qualifications
Who we are looking for
We welcome expressions of interest from candidates who meet one or more of the following profiles. There is no single background that defines a Carlini Prize judge — what matters is seriousness of reading and independence of judgment.
- 01Published authors of literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, history, biography, or closely related fields
- 02Acquiring editors or editorial directors at independent or major publishing houses, active or recently retired
- 03Literary critics or cultural journalists with a sustained body of published work in serious outlets
- 04Academics in literature, creative writing, history, biography, or cultural studies at accredited institutions
- 05Literary agents with significant experience representing the categories relevant to the prize
- 06Booksellers, librarians, or arts programmers with a recognised public profile in literary culture
- 07Prior judges of nationally or internationally recognised literary prizes
What to Expect
What the role involves
Manuscripts
Curated reading list
Category judges receive a curated shortlist, not the full submission pool. First-round reading is handled by Casa Carlini's editorial team. All manuscripts are distributed digitally via the judging platform.
Scoring
Structured rubric
Each manuscript is assessed using a structured scoring rubric aligned with the six published judging criteria. Judges provide a score and brief written notes for each manuscript they read.
Deliberation
Panel discussion
Category judges deliberate to select the category winner. The Grand Prize Chair joins the full panel for a final deliberation to select the overall Grand Prize winner. Deliberations are conducted remotely.
Recognition
Full public credit
All judges are named and credited on the Carlini Prize website, in press releases, and in all winner announcements. The Grand Prize Chair's name leads all prize communications.
Platform
Subfolio judging portal
Manuscripts are accessed, scored, and annotated through the Subfolio judging platform. Full onboarding guidance is provided. No prior familiarity with the platform is required.
Compensation
Pro bono, Year One
For the Inaugural Carlini Prize 2027, all judging roles are offered on a pro bono basis. Compensation will be introduced in future cycles as the prize grows. Travel and expenses are not applicable for this remote process.
Commitments & Agreements
What judges agree to
All judges are required to sign the following agreements before joining the panel. These are standard across literary prizes and exist to protect the integrity of the competition and the writers who submit to it.
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01
Confidentiality agreement
All manuscripts, scores, deliberations, and panel communications are strictly confidential. Judges may not discuss submissions, shortlists, or results prior to public announcement.
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02
Conflict of interest declaration
Judges declare any prior relationship with submitting authors, including current or former students, close colleagues, collaborators, or family members. Any entry recognised by a judge is automatically disqualified.
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03
Timeline commitment
Judges confirm they are available to read and score manuscripts within the agreed reading window and to participate in the panel deliberation on the agreed date.
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04
Publicity consent
Judges consent to their name, title, and a brief biography being used in all prize-related communications, including the website, press releases, social media, and winner announcements.
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05
Independence of judgment
Judges agree to assess manuscripts solely on their literary and intellectual merits as defined by the published judging criteria, free from commercial, personal, or political considerations.
Judge Timeline
Key dates for judges
Now — Oct 2027 Expressions of interest open
November 2027 Panel confirmed and announced
December 2027 Appointment letters and agreements signed
January 2028 Judges named publicly at submissions opening
October 2028 Shortlisted manuscripts distributed to category judges
November 2028 Category deliberations; finalists announced
December 2028 Grand Prize deliberation; winners announced
Express Interest
Apply to join the panel
If you are interested in serving as a judge for the Inaugural Carlini Prize 2028, please complete the form below. We review all expressions of interest and will be in contact within two weeks of submission.
We respond to all applications within two weeks.
Casa Carlini will not share your details with third parties. Your information is used solely for the administration of the Carlini Prize judging panel.
Thank you — your expression of interest has been received. We will be in touch within two weeks.