2023 Cybils Volunteer EARLY CALL Application
Yes, we are doing something a little different in this, our 18th year: we are going to have TWO Calls for Judges. For the Early Call, judges will be reading books in their category that sound interesting to them and that they think have CYBILS-worthy potential. 

Category Chairs are looking for judges who read voraciously, share more than a summary in their reviews, and keep an open mind at times when something in a book may not fit with their experiences or beliefs. The Early Call is nearly identical to Round 1 Judging, with these exceptions:

  • There will be no nominations during this phase. Panels are reading books that fit their category criteria and will be eligible when nominations begin (10/1).
  • No decision-making. Judges are talking about the books they’re reading, but in a more leisurely, book-club-style environment.
  • No updating database records.
  • Longer reading period. Panels will convene in late June to allow for reading July, August, and September.

IMPORTANT: Applying to the Early Call does not obligate you to be in Round 1 in the fall, nor does it require you to continue at all. If you are selected as an Early Call judge, you will not have to re-apply and you will have an opportunity to decide your level of participation before the August call goes out. 

The deadline to apply is June 14.

After you submit the application, you should receive an email with your responses. If you don't receive this email, please contact info@cybils.com to ensure your application went through.

Please share an email address where we can reach you regarding your application.
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Email *
Last Name *
First Name *
State or Country *
Volunteers living outside North America will be accepted on a case by case basis, primarily (but not limited to) round 2. Out of US panelists need to understand that they will have to acquire many of the books on their own. Because of the short timelines, it can be difficult for those not in North America to get the books quickly enough.
Where do you post about books? (Check all that apply) *
Check all that apply
Required
Please share a link where we can find your posts about books. We prefer links that show original thought about books rather than just sharing cover images and publisher copy.  *
ie., the URL of your blog, social media, Goodreads profile, YouTube channel, etc.
First Choice Category *
URL of post related to your First Choice category *
Share with us a blog, social media, Goodreads, or other post about your first choice category. If possible, please share a post that includes some original thought/analysis.
ANOTHER URL of post related to your First Choice category (optional if you judged in this category recently)
Show off your expertise, please!
Second Choice Category *
URL of post related to your Second Choice category
Share with us a blog, social media, Goodreads, or other post about your first choice category. If possible, please share a post that tells us something about the book or your reaction to it.
Third Choice Category *
URL of post related to your Third Choice category
Share with us a blog, social media, Goodreads, or other post about your first choice category. If possible, please share a post that tells us something about the book or your reaction to it.
Do any of the following describe you? *
Required
Have you participated in Cybils previously?
Clear selection
If you'd like, you can provide any additional information here about your kidlit-related activities that you think we might like to know--if you review for SLJ, for example, or volunteer for a literacy group. Stuff like that. Keep it as brief as possible. (optional)
PLEASE let us know if there are any possible conflicts of interest which would affect your ability to serve on a Cybils panel--if you (or your spouse/partner) have written a book which might be nominated, or have accepted money from an author or publisher, for example. If you worked for a publisher or agent in any capacity, please let us know here. *
If you have any connection to any book published for youth in the last year, we want to know about it. It won't necessarily eliminate you, but we need to know so that we can decide how to handle it. If you aren't sure if something is a conflict of interest, please tell us anyway so that we may determine the impact.
Diversity and Inclusion (optional)
The Cybils Awards is committed to ensuring that the books that earn our award are inclusive and represent all communities, no matter how they intersect. Would you like to share anything about how your participation would contribute to our diversity, inclusion, and representation mission? 

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an optional question and your answer will be held in the strictest confidence of the Chairs only. Not responding will not disqualify you from consideration.
Are you 18 or older? *
You can still participate if you are 16 or older, but we'll need to get parental permission.
A copy of your responses will be emailed to the address you provided.
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