RNZ: Arts on Sunday - Interview w. Judge Stephen Stratford

Radio NZ - National (National New Zealand)
The Arts on Sunday - 27/06/2010 - 12:37 PM
Lynn Freeman

The head judge of the new-look New Zealand Post Book Awards, Stephen Stratford, responds to criticism of the slim-lined list of finalists, especially just the three for fiction.

Freeman says literary blogs have been abuzz with the list of finalists for the New Zealand Post Book Awards being released, noting contention around the decision to have only three fiction finalists. Stephen Stratford, head judge for the New Zealand Post Book Awards, explains the new structure and says having five judges is a great improvement, noting the breadth of knowledge. He says narrowing down the non-fiction field was not difficult, despite the diverse topic range, while diversity in fiction is just as difficult. He says judges were happy with a short-list of three as is foreshortens the process. He says new author, Best First Book Awards are sponsored by the NZ Society of Authors so are separate from the New Zealand Post Book Awards so are announced earlier. He says design is currently a strength in publishing, noting the high standard of illustrated non-fiction books. He says judges have found the current system works.

Click here to listen to the interview with Judge Stephen Stratford (pictured)