Exact Editions trials virtual book collections for literary prizes

Content management platform Exact Editions is championing a new scheme, which it hopes will make the judging process for literary prizes more cost efficient and sustainable. 

The company recently rolled out a trial of its “virtual book collections” feature, which would enable publishers to upload a book’s PDF as part of submission processes. A virtual book collection link could then be shared with judges for review.

As part of the trial, eight publishers and literary experts were invited to choose a selection of four books from the Carcanet Press 2022 list. Participants were then sent a time-limited link to their virtual book collection, providing them with short-term access to the entirety of each book for their review.

The publishing and media professionals involved were: Angus Phillips, professor at Oxford Brookes; David Wilk, owner of Booktrix; Dan Visel, electronic publishing specialist; Richard Nash, editor and publisher; and Guy LeCharles Gonzalez, chief content officer at LibraryPass.

The literature academics involved are: Emma Smith, professor of Shakespeare Studies at Oxford University; Robert Macfarlane, author and fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge; and Olivia Smith, research associate (Bee-ing Human) at Newcastle University.

Michael Schmidt, editorial and managing director of Carcanet Press, said: "As a long-time publisher, I am struck by the adventure of offering readers time-limited free access to a collection of digital books. This is a service and a real incentive to acquire a selection of the books themselves. The occasion might be an award shortlist, a thematic opportunity, such as Irish poetry on St Patrick’s Day, Caribbean poetry during Black History Month, LGBT titles during Pride. There might be exciting possibilities in creating a book club from existing and forthcoming titles matched with online events and introductions. The time-limited access has clear promotional advantages. It also can help us build communities of readers."

Adam Hodgkin, chairman of Exact Editions, said: "This collection of digital books combines and reveals the choices made by a group of eight experts. This interactive digital collection shows how using virtual book collections works as a way for groups to review books. Reducing the environmental impact of shipping print review copies is something book prize sponsors and organisers are keen to address.”