Home / News / Clarification regarding the 2019 National Book Prize Back to News Clarification regarding the 2019 National Book Prize National Book Prize • News 3rd February, 2020 In view of the controversy surrounding the results of this year’s National Book Prize (NBP), the National Book Council would like to provide clarifications on a number of questions that have been raised during the intense public discussion of the past few days. The National Book Council confirms that according to the Regulations of the NBP, book titles are submitted for consideration according to a three tiered process; assessment for eligibility and long-listing; the shortlist announcement; and the announcement of the NBP winners. The Regulations clearly allow the adjudication board to make the decision not to award the NBP to any of the titles shortlisted in a respective category. At the same time, the National Book Council acknowledges that the present situation shows that there are some deficiencies in the commentary system. It has never been the Council’s intention, and nor does it not condone, that comments by the adjudication board are published in traditional or social media. Neither does the Council feel that adjudicators should have to explain their decision to the media. While the Council remarks that it stands by the final decisions taken by boards of adjudication, it is also discussing the possibility of revising the process by which comments and feedback are submitted, as well as the introduction of new requirements for adjudicators such as the signing of non-disclosure agreements. [add_posts category=book-prize-en show=100] SHARE POST Related Articles The 43rd PLR Payment Is Out Public Lending Rights 8th October, 2025 Read More Meet the Exhibitors at the Malta Book Festival! News 8th October, 2025 Read More Writing Anew with Fresh Tools in Our Arsenal! Delve into Workshops and Masterclasses at the Malta Book Festival ’25 Malta Book Festival 2nd October, 2025 Read More Winners of the 2025 National Book Prize Announced at Verdala Castle News 26th September, 2025 Read More Everyone will be Writing Anew: The Full Programme for The Malta Book Festival Is Now Out! News 23rd September, 2025 Read More The National Book Council Launches the Malta Book Festival Trailer! News 16th September, 2025 Read More Make a mark abroad! Literary agent Simon Trewin offers practical networking tips during a free Zoom session News 12th September, 2025 Read More Bringing children’s literature to dynamic life on stage at the Malta Book Festival Festivals 10th September, 2025 Read More The National Book Council welcomes new board members News 10th September, 2025 Read More POSITION OF MANAGER WITH THE NATIONAL BOOK COUNCIL: JOBSPLUS PERMIT NUMBER 881/2025 News 9th September, 2025 Read More view all similar news
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