The Times of 11/12/12 has an article about sprucing up the National Book Awards ceremony with a ritzier location and a red carpet welcoming guests. New instructions were issued that judges may nominate writers whose books are widely read, along with little-known authors. “Fame or obscurity, small press or large, should have no bearing on your deliberations.”
On the table for consideration are expanding the judging pool beyond just writers and perhaps including well known cultural figures, and limiting for the first time the number of books a publisher may submit. Another suggestion is having a long list of nominees as well as a short list. All this will be decided at the December board meeting. The main aim is to be more like the Booker Prize, which does integrate itself with politics and the broader popular culture in Britain.