How the Prize works
One of the main reasons for the Man Booker Prize's pre-eminence in the world is the known integrity of its judging process. There has never been even a whisper of bribery or corruption or influence, as with other internationally known prizes. So, how are the judges chosen?
First, there is an Advisory Committee, which advises on any changes to the rules and on the selection of the judges. The judging panel changes every year and a judge is rarely enrolled a second time.
Every effort is made to achieve a balance between the judges of gender, articulacy and role, so that the panel includes a literary critic, an academic, a literary editor, a novelist and a major figure. Then, once they are appointed, they are in charge without the slightest interference from the administrator or the sponsor.
From this has grown the total independence and balance that lies at the heart of the choices made. It is that which gives the Man Booker Prize its very special distinction among literary prizes the world over.
