Become an AIBA Assessor

 

Help Support Independent Authors and the Future of Indie Publishing

Awesome Indies Book Awards (AIBA) is currently inviting applications for volunteer assessors to help us evaluate independently published books and support the wider indie literary community.

For many years, AIBA has worked to recognise self-published and independently published books that meet strong editorial and publishing standards. As AIBA continues under new management, we are working hard to sustain the platform, streamline processes, and continue offering free submissions to authors wherever reasonably possible.

At present, we are also working through a backlog of submissions awaiting assessment. To help us continue our mission fairly and sustainably, we are seeking additional qualified assessors who are passionate about books, publishing, and supporting independent writers.

What Does an AIBA Assessor Do?

AIBA assessors independently evaluate submitted books based on criteria such as:

• Formatting and presentation
• Plot and structure
• Pacing and conceptual consistency
• Character development
• Writing quality and engagement
• Grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Assessments are editorial in nature. Assessors are not expected to proofread books or identify every error, but should be able to provide a brief and clear comment on whether a book meets AIBA assessment criteria subject to AIBA policies and procedures.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from individuals with:

• Strong written English skills
• Experience in writing, editing, reviewing, teaching, publishing, or related fields
• A good understanding of storytelling and publishing standards
• A willingness to provide fair, independent, and unbiased assessments

Applicants will also be asked to indicate their preferred and non-preferred genres.

Recognition and Assessor Perks

While AIBA assessments are voluntary and unpaid, active assessors may receive the following recognition and privileges from 2026 onwards:

• A digital Certificate of Appreciation
• Priority processing or additional submission opportunities for their own books
• Potential listing on the AIBA Manuscript Appraisals or Other Evaluation Services pages (subject to eligibility and guidelines)

All assessments remain independent and unbiased. Assessor privileges do not influence assessment outcomes.

Why Become an Assessor?

By becoming an AIBA assessor, you help:

• Support independent authors and quality indie publishing
• Maintain fair and credible standards within the indie literary community
• Help reduce submission backlogs and improve turnaround times
• Contribute to a long-running volunteer-led literary initiative

Your contribution can make a meaningful difference to both writers and readers.

Important Notes

• Participation as an assessor is entirely voluntary
• Assessors must declare any conflict of interest
• Book copies provided for assessment must not be shared or distributed
• Assessments should ideally be completed within 30 days where possible

Apply to Become an AIBA Assessor

If you would like to contribute to the indie literary community and support the future of AIBA, we would love to hear from you.

👉 AIBA Assessor Application Information and Form

For questions or enquiries, please use our Contact Form.

Thank you for supporting Awesome Indies Book Awards and independent publishing.