Borders selects innovative and inspiring new books from first-time authors as well as works that represent a new direction for established authors for the Original Voices program. Throughout the year, more than 200 contemporary authors and illustrators from around the world are highlighted to customers through in-store features that rotate on a monthly basis. Earlier this month, finalists for the Awards were chosen by both corporate and store employees via an online voting process.

A committee of corporate staff members representing each of the four categories will read each finalist and choose the winners. The winners will be announced in January and the awards ceremony will take place in March.