The judges for Scotland's National Book Awards are writers, editors, critics, booksellers and readers. Every one is passionate about writing, and rewarding the best of Scottish literary talent. Each panel has a Chair, and Saltire Society staff have no role in the judging process. We make unconscious bias training available for judges, and we proactively manage potential conflicts of interest to protect our judges, nominated writers and the Saltire Society from actual or perceived unfair treatment.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is opened for nominations by literary organisations and readers across Scotland and is decided by our Council with input from our panel Chair.

The Awards rely on the knowledge, critical understanding and experience of our judges to make the final decisions. The judging process is confidential and the Saltire Society cannot enter into correspondence on decisions.