The Booker Prize is the biggest literary award in the world. It can change lives and make careers. But who decides which is the best book? How do you take a collection of subjective opinions and choose a winner? Sara Collins is a prize-winning author, broadcaster, podcaster, former lawyer and, in 2024, was a Booker judge. She takes us inside the process – which starts with reading 156 books! – and reveals her own thoughts on Samantha Harvey’s Orbital, the eventual winner. 

Chapters:

[02:10] Who decides who wins?

[06:05] A lawyer’s turn to literature

[10:30] The science behind judging art

[14:20] The emotional toll of choosing a winner

[18:15] Finding the right story

[22:05] Advice for writers and decision-makers

[25:00] Closing thoughts: the power of a well-made decision

Key Takeaways:

• There is no scientific process for judging art—subjectivity is inevitable.
• A fair judging process must create an open space for disagreement and discussion.
• Making difficult decisions means feeling the regret, but ultimately moving forward with confidence.
• The best stories are the ones that give you butterflies—you have to love what you write.
• Life is short—choose the path that truly excites and fulfils you.

References & Mentions:

• Confessions of Franny Langton (Winner of the Costa First Novel Award) https://www.amazon.co.za/Confessions-Frannie-Langton-Novel/dp/0062851802
• The Booker Prize https://thebookerprizes.com/
• Orbital – The 2024 Booker Prize winner https://www.amazon.co.za/Orbital-Novel-Booker-Prize-Winner/dp/0802161545
• How to Write a Book with Elizabeth Day https://podcasts.apple.com/cd/podcast/introducing-how-to-write-a-book-episode-1-the-idea-part-1/id1407451189?i=1000662933815

The Art of Deciding has been featured in The Guardian Podcast Newsletter, Podnews, The List, and the Podbible newsletter and more. 

Series Producer: Jayne Morgan of Podcart - https://www.podcart.co.uk/

Bruce Whitfield is an award winning journalist, best-selling author and speaker https://www.brucewhitfield.com/

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