Friends of Lulu is very happy to announce that the judges for the 2009 Lulu Awards have been selected, and two new categories created!

The Lulu Awards are given every year to the creators who have fostered the success of women in the industry (or enjoyed their own), to publications that displayed literary excellence, and to people and projects that helped to open eyes and minds to the amazing comic and cartooning work by women.

In a change from last year, the judges panel will provide the list of nominees, then the public will vote for the winners in each category.

The nomination process is open from now until September 14th.

Voting by the public will take place between September 14th and October 1st.

The winners will be announced at the end of October, in a very special Lulu Awards ceremony to be announced in a separate press release.

I. Judges

We have brought together a diverse and knowledgeable team from a variety of interests, disciplines, and occupations from within the comic book industry and fandom.

The judges are:

Brigid Alverson – writer, editor, columnist, and blogger

Jennifer Babcock – comic book historian and creator

Abby Denson – writer, cartoonist, and teacher

Cheryl Lynn Eaton – blogger and writer

Chris Eberle – comics retailer

Karen Green – academic librarian and comiXology columnist

Robert Randle – purchasing assistant manager, Diamond Distributors

Again, the nomination process is open from now until September 14th.

We have a list of judges who wish to receive review copies. Only works produced in 2008 will be considered. Please email us at info@friends-lulu.org for more information & their contact info. Lulu loves the environment: please try to send scans/pdfs whenever possible! Please note that individual publishers/comic creators assume all responsibility in getting said materials to the judges, including cost of shipping & the delivery of electronic files in a proper format.

II. New Categories:

Leah, who passed away in 2007, was very active in Friends of Lulu and was also comics creator in her own right. She had a passion for children's comics and this award is in memory of her. This award is for a kid-friendly work that best exemplifies the Friends of Lulu motto "Comics Are For Everyone."

For a lead female character from an ongoing or limited comic book series or comic strip, original graphic novel or novella. Whether in print or online.

Thanks for reading, and please spread the word!

Best,
Valerie D'Orazio
President, Friends of Lulu