They are counted using a weighted method whereby ballot entries, listed by preference, are assigned a value and then tallied. Those who fail to meet the cutoff or have the least number are dropped and the counting is redone until such time as a clear winner appears. The award is given for the best British science fiction novel from the previous year. Established in 1986, this year's award was announced by Paul J. McAuley, the previous year's winner. They are given by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association for outstanding work done in the previous year.
Nominees have the option of withdrawing their work from voting.
The awards are presented annually at the Nebula Awards Banquet. The Locus Awards Presented annually by Locus magazine, the awards are for work done in the previous year. Ballots are included in the February issue of Locus, filled out and mailed in by the readers. The ballots are tallied by staff at the magazine using a weighted method. The winner list appears in the August issue.