The author must be a living U.S. citizen, and the book must have been published in the United States. Only titles published within the three years prior to the master list release date are considered. Textbooks, new editions, and abridgements are ineligible. Any appropriate date in January is selected as voting day by the participating school. Voting materials, mailed by January 1, are sent to each registered school.
Schools duplicate the ballot for use by students eligible to vote.
The school wide totals, recorded on an official tally sheet are mailed to the TBA coordinator, must be postmarked on or before January 31. Students are eligible to vote if Their school is registered in TBA for the current school year.