The Audie Awards (, rhymes with "gaudy"; abbreviated from audiobook), or simply the Audies, are awards for achievement in spoken word, particularly audiobook narration and audiodrama performance, published in the United States of America. They are presented by the Audio Publishers Association (APA) annually in March. The Audies are commonly likened to the Academy Awards for their public recognition of merit in the audio industry. In order to win, works must be submitted for nomination. A panel of judges considers candidates based on consumer acceptance, sales performance, and marketing, and winners and finalists are chosen based on narration, production quality, and source content; formerly packaging was also evaluated. Awards Twenty-five Audies are currently awarded by the Audio Publishers' Association. The APA presently categorizes the awards as follows: Audiobook of the Year Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year Narration Audie Award for Audio Drama Audie Award for Best Female Narrator Audie Award for Best Male Narrator Audie Award for Narration by the Author Audie Award for Multi-Voiced Performance General Audie Award for Original Work Audie Award for Short Stories or Collection Audie Award for Autobiography or Memoir Audie Award for Business and Personal Development Audie Award for Faith-Based Fiction and Nonfiction Audie Award for Fantasy Audie Award for Fiction Audie Award for History or Biography Audie Award for Humor Audie Award for Literary Fiction or Classics Audie Award for Mystery Audie Award for Nonfiction Audie Award for Romance Audie Award for Science Fiction Audie Award for Thriller or Suspense Audie Award for Young Listeners' Title Audie Award for Middle Grade Title Audie Award for Young Adult Title Audie Award for Spanish Language Title Numerous other awards have been discontinued or merged since the Audies' inception in 1996. Special awards Special Achievement Judge's Award Hall of Fame Audie Awards galas The Audie Awards gala is the annual awards ceremony during which most of the Audie Awards are presented. It is hosted by the Audio Publishers Association and features a guest master of ceremonies (emcee), usually a notable figure in the world of audiobook narration or a celebrity audiobook enthusiast. The Audiobook of the Year award was not presented before 2004. References External links The Audies official website Past Winners - APA lists Audie Award winners from 1996 to the present Audiobook awards American literary awards Awards established in 1996 1996 establishments in the United States