The Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year has announced its longlist - a "firm date in the literary calendar", according to the organisers. I'm not entirely sure what a firm date is, or indeed a soft one, but the prize is certainly one of the more democratic literary awards around.

From a shortlist of 20 books, ordinary, average people like you and me now have the chance to vote for our favourites online, or in person at branches of Waterstone's. Public voting is open until June 17, after which a shortlist will be announced on June 26.

Democracy must not be allowed to run riot, of course, and a panel of properly qualified readers will then decide who wins. It doesn't seem much like a democracy to me, but then I'm no expert.