Become a Question Writer

Thank you for your interest in becoming an official volunteer OBOB question writer! We have filled all open spots for the 2025-26 season. However, if you have an interest in joining us in the future, you can submit an application at any time to be considered for the 2026-27 OBOB season. We will begin reviewing applications in February of 2026.

About the Position

OBOB question writers are assigned one book from the official OBOB reading list to read in its entirety and use to write trivia questions. Writers’ questions are then edited and formatted, and they become the official questions used in all local-, regional-, and state-level OBOB tournaments. Writers must be familiar with OBOB and understand how the tournaments are structured, as well as know the procedure for individual battles.

Requirements

• Write concisely and use correct grammar
• Use Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets
• Attend a mandatory Zoom or conference call training
• Communicate with OBOB editors promptly and be willing to rewrite questions as needed
• Adhere to a submission deadline
• Read a minimum of one title from the official OBOB list
• Write fifty to sixty original In Which Book questions
• Write fifty to sixty original Content questions
• Read and adhere to the OBOB Question Writing Guidelines
• Keep all official OBOB questions absolutely confidential
• Must not be a 2025-26 OBOB participant (student)
• Must be of at least high school age, with parent permission, with a preference for adult writers

Dates and Deadlines

• April 1, 2025: Application deadline
• Please apply as soon as possible. Most recent years we have filled all available slots before we reach the official application deadline.
• Attend a mandatory conference call training prior to writing questions:

Monday, April 21, 2025; 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

—OR—

Saturday, April 26, 2025; 11:00 a.m. – Noon

• May-June 2025: Read assigned OBOB book and write questions
• June 30, 2025: Final deadline to submit questions to division-level editors

If you are interested in being an official OBOB question writer, click on this link to apply:

https://forms.gle/So8yUx2TxSDSvqu3A

If you have questions, contact:

Ken Randall
OBOB Questions Editor
obobquestioneditor@gmail.com