Judges Only

Score Values for entrants

9-8 Excellent to Superior. A Score in this range is flawless or nearly so. The writing is skillful, the characters three dimensional, and the story reaches the reader.

7-6 Good to very good. A score in this range is well written and shows promise with few revisions.

5 Average. A score of '5' has good potential. It has elements necessary for a good short story but needs careful revision.

4-3 Fair. A score in this range is slightly below average and still lacks the necessary spark to catch an editor's eye.

2-1 This score means the story needs extensive revision. Indicates the author is still in the learning process and struggling to find their voice.

Judges Sheet

Entry Number

Judges Number

Genre

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Using the score values, please submit scores for each of the following.

1. OPENING: Does the opening of the story hook the reader?

2. CHARACTERIZATION: Are they well developed, interesting and properly motivated.

3. PACING: Does the story keep your interest? Is there energy? Is the story alive?

4. INTROSPECTION: Does the introspection move the story?

5. DIALOGUE: Is the dialogue realistic? Does it move the story forward?

6. POINT OF VIEW: If there are changes in POV, are they consistent and are the transitions smooth?

7. DESCRIPTION: Is the time and place clear? Do you get a good sense of the surroundings?

8. WRITING MECHANICS AND MS FORMAT: Grammar, spelling, punctuation, repetitive words etc. Are the sentences and paragraphs pleasantly varied?

9. SHOW or TELL: Does the story show the reader what's happening through dialogue, action, reaction etc? Or does it simply tell the reader what's happening?

Total Score out of a possible 81.

Comments the Judge might offer the entrant.