Pawesome Awards 2023

🌹Judging Rubrics - Novels

This is the judging criteria for all Genres. It's much more simplified than last time, so hopefully, it would be easier to navigate through. 😸

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1. Writing style (10 points)

~ Sentences should flow well together. They shouldn't be too short or too long unless it's done with a purpose. (5 points)

~ Are past and present tense often mixed up? The novel should mostly follow either past tense or present tense and use past tense only when events really take place in the past. (5 points)

2. Pacing (15 points)

~ The story should not be too fast-paced or too slow. If the author drags out or rushes past certain scenes, it should be done with good reason. (5 points)

~ The transitions from chapter to chapter and from one scene to another should be smooth. No big time jumps should be made unless absolutely necessary. For each unnecessary time jump (in the first 5 chapters), substract 2 points. Can't go below 0. (10 points)

3. Setting descriptions (10 points)

~ Do descriptions help you imagine the setting? Is it clear where the action is happening? (5 points)

~ Does the author only describe how things look, or do they also use other senses, such as sound, smell, and touch? (5 points)

4. Character descriptions (10 points)

~ Is it easy to imagine how characters look like based on their descriptions? (5 points)

~ Is it described how characters move or carry themselves, or do descriptions focus solely on physical attributes? (5 points)

5. Dialogue (10 points)

~ Is the dialogue relevant to the story? (5 points)

~ Do different characters sound unique? Would it be clear who's saying what even without dialogue tags? (5 points)

6. Plot (20 points)

~ After the end of each chapter, is the reader inclined to continue reading? (10 points)

~ Is the plot original and unique? Are clichés presented in an interesting and intriguing way? (10 points)

7. Character development (15 points)

~ Main characters are three-dimensional and their reactions to events that take place are reasonable. (5 points)

~ Side characters are not flat and they have their own unique personalities. They do not react to events out of character. (5 points)

~ Characters are not perfect. They have flaws and vices they might overcome eventually. (5 points)

8. Overall enjoyment (10 points)

Total: maximum 100 points 

9. Short review, tips for improvement
Start with what you liked about the book, making sure to include any thoughts you had on points above here since this is what I'll be posting on the contest.

Next, cover weak sides and what needs improvement. Please, be nice and constructive. Make it as short and informative as possible.

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As you've noticed, some of the points above evaluate only the first 5 chapters, but make sure to read chapters 6 and 7 as well to get a better view of the Plot and Character development.

Be fair when you judge.

Mail me the results on ash17donovan@gmail.com once you're ready. Start with the genre of the novel, book title, and the author's name, followed by how it scored on each of the points above, total score, and lastly, your review.

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