[JUDGING]
Come one, come all to the Astania Community's Harvest Festival! We're in search of some great stories to last us through the chilly winter. No matter how big or small, all are welcome to make this harvest a bountiful one! If you'd like to...
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Stories under all categories except for Poetry will be judged using this rubric.
Title (5 points)
Is it unique? Original?
Blurb (5 points)
Is it unique? Does it make me want to click on it?
Cover (10 points)
Contrary to popular belief, people do judge a book based on its cover! A good cover is instrumental to your success.
Writing Style (10 points)
Does your story flow? Are your descriptions good? A great writing style is important for a good book! Please keep in mind that this score may be subjective based on the personal preference of our judges.
Plot (20 points)
Arguably the most important part of a story. Is your plot original? Does it make me want to keep flipping the page? Am I engaged?
Grammar (15 points)
While we don't expect perfection, it helps for stories to have at least decent grammar to be comprehensible to readers, and also to help them be immersed in the story.
Dialogue (15 points)
Does it sound like an actual conversation? Does it flow?
Characters (Development/Arc) (30 points)
Well-written characters are fundamental for an enjoyable book. They're another big part of stories, and we need to be rooting for or against the characters—even the morally bad ones! While we understand this can be hard to judge off a small number of chapters, a strong introduction to them is a great start!
Total Score: 110 points maximum
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The following rubric will only be used for Poetry submissions.
Title (5 points)
Is it unique? Original?
Blurb (5 points)
Is it unique? Does it make me want to click on it?
Cover (10 points)
Contrary to popular belief, people do judge a book based on its cover! A good cover is instrumental to your success.
Rhythm (10 points)
Is there a steady beat throughout the poem that contributes to the overall tone? Or perhaps an off-rhythm is used to intentionally create a negative feeling? Rhythm can convey another meaning that words alone cannot.
Cohesiveness (20 points)
Do the different lines and stanzas connect? Is there a central theme or meaning? Please keep in mind that this score may be subjective based on the personal preference of our judges.
Impact (20 points)
Does this poem affect the reader? Can it convey emotions that will linger in a reader's memory?
Creativity (10 points)
Are there unique metaphors and symbolism? Is there a clever structure or wordplay? These elements help a poem stand out.
Total Score: 80 points maximum
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Upon receiving your score or placement, please do not complain about your score. Your judge worked hard to judge your submission! While they may provide an explanation as to why you didn't win, please do not expect one, and please respect their wishes if they say no. Failure to comply will bar you from future community activities.
