Novel Beginnings Evaluation
Judges Criteria
Use these Guidelines:
4- Excellent-Ready for publication as is
3- Very Good-Could still use a bit of polish
2- In Process-Needs work to meet its potential
1- Starting Point- Concept is there, needs substantial work to meet its potential
Especially if you have given a LOW score to a question, please mark, in the writing sample provided, some examples for why you gave that score.
Use these Guidelines:
4- Excellent-Ready for publication as is
3- Very Good-Could still use a bit of polish
2- In Process-Needs work to meet its potential
1- Starting Point- Concept is there, needs substantial work to meet its potential
Especially if you have given a LOW score to a question, please mark, in the writing sample provided, some examples for why you gave that score.
Introduction
Character
Setting
Voice/Style
Total points: 48
- Does the sample include a strong hook that will intrigue the reader?
- Does the novel opening give a strong sense of conflict and tensions?
- Does the piece introduce the story problem?
Character
- Is the Protagonist interesting?
- Do the first few pages introduce the protagonist’s strengths and weaknesses?
- Does the novel beginning introduce the protagonist’s motivation, leaving room for change?
- Are all characters distinct?
Setting
- Does the setting seem inseparable from the protagonist?
- Does the author invoke more than one sense to engage the reader?
- Does the sample give a clear sense of time and place?
Voice/Style
- Does the author balance dialogue and narrative?
- Are the tone and style appropriate for the theme/topic of the piece?
- Please make general comments about the entry that may help the author improve their writing and/or understand the market.
Total points: 48
SUBMIT