Nonfiction & Creative Nonfiction 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.
Opening:
Style/Voice
Construction/Organization/Development:
Open-ended Question
Total points: 48
- Does the piece begin with a unique theory, a problem to be solved, an intriguing biographical detail, or some other hook?
- Does the opening section provide the reader with confidence that the author knows this topic well?
- Does the opening (or sample of a book-length piece) provide the reader with a strong sense of the theme, topic, or character?
Style/Voice
- Is the writing fresh, clear, and focused?
- Are the writing style and vocabulary appropriate and engaging for the intended audience?
- Does the voice balance relatability with authority/knowledge?
Construction/Organization/Development:
- Is the work without errors in logic?
- Does the writer use interesting facts, examples, opinions, and/or explanations to develop the piece?
- Is the necessary background information presented in a concise and well-balanced manner?
- Is the piece organized effectively, with strong transitions?
- Is the pacing appropriate for the unfolding article or story?
- Is there a satisfying tie between the opening of the piece and its resolution? If a book length work, does the sample give a clear sense of narrative direction?
Open-ended Question
- Please make general comments about the entry that may help the author improve their writing and/or understand the market.
Total points: 48
SUBMIT
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Nonfiction Entry Form
Nonfiction Entry Form