Short Story- The Judges Questions

Short Story Questions by Category

Hook:
  1. Does the story open with a compelling hook that makes you want to continue reading?

Setting:
  1. Does the setting provide a believable, appropriate and/or natural framework for the story?

Characters:
  1. Are the main characters multidimensional, with evidence (or at least hints) that they have weaknesses as well as strengths?
  2. Is the protagonist sufficiently interesting to produce empathy (or at least curiosity) in the reader?

Conflict:
  1. Does the conflict arise believably from the characters’ motivations and goals?
  2. Is there sufficient conflict (internal and/or external) to sustain the reader’s interest?
  3. By the end of the story, does the reader have a strong sense of satisfaction that the conflict has been resolved and that the character has grown and changed?

Dialogue/Narrative/POV:
  1. Do the dialogue and narrative provide characterization and move the story and/or relationships forward?
  2. Does the author present the work with a distinctive voice and an engaging style of expression?
  3. Is each character’s voice consistent and appropriate for his/her age, education, gender, ethnicity, etc.?
  4. Is point of view handled correctly?
  5. Is the dialogue natural, not stilted or overly narrative?

Mechanics:
  1. Is the entry presented professionally and following the format required by the contest? Is the manuscript free of typographical, spelling, and punctuation errors?
  2. Is the story told in a clear and focused manner without annoying overuse of adjectives and adverbs?
  3. Is the work without grammar errors; or, if errors exist, are they necessary for the story’s atmosphere?

Pacing/Flow:
  1. Does each scene have a clear and necessary relationship with the scenes that precede and follow it?
  2. Does the proportion of showing versus telling produce an active and engaging story flow?
  3. Are the necessary backstory and exposition presented in an artful and well-balanced manner via narration and/or dialogue?
  4. Is the pacing appropriate for the unfolding story – does it move rapidly enough to sustain interest?

Effectiveness/Reader Response:
  1. Candidly assess the total impact of this short story. Realistically evaluate its likelihood of enticing a successful editor to publish it.