The Seasonal Contests [2nd Edition - 2021]

🎉 Judging Rubric 🎉

Judges, please read the following info and judge based on that. At least 10-15 chapters should be read (the more, the better though).

*****

Don't forget to leave at least 5 constructive comments altogether in the first 7 chapters and 1 longer comment after reading the last chapter before you start judging (10th one at least, but the more the better), all with the tag #tsc21. More details will be given later in this chapter.

*****

If a book meets every point mentioned below, it is considered 'flawless'. While judging, try to spot the strengths, but also the weaknesses. There is always room for improvement— even if minimal— but sometimes you have to look harder than you usually would. This guide can help you pinpoint those weaknesses.

*****

Title, Cover and Blurb (10 points)
• The title is attention-grabbing and memorable, while simultaneously relevant to the story.
• The cover includes the title in a legible font.
• The cover is aesthetically pleasing.
• The picture/theme of the cover is relevant to the story.
• The blurb reflects the main plot of the story.
• The blurb does not give away any unnecessary spoilers.
• The blurb is short and hooks the reader.

Opening Chapter (10 points)
• The first chapter or prologue is intriguing.
• It leaves the reader hanging and wanting to read more.
• The chapter builds up to the introduction of the story's main conflict (in case of a prologue that takes place in the past, it is suspenseful).

Pacing and Fluidity (20 points)
• The story is not too fast-paced, or too slow. If the writer drags out or rushes past certain scenes, it is done purposely and with good reason.
• Each chapter has a role in the story. There are no unnecessary fillers that do not serve a purpose to the storyline.
• The transitions from chapter to chapter and from one scene to the next are smooth. No big time jumps are made unless absolutely necessary.
• The story does not move too slowly. Interactions between characters are happening frequently, and there is action often in the story.
• Themes and events aren't repetitive. If there is repetition at any point, it is done purposely.

• Dialogue and descriptions find a good balance— there isn't too much of one and too little of the other.

Character Portrayal (20 points)
• All characters are three-dimensional; their reactions to events that take place are reasonable.
• Emotions are described in depth, especially at critical points in the story.
• The characters are not shown as perfect; they all have their flaws like any person does. Some flaws may be eliminated or diminished as the story progresses, but it happens gradually and because of different events that take place.

Plot Development (20 points)
• After the end of each chapter, the reader is inclined to continue reading the story.
• The story steadily builds up to the climax, where tension and suspense are at their peak.

Vocabulary and Mechanics (20 points)
• The author presents a diverse vocabulary, never repeating the same words too often. There are some uncommon words woven into the narration, which enhance the descriptions.
• The structuring of sentences is proper.
• Typos are nonexistent.
• Homophones are not mixed up.
• Punctuation is used correctly.

FOR POETRY

Title, Cover and Blurb (10 points)
• The title is unique and memorable, while simultaneously relevant to the book.
• The cover includes the title in a legible font.
• The cover is aesthetically pleasing.
• The picture/theme of the cover is relevant to the book.
• The blurb is short and hooks the reader.