𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝟐𝐊𝟐𝟒

~𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐉𝐔𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐒

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞'𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐀 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Esteemed judges, welcome to the judging panel of The Grand Masquerade of Writing Awards! Your discerning eyes and unwavering commitment to fairness are what will make this competition truly shine. To ensure a transparent and rewarding experience for all, I present these guidelines to navigate the judging process with utmost integrity.

Fairness Above All: A Cornerstone of Judgment 

Fairness is the bedrock of any competition. I implore you to approach each entry with an unbiased perspective. Refrain from any influence, whether personal or external, that could sway your judgment. Remember, the brilliance of a story lies in its own merit, not the reputation of the author or any personal connection. Under no circumstances should you accept bribes or engage in any form of favoritism towards a nominee. If such an approach is ever made to you, please do not hesitate to report this incident immediately to the Award's host (me). We have a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior, and swift action will be taken.

Navigating the Literary Labyrinth: Determining Chapter Count

I understand the daunting task before you.  While judging a plethora of entries, you may not have the luxury of reading every chapter of each book. Here's where your expertise comes in!

For entries, I recommend focusing on a representative sample of 11 to 15 chapters, in general. This selection should provide a solid grasp of the plot, character development, and overall writing style. 

However, for entries with 40 or more chapters, while 11-15 chapters are a good starting point, we encourage you to delve a little deeper. Ideally, strive to read at least half the total number of chapters, beyond the midway point whenever possible.. This provides a broader perspective on the story's progression and ensures a more comprehensive evaluation.

For submissions with fewer than 15 chapters, reading the entire script is highly recommended. The brevity of the work necessitates a complete examination to fully evaluate the author's craft and artistry.

For entries marked as completed, we recommend reading the designated number of chapters to grasp the plot's core. Additionally, consider reading the epilogue as well. Often, epilogues offer a sense of closure and can provide valuable insights into the author's vision.

Remember, these are guidelines, not rigid rules. If a particular entry compels you to read more or less based on your initial impression, feel free to adjust your approach accordingly. Your literary intuition is a valuable tool!

Illuminating the Path: Providing Constructive Feedback

Following your analysis, we kindly request you to leave brief comments within the provided comment section for each entry. Here, we encourage you to offer a balanced perspective, highlighting both the positive aspects that resonated with you and constructive criticism for areas of improvement. Consider offering specific suggestions to bolster the author's craft. Additionally, if you wish, you can vote on individual chapters reviewed by you.

To facilitate efficient judging, I'll provide each of you with a confidential Google Doc. This pre-formatted document will guide your evaluation by focusing on key areas like plot, character development, writing style, and overall execution. You will use this document to compile your final scores and detailed feedback for each assigned book.

Collaboration is Key: Addressing Concerns

Should you encounter difficulties or concerns while reviewing a particular entry, please do not hesitate to consult with me directly. I believe in open communication, and I'm here to support you throughout the judging process. Together, we can address any issues and ensure a fair and insightful evaluation for every author. Remember, open communication is paramount to maintaining a transparent competition.

Remember, you are the guardians of a fair competition. By adhering to these guidelines and approaching each entry with an open mind, you will ensure that the most deserving authors are recognized and celebrated.

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