• GENERAL JUDGING CRITERIA

These criteria apply to all entries, regardless of genre:

1. Originality (20 Points)

Does the story offer a fresh perspective or unique concept?

Are the ideas innovative and captivating?

2. Writing Quality (20 Points)

Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Flow and readability of the narrative.

3. Character Development (15 Points)

Are the characters well-rounded and relatable?

Do they show growth or complexity throughout the story?

4. Plot Execution (15 Points)

Is the storyline engaging and well-paced?

Are the twists, turns, and resolutions satisfying?

5. Emotional Impact (10 Points)

Does the story evoke emotions like joy, sadness, fear, or excitement?

How deeply does it connect with the reader?

6. Creativity and Presentation (10 Points)

How creative is the approach to the genre or theme?

Does the story's presentation (title, blurb, formatting) enhance its appeal?

7. Overall Impression (10 Points)

How memorable and impactful is the story as a whole?

---

• SUBCATEGORY CRITERIAS

1. Best Cover

Creativity (10 Points): Does the design stand out and show originality?

Relevance (10 Points): Does it accurately reflect the theme or genre of the story?

Visual Appeal (10 Points): Is it aesthetically pleasing and eye-catching?

Typography (5 Points): Are the fonts readable and well-integrated with the design?

Overall Impression (5 Points): Does the cover make you want to read the story?

---

2. Best Blurb

Clarity (10 Points): Does the blurb clearly convey the story's premise without being confusing?

Intrigue (10 Points): Does it hook the reader and create interest?

Language (10 Points): Is the writing smooth, polished, and engaging?

Relevance (5 Points): Does it align with the story's genre and tone?

Length (5 Points): Is it concise without giving away too much?

---

3. Best Prologue

Hook (10 Points): Does it grab the reader's attention right from the start?

Setup (10 Points): Does it effectively introduce the tone, setting, or themes?

Relevance (10 Points): Does it tie seamlessly into the main story?

Character Introduction (5 Points): Does it give insight into key characters?

Language and Flow (5 Points): Is the writing polished and easy to follow?

---

4. Best Fight

Realism (10 Points): Are the fight mechanics believable within the context of the story?

Emotion (10 Points): Does the fight carry emotional stakes for the characters?

Pacing (10 Points): Is the fight sequence well-paced and not rushed or dragged out?

Description (5 Points): Are the fight scenes vivid and easy to visualize?

Impact (5 Points): Does the fight have consequences or advance the plot?

---

5. Best Action Scene

Intensity (10 Points): Does the scene keep the reader on the edge of their seat?

Flow (10 Points): Are the actions clearly described and easy to follow?

Pacing (10 Points): Is the scene well-timed and not overly drawn out?

Creativity (5 Points): Does it bring something unique or innovative?

Significance (5 Points): Does it contribute to the story's overall progression?

---

6. Best Dialogue Writing

Authenticity (10 Points): Do the dialogues feel natural and true to the characters?

Contribution (10 Points): Do the dialogues reveal character traits or advance the plot?

Engagement (10 Points): Are the dialogues captivating, witty, or emotionally impactful?

Variety (5 Points): Is there a good balance between conversations and other elements?

Clarity (5 Points): Are the dialogues easy to understand and follow?

---

7. Most Memorable Ending

Closure (10 Points): Does it resolve the main conflicts effectively?

Emotional Impact (10 Points): Does it leave a lasting impression on the reader?

Surprise Factor (10 Points): Is the ending unique or unexpected in a good way?

Relevance (5 Points): Does it fit the tone and theme of the story?

Language (5 Points): Is the ending well-written and satisfying?

---

8. Most Memorable Beginning

Hook (10 Points): Does the beginning immediately grab attention?

Setup (10 Points): Does it effectively introduce the main characters, setting, or conflict?

Relevance (10 Points): Does it establish the tone and theme of the story?

Creativity (5 Points): Is the opening unique or intriguing?

Language (5 Points): Is the writing polished and engaging?

---

9. Best Romantic Scene

Emotional Depth (10 Points): Does the scene convey strong emotions and connection?

Chemistry (10 Points): Do the characters have believable chemistry?

Description (10 Points): Are the romantic elements described vividly?

Pacing (5 Points): Does the scene unfold naturally without feeling rushed or forced?

Impact (5 Points): Does it play a significant role in the story?

---

10. Best Scary Scene

Atmosphere (10 Points): Does the scene create a chilling or eerie setting?

Suspense (10 Points): Does it build tension and keep the reader on edge?

Description (10 Points): Are the horrifying elements vividly described?

Emotional Impact (5 Points): Does the scene evoke fear or discomfort?

Relevance (5 Points): Does it tie into the story's overall plot and tone?

---

• SCORING BREAKDOWN

Each entry will be judged on a 100-point scale, and scores will be averaged across all judges for fairness. For subcategories, entries will be judged only on the relevant criteria, while for main categories, all general criteria will apply.