2010 Launching A Star Contest Score Sheet
Title________________________
Category____________________
Judge #_____________________
Scoring:
5 = GREAT! Author has perfected this concept!
4 = GOOD-Author needs a little additional work to perfect this concept
3 = AVERAGE-Author needs a better understanding of this concept
2 = BELOW AVERAGE-Author needs significant improvement of skills in this
1 = NEEDS HELP-Author needs extensive review of this concept
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1. OPENING (Possible Score: 15 points)
_______ Does the first page draw you in and make you want to keep reading?
_______ Does it start in the right place?
_______ Is it a good introduction of characters, plot and setting
_______SUBTOTAL
Comments, if any:
2. SETTING (Possible Score: 10 points)
_______ Is there a clear sense of time and place?
_______ Does the author use the five senses(if Paranormal, six or more) adding depth to the setting?
________SUBTOTAL
Comments, if any:
3. CHARACTERIZATION ( Possible Score: 25 points)
_______ Is/Are the main character(s) likeable?
_______ Are the main character’s motivations clear and believable?
_______ Do the main character’s actions and reactions ring true?
_______ Does the author use dialogue, narrative, and action to make each character distinct?
_______ Do secondary characters overshadow main characters. If none, can main characters carry the story?
_______SUBTOTAL
Comments, if any:
4. POINT OF VIEW (Possible Score: 10 points)
_______ Is the point of view clear and effective for the story?
_______ Are point of view switches handled smoothly?
________SUBTOTAL
Comments, if any:
5. PACING (Possible Score: 15 points)
_______ Is the pacing appropriate to the story and genre?
_______ Is there an effective balance between dialogue and narrative?
_______ Is backstory layered without slowing the pace and is story free of unnecessary scenes?
________SUBTOTAL
Comments, if any:
6. DIALOGUE (Possible Score: 15 points)
_______ Is dialogue appropriate to setting or era, moving the story forward?
_______ Does the dialogue suit or fit the character and is it natural?
______ Are lines of dialogue easily attributable and are dialogue tags used appropriately?
_______SUBTOTAL
Comments, if any:
7. CONFLICT/PLOT (Possible Score: 25 points)
_______ Has the author revealed enough of an intriguing plot to invest the reader?
_______ Does the plot seem fresh?
_______ Is the situation well motivated and believable?
_______ Is there a sense of internal/external conflict?
_______ Is the level of conflict appropriate to the genre?
_______SUBTOTAL
Comments, if any:
8. WRITING (Possible Score: 25 points)
_______ Does the author’s voice lend itself to the genre?
_______ Does “showing” outweigh “telling”?
_______ Is the action effectively shown?
_______ Are there smooth transitions?
_______ Are active vs. passive verbs appropriate to the story?
_______SUBTOTAL
Comments, if any:
9. MECHANICS (Possible Score: 10 points)
_______ Are spelling, grammar and punctuation correct?
_______ Is entry formatted according to industry standards?
_______SUBTOTAL
Comments, if any:
_______ TOTAL POINTS FOR THIS ENTRY (Max. 150)
Describe what this writer has done well. Additional Comments, Suggestions, Impressions:
Judge’s Signature (optional):
______ Published Author in Book-length Romance
______ Unpublished Author
______ Published in other publications (define):