Futuristic, Fantasy and Paranormal©
RWA online chapter
ON THE FAR SIDE CONTEST - 2005
SCORESHEET©
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ENTRY CODE:
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JUDGE:
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TITLE OF ENTRY:
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| CATEGORY
(indicate
with √): |
Futuristic [ ]
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Fantasy [
] |
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Erotic FF&P [
] |
Paranormal [
] |
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Time Travel [
] |
FF&P novel with romantic elements [ ]
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YOUR SCORE
GENERAL FORMATTING: (Possible Score: 1-5
points)
[ ]
Are the 15 manuscript
pages double spaced, with readable typeface and sufficient margins? Please do not take points off for “incorrect”
font (unless it is a script or other such font that is difficult to read),
for number of lines on the page, for the order of the header, etc. Please explain your score.
GRAMMAR & PUNCTUATION: (Possible Score: 1-5
points)
[ ]
Subject/verb agreement,
proper use of periods and commas, etc.
Please note that entries from other countries may contain usage
and punctuation different from that used in America.
If in doubt, do not take points off.
Please explain your score.
OPENING SCENE: (Possible Score: 1-15 points)
[ ]
Is the opening paragraph compelling? Does it make you want to continue reading?
Does the manuscript begin in the right place?
Please explain your score.
CRAFT: (Possible Score: 1-10 points)
[ ]
Is there good use of the 5 senses? Showing rather than telling? Active writing? Point of view handled appropriately? Please remember that there is no one right way to do things. The main question should be: Did the author
use basic writing techniques in a way that the story shines through and
draws the reader in without jarring and intruding?
Please explain your score.
CHARACTERIZATION & MOTIVATION: (Possible Score:
1-25 points) [ ]
Are the characters sympathetic? Are they distinct? Is emotion well-drawn and appropriate to the situation? Are flaws and virtues, if demonstrated, unique
to each character? Can you identify
with the character? Are goals,
motivations, and conflicts clear if presented?
Please explain your score.
PLOT & CONFLICT: (Possible Score:
1-25 points) [ ]
Are internal and/or external conflict(s) well defined
for each main character? Is conflict
organic, i.e. arising out of characterization and circumstance rather
than misunderstanding and irritability?
Is it enough to sustain a full novel?
(Note: entries may be category or single-title length.) Does premise avoid cliché and/or bring a fresh
perspective to an old idea? Is
the way characters act or react to events plausible? Please explain your score.
PACING: (Possible Score: 1-5 points)
[ ]
Do scenes progress in a realistic, compelling manner?
Does the story move along at an appropriate pace, without rushing
or dragging? Please explain your
score.
SETTING AND WORLDBUILDING: (Possible Score:
1-20 points) [ ]
Is there a clear sense of time and place? Is the world building believable and/or unobtrusive
to plot development? Is the FF&P
element integral to the plot? Please
explain your score.
DIALOGUE: (Possible Score: 1-20 points)
[ ]
Is the dialogue natural, not stilted or overly narrative?
Does dialogue move the story forward without rehashing information?
Are characters’ voices consistent and distinct from one another?
Please explain your score.
VOICE: (Possible Score: 1-10 points)
[ ]
Does the author have a distinctive voice? Does the voice match the tone of the story?
Is the voice consistent throughout the entry?
Voice is difficult to define—think of it like “flavor.” Would you
recognize this “taste” again? Please
explain your score.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: (Possible Score:
1-10 points)
[ ] From strictly a reader’s point of view, did you enjoy
reading this entry? Do you want
to read more? Please explain your
score. (A separate page may be used for additional comments)
TOTAL SCORE:
General Formatting
Pacing
Grammar & Punctuation Setting and Worldbuilding
Opening Scene
Dialogue
Craft
Voice
Characterization and Motivation Overall Impression
Plot and Conflict
Total (Write total in box on first page)
Judge’s Name (optional):
Not Published:
Published: Romance: Other:
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