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MIDWEST ROMANCE WRITERS
STEPPING STONE CONTEST 2004

 MANUSCRIPT TITLE:_________________________ Entry # _______    

CATEGORY: ____________________    Judge # _______    SCORE:_________

     Scoring – 100 total points

          5 = Outstanding, ready for the editor
         
4 = Excellent, very few flaws
         
3 = Good, shows promise but needs work
         
2 = Average, needs major revisions in areas marked
         
1 = Below Average, element is there but not fully developed

Manuscripts with preliminary round scores that differ by more than 30 points will be sent to a 3rd judge.

Opening Scene/Setting

_____ 1.  Is there a strong opening hook that works with this story? 
_____ 2.  Can you visualize the setting?  Is there accurate research and details necessary for the story?
_____ 3.  Are at least some of the five senses used in a way that enhances the story?
_____ 4.  Is the sexual tension/awareness between the characters believable and well motivated?

 Characterization

_____ 5.  Do you like the hero?  Does he make you want to read more?
_____ 6.  Do you like the heroine?  Does she make you want to read more?
_____ 7.  Are the characters consistent in their behavior?
_____ 8.  Do the characters have distinctive and consistent voices?  

Conflict/Plot

_____ 9.  Does the story touch on the internal conflict of the main characters?
_____ 10. Does the story touch on the external conflict between the hero and heroine?
_____ 11. Do the goals and actions of the characters advance the plot of the story?

 Writing Technique


_____ 12. Does the scene flow smoothly?  If transitions exist, are they clear and necessary to the story?
_____ 13. Are dialogue and narrative balanced and does each move the story along?
_____ 14. Is the point of view consistent?  If it changes are transitions smooth?
_____ 15. Is the manuscript professionally done, i.e. grammar, punctuation, format, and spelling?
_____ 16. Is the story fresh or the idea told in a unique way?

Synopsis

_____ 17. Does it show the character’s/relationship’s emotional growth?
_____ 18. Is the conflict resolved in a believable manner? 
_____ 19. Are the loose ends tied up and all questions answered?
_____ 20. Does it make you want to read the book?

 Total Score ________

 Judge – Published ______   Non Published _______  Award Winning (Pub or Non) _______

 



MIDWEST ROMANCE WRITERS
STEPPING STONE CONTEST 2003

 

MANUSCRIPT TITLE:_________________________ Entry # _______    

CATEGORY: ____________________    Judge # _______

 

Constructive Comments:  Answer the following questions to explain your scores on this entry.  These comments are for the author to help them hone their writing.
Please be as specific as possible.  No points will be assigned for these questions.

 

1.               What did you like or dislike about the hero?

 

 

 

 

 

2.               What did you like or dislike about the heroine?

 

 

 

 

 

3.               What did you like best about this story?

 

 

 

 

 

4.               Where (if any) did you see room for improvement and why?

 

 

 

 

 

5.               Does the synopsis work for you?  What do you like or dislike, if appropriate?

 

 

 

 

 

6.               Any other comments of encouragement?