MSRW
Dixie First Chapter Contest (2007)
A Contest for Romance Writers
Score Sheet
Target
sub-genre/publisher/line (optional) _________________________
MSRW USE ONLY: Entry #________ Final Score ________ Finalist Y N |
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Judges are
strongly encouraged to comment on the back of the score sheets or on a separate
sheet of paper. Guidelines for judges suggest adopting a positive, constructive
approach. To encourage a more uniform scoring system, we've given sample
interpretations for each number score. |
Scoring Interpretation Suggestions: 5 = Outstanding; ready for Publication 4 = Excellent; Needs only Minor Tuneup 3 = Very Good; You're off to a Great Start 2 = Average; Major Revisions Needed in Certain Areas 1 = Below Average: Study and Revise and Keep Trying |
Professional Impact: (10%) (NOTE: We do not require any
particular font. Font size should be 12 point.)
_____1. Is the mss presented professionally? Neat?
Clear type? Mss format?
_____2. Mechanics: Is the grammar correct? Spelling? Usage? Punctuation?
Writing Nuts and Bolts: (60%)
_____3. Is there an intriguing situation that
captures reader interest right away?
_____4. Is the situation believable, or does the writer make it seem possible?
_____5. Are the characters believable for the category chosen?
_____6. Do the actions/reactions of the characters seem appropriate and well
motivated?
_____7. Does the dialogue sound natural and realistic?
_____8. Is the setting easy to picture without being intrusive? Are historical/ scientific/| fantasy
elements believable and/or accurate?
_____9. Is the point of view consistent and are changes in the pov smooth and
logical?
_____10. Does the writer use several of the five senses to create a vivid
picture?
_____11. Is tension or conflict present or implicit?
_____12. Is scene free of seemingly unessential details?
_____13. Does the scene focus mostly on the hero and heroine? If not, is it
handled well enough to sustain reader interest?
_____14. Writing style: Does the scene flow smoothly without unintentionally
jarring the reader?
Emotional Reader Reaction: (30%) NOTE: If hero or
heroine does not appear in the entry, please judge this section as best you can
on such elements as whether sexual awareness or interest or anticipation is
present, or the hero or heroine is thinking about the love interest, or other
romantic elements. This is a romance contest, and generally, it is
expected that both hero and heroine will appear in the first chapter.
_____15. Did you feel the sexual tension/awareness
between the hero and heroine?
_____16. Do you like the hero? Is he sexy, attractive, appealing?
_____17. Do you like the heroine? Is she sympathetic, attractive, appealing?
_____18. Is the relationship between the hero and heroine believable? Do you feel these two would actually get together? Or does their relationship seem
forced or contrived?
_____19. Does the scene seem fresh and clear? Have you read the story line or
experienced the story elements too many times before to find this particular
version interesting? Low score
= too cliched. High score= fresh or the treatment is such that any cliched
elements seem fresh and different.
_____20. Would you like to read more of this book?
_____TOTAL SCORE (total of all 20 questions.)
Constructive Comments (judges please answer these questions for the
authors.)
1. What did you especially like/dislike about the hero?
2. What did you especially like/dislike about the heroine?
3. What are (at least) two things you felt were well done? (Tell why if
appropriate.)
4. What are two things (if any) you felt need work? (Tell why and please
offer suggestions.)
5. What, if anything, seemed cliched to you? How can the story be improved?
6. Anything else? Please use additional sheets if necessary.
Judges are strongly encouraged to comment directly on the manuscripts.
Judges are not obligated to comment or offer suggestions other than on the score
sheet. The Dixie Contest is known as a tough, fair contest which
has been instrumental in helping more than one writer become published. As such,
we ask the judges to share their impressions and expertise which may prove
helpful in understanding why an entry received the scores it did.
Judge's name or
Publishing House (optional)_______________________________________
Final Round Judge? Y N Published Romance: Y N Published, Other: Y N If other, give example
(optional)____________________ Certified Judge: Y N Experienced Unpublished Judge: Y N Unpublished / Award Winning: ___Y
___N