There are nearly 100 stories now posted in the Editor Unleashed/Smashwords Flash Fiction 40 Contest. Since we’re using an open submissions method and there’s a people’s choice element to the judging, I’ve been fielding lots of questions about how to judge a story when there are so many entries.
It seems to me that people want to believe there is some objective criteria to judge a piece of writing. But in my experience that is rarely the case. Instead, most contest judges, editors and agents rely on instinct and this basic question: Does the story work or doesn’t it?
I like this explanation of how to judge a story posted on the forum by Kaolin Fire, editor of Gud Magazine.
Personally, the crux is “do I want to share this with people?” It’s not enough for it to be a good story. It’s not necessarily enough for it to be a great story. It’s got to be something I want to share (and take some of the credit in finding, of course).
What does that boil down to? Well, it’s got to have solid writing, good plotting, good characterization, great raison d’être. Of course, sometimes an amazing plot will carry adequate characterization, and vice versa. And different folks have different weights on the individual bits as to what sticks out as a red flag and what lets them keep reading, in the moment. Basically, if I can read an entire piece through without being jolted out of the moment, then it has a chance. But then it has to have staying power…
And here are 5 questions to ask yourself when judging a story:
• Are the characters well-drawn? Do they resonate with you?
• Does the dialogue ring true?
• Is the story original?
• Does the plot propel the story? Do you feel an urgency to keep reading?
• Is the story free of technical errors, such as point-of-view or tense problems, that take you out of the world of the story?
If the answer to all 5 of these questions is yes, then I think you’ve got yourself a pretty good story that would at least make it onto your short list.
More to come on ranking stories in the Editor Unleashed/Smashwords Flash Fiction 40 Contest. Ranking starts June 15 and continues through June 26. I’ll provide full details in the next few weeks.
If you have advice, tips or questions about judging a piece of writing, please share here.
-Maria Schneider
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
This is very good advice for all pieces of writing, not just competition. I agree that Kaolin Fire’s observations were sound ones. Thx Maria for helping shape better writers!
Great post, Maria. Very helpful.
A question: How much importance do you think the title should hold when judging a story?
Hi Cheryl, I would definitely give some thought to the title, but I wouldn’t say a title weighs in heavily in the judging process.
I agree that the only criteria should be: Does this story work for me?
The reasons why it works are less important and if a rule-set is applied to judging all stories, then many things will fall by the wayside. Anything a bit left of centre might get cut early when it’s actually a great yarn.
Maria,
It’s always been difficult for me to judge what is “good”. To some extent what works for me may not work for others, but I know when a story draws me in and won’t let go. I just have never been able to put my finger on exactly what that element may be.
These tips I think will help me identify what those elements may be. Thanks for putting them out there.
George
Thanks for the quoting and the link! :) So strange to see myself as a font of information, especially when that information is so heavily opinion. I suppose it’s fact insofar as it’s how I work. :)
You’re really keeping this thing running!