Submitting a Story for Critique

The following submission guidelines should be followed for short stories, novellas, and novels:

• Your first page should include:
  • Your name
  • Title
  • Genre
  • Word Count
• Include the page number on every page inside a header or footer
• Set font to 12 point Times New Roman
• Double space the body of the document
• Indent the first line of every paragraph
• Preserve a one inch margin
• Start a new paragraph for dialogue when the speaker changes
• Submit your piece in one of the following file formats: Word, Text/RTF, or PDF. Smaller pieces can be inserted into the body of your submission email.

When sending a piece for submission, be sure to include the date you wish to have your piece critiqued.

Clearly label additional information included with your submission.

• Synopsis
• Illustrations
• Maps

Start with the Submission Template.

General Critique Guidelines

Analyze and evaluate the literary work with the goal of improving the piece.

Don't judge disapprovingly or look for fault.

As the author, do not defend the piece. Listen and learn.

CHARACTERS

• Could you tell the characters apart during dialogue?
• Did the characters stay true to their personality?
• Are the characters interesting and believable?
• Did you care what happened to them?
• Did the protagonist grow/mature throughout the story?
• Were any characters extraneous?

PLOT DEVELOPMENT

• Is the plot believable and supported?
• Is the plot original or cliché?
• Did the plot grab you?
• Did the conflict get resolved satisfactorily?
• Is the plot believable and supported?

FOUNDATION

• Was there a clear beginning (conflict and character introduction)?
• Was there a solid middle heightening the conflict and drama?
• Did the ending resolve the initial conflict or problem and did it tie up the loose ends?

ELEMENTS

• Did the opening sentence or paragraph grab your attention?
• Did the sentences flow well with good rhythm and clear ideas?
• Was the grammar correct?
• Are there repetetive sentences, redundancies or unnecessary points made?
• Did the story maintain pace, hold your interest, and continually pull you forward?
• Did the story "Show vs. Tell" the salient points?