Judging Criteria:
NOTY scores works in consideration of the attributes below. Each attribute is followed
by a brief description. We will use the phrase "of interest" knowing the subjective
quality of the consideration. We apologize for the lack of specificity in this area, but we
don't want to limit the creativity of the entrants, and we are open to expand our
considerations and evolve our tastes.
Theme:
Our major criteria for judging is theme. We deem theme as the repetitive
consideration as addressed by the main conflicts. In general, the theme is the
intellectual structure for the work, as contrasted by the Plot, which is the
dynamic structure. Themes needn't be moralistic, just of interest.
Authorial Intent:
The author's intent for writing the story need not be didactic, merely
"somewhat clear." We will not rule out a non-point story, as long as we deem
this to be clearly the author's intent. In short, what point can the reader derive
from having devoted his time and money to your book?
Structure:
Whether metafiction or classic novel structure, we consider the merit of the
approach for delivering the story and theme.
Balance:
Though we do not want to discourage lengthy submissions, we admittedly tend
toward conservation of pages. Production costs and reader's time dictates that
authors justify long novels (500+). But, in our eyes, quality prevails. Keep in
mind, beautiful prose alone cannot carry a novel.
Narrator:
First-person narrators should be of interest, and both first and third-person
narrators should be an appropriate marriage to the theme. Also consider your
use of tense and how it works with the narrative voice.
Plot
Cut loose but avoid cliché. It must be "of interest."
Art of the Sentence
There are several approaches to sentence style. Many have artistic merit, even
the terser structures. We consider the beauty of the sentences.
Characters:
Much like plot, the main consideration for characters is they must be "of
interest." This does not mean they need to be overly complex. Unlike the plot,
they may even be cliché, as long as the choice of persona is justified.
Competence:
Quality of product, pure and simple. Work that is not appropriately edited will
be deemed too problematic to invest our time into. We highly recommend you
hire a capable editor, and that you hone your skills. Consider certain style
options, such as when to use italics, how to conduct inner monologue, comma
usage for short introductory clauses. Be consistent.
Fiction:
Don't forget: the NOTY is an Award for Fiction!
NOTY scores works in consideration of the attributes below. Each attribute is followed
by a brief description. We will use the phrase "of interest" knowing the subjective
quality of the consideration. We apologize for the lack of specificity in this area, but we
don't want to limit the creativity of the entrants, and we are open to expand our
considerations and evolve our tastes.
Theme:
Our major criteria for judging is theme. We deem theme as the repetitive
consideration as addressed by the main conflicts. In general, the theme is the
intellectual structure for the work, as contrasted by the Plot, which is the
dynamic structure. Themes needn't be moralistic, just of interest.
Authorial Intent:
The author's intent for writing the story need not be didactic, merely
"somewhat clear." We will not rule out a non-point story, as long as we deem
this to be clearly the author's intent. In short, what point can the reader derive
from having devoted his time and money to your book?
Structure:
Whether metafiction or classic novel structure, we consider the merit of the
approach for delivering the story and theme.
Balance:
Though we do not want to discourage lengthy submissions, we admittedly tend
toward conservation of pages. Production costs and reader's time dictates that
authors justify long novels (500+). But, in our eyes, quality prevails. Keep in
mind, beautiful prose alone cannot carry a novel.
Narrator:
First-person narrators should be of interest, and both first and third-person
narrators should be an appropriate marriage to the theme. Also consider your
use of tense and how it works with the narrative voice.
Plot
Cut loose but avoid cliché. It must be "of interest."
Art of the Sentence
There are several approaches to sentence style. Many have artistic merit, even
the terser structures. We consider the beauty of the sentences.
Characters:
Much like plot, the main consideration for characters is they must be "of
interest." This does not mean they need to be overly complex. Unlike the plot,
they may even be cliché, as long as the choice of persona is justified.
Competence:
Quality of product, pure and simple. Work that is not appropriately edited will
be deemed too problematic to invest our time into. We highly recommend you
hire a capable editor, and that you hone your skills. Consider certain style
options, such as when to use italics, how to conduct inner monologue, comma
usage for short introductory clauses. Be consistent.
Fiction:
Don't forget: the NOTY is an Award for Fiction!
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The NOTY Award is overseen by our author-facilitator, Ara 13. Please direct inquiries to
entry@notyaward.com
Ara 13 can be researched at Ara13.com and he has made himself available for assistance
regarding exceptional questions or problems. Please review Terms for contact information.
entry@notyaward.com
Ara 13 can be researched at Ara13.com and he has made himself available for assistance
regarding exceptional questions or problems. Please review Terms for contact information.