These are the categories that make up our standard rubric. Every story is reviewed using the same rubric.

Structure + Pacing

Does it flow? Does it feel like a short story rather than an excerpt of a novel?

Stakes + Conflict

Make us care about something. Without stakes, what’s even the point?

Character Dev

We want to be able to distinguish one character from another. A short story isn’t a lot of space for an entire dynamic character arc. But was there some kind of shift from beginning to end?

Voice + Prose

This doesn’t mean your story has to have the most beautiful flowery language. We’re looking for voice and prose that are fitting for the context of the story.

Dialogue

If your story doesn’t use dialogue, don’t sweat it! Our reviewers will assess how well the story works without dialogue in it.

Immersion + Imagery

Can we picture it? Can we feel it? We want to be immersed in your story + world.

Worldbuilding

A tricky one to hit the sweet spot of too much // too little. Try not to overwhelm your readers with backstory and context, but give us enough to understand where we are and what’s going on.

Prompts + Theme

Don’t skimp here! This is a HUGE part of the challenge and the rubric. Your story should include all three prompts and the theme.

Integration + Originality of Prompts + theme

This is where we judge the USE of the prompts and theme. We’re looking for prompts and theme to be use integrally in the story. These should be load-bearing.

Formatting

This one is simple: did you follow the rules? Follow the checklist when you submit and you shouldn’t run into any issues.