Member-Sponsored Red Pen Awards Contest

Details

"In criticism I will be bold, and as sternly, absolutely just with friend and foe. From this purpose nothing shall turn me." — Edgar Allan Poe

A good critique is the coin of the realm on Scribophile. We critique other writers to earn karma, and in return, our own work is critiqued. But what makes a good critique? What kind of advice and constructive criticism helped your story sell? Helped you patch those plot holes and have some true insights into making your novel better, or your flash fiction spark? Who helped you prune your poem into a masterpiece?

Give us a chance to celebrate critiques well-done. Let's recognize people who really make Scribophile a strong writing site. The winners should furnish some examples of great critiques to help new Scribophile members see what constitutes a "good critique," that goal we are all striving for when we begin providing feedback.

We're not looking for pats on the head or praise fests. We're looking for those critiques that make you mutter “oops”, but ultimately make you pick up the red pen and make your work stronger and better. Who helped you make your story better? Who helped you write better dialog? Create a stronger character? Sort out what voice you wanted to write in?

We're looking for the following: Critically constructive critiques, and critically constructive critiques ONLY.

Critiques which meet this criteria in our summation are focused on improving the story, and/or the writing though the following:

• Feedback on structure
• Writing mechanics
• Strengthening of tone and/or voice
• Better characterization and character interaction

Other aspects will not be ignored. This is merely a template for the kind of critique we feel is most likely to be helpful.

Winning entries

Winners have been announced! Log in to see them.

Prizes

Rules

• Anyone may nominate a critique, but only one nomination is allowed per member.

• Critiques must have been written since January 1, 2013.

• Nominated critiques must be of a work publicly visible on Scribophile at the time of judging.

• Nominations must be sent to William Pitts via private message from August 1, 2013 to August 31, 2013.

• All nominations will be reviewed by a selected panel of judges. Winners will be asked if they want to accept before they're publicly announced.

Submission guidelines

• To nominate a critique, send a private message to William Pitts. Provide a link to the piece you wrote and the name of the critiquer whose critique you wish to nominate.

• After identifying the work and the name of the critiquer, provide a brief statement explaining how this critique was outstandingly helpful.

• All comments and critiques posted to the work by the nominated critiquer will be considered as part of the contest entry. Scratchpad comments will not be included.