Editors’ Choice Awards will be given to works which best exemplify the following standards of excellence in writing.
- The work should be free of errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, with the exceptions of intentional use of dialect or dramatic effect.
- The work should incorporate the elements of plot, setting, characterization, mood, tone, point of view, and theme, weaving these into a successful work of fiction that effectively communicates the author’s intent to the reader. (See below)
- The work should produce a captivating reading experience, one that prompts readers to seek more of that author’s writing and to recommend it to others.
- The work should be appropriate for general audiences, not heavily violent, sexual, or disturbing in theme or content. The editors reserve the right to make final decisions regarding the appropriateness of submissions.
- Editors’ Choice Awards are not limited. Every posted work of fiction is eligible and will be reviewed with respect to these criteria.
Definitions
While the editors realize that the Fiction Writers’ Platform Community is clearly aware of the elements of fiction, we wish to clarify our standards in terms of this award and eliminate any uncertainty about how judgments will be made, and so we have included this list of definitions. We look forward to reading your submissions, certain of their continued excellence!
Plot: Plot is the progression of events in a story. The story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. A plot includes elements of conflict and resolution.
Setting: Setting tells where the story occurs, locating it in time and place. Setting helps to make a story believable by “grounding” it.
Characterization: Characterization is the creation of lifelike people. Descriptive passages, dialogue, and actions of the characters help to develop them and make them believable as agents in the story.
Mood: Mood is the emotional feeling the reader receives from the story.
Tone: Tone is the perceived attitude of the author toward the story.
Point of View: Point of view is the angle, or perspective, from which the story is told. One aspect of point of view is person (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or omniscient).
Theme: Theme is the meaning of the work of fiction. This is the message, or statement about life in general, that is communicated through the story.
