Judging Guidelines

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Our librarian judges will score entries across the following categories, each on a scale of 1 to 10:

• Coherence: Events unfold logically, with a clear structure that is easy to follow.
   
• Originality: Fresh ideas, perspectives, or unique spins on familiar themes.
   
• Engagement: The story captures and sustains the reader’s attention from beginning to end.
   

• Depth: Characters feel real, with distinct personalities, motivations, and complexities.
   
• Relatability: Readers can connect emotionally with characters’ experiences.
   
• Growth: Characters evolve, learn, or change through the course of the story.
   

• Vividness: The environment is described in rich, sensory detail.
   
• Integration: The setting is naturally woven into the story, enhancing the atmosphere.
   
• Relevance: The place and time matter—shaping the characters, plot, and themes in meaningful ways.
   

• Clarity: The central idea is strong and unmistakable.
   
• Depth: The theme encourages thought, reflection, or dialogue about America.
   
• Exploration: It is thoroughly expressed through the plot, characters, and narrative voice.
   

• Clarity: The writing is easy to follow, without unnecessary confusion.
   
• Mechanics: Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling are maintained.
   
• Creativity: The author’s voice feels distinctive, imaginative, and compelling.
   

• Flow: The narrative moves smoothly without dragging or rushing.
   
• Balance: A thoughtful mix of action, description, and dialogue.
   
• Rhythm: The story unfolds at a natural, enjoyable pace.
   

• Realism: Characters speak in ways that feel authentic and believable.
   
• Relevance: Dialogue serves the story—advancing the plot or revealing character.
   
• Impact: Conversations deepen relationships, reveal conflicts, or highlight growth.
   

• Evoke Emotion: The story stirs strong feelings—joy, sorrow, pride, fear, or hope.
   
• Resonance: It connects with the reader personally and meaningfully.
   
• Lasting Impression: The emotional core lingers long after reading.
   

• Satisfaction: The conclusion feels complete and rewarding.
   
• Resolution: Key conflicts or questions are addressed appropriately.
   
• Impact: The ending leaves the reader thinking, moved, or inspired.
   

Each category will be rated on a scale of 1 to 10, where:

• 1 – This should never have been written
   
• 5 – It’s okay, but needs significant improvement
   
• 10 – This is fantastic—memorable, powerful, and contest-worthy
   

✨ Overall Consideration: Above all, judges will weigh how well the story illuminates an aspect of America—its people, places, struggles, triumphs, or contradictions—so that others may learn, understand, and feel the heartbeat of the nation through your words.