Evaluation and Vetting

Our goal is for the Federation of BC Writers Literary Contest to be as transparent as possible. All entries go through the following process:

  • 1. Vetting for Rules
  • 2. Reader Evaluation and Long List Creation
  • 3. Secondary Vetting (previous publication, plagiarism, ai)
  • 4. Judging Review and Selection of Short List, Runners Up, and Winners.
  • 5. Announcements
 

Below, you will find the criteria our readers use to evaluate entries.  Readers assign a score to each of the categories below.  This data along with notes allow us to create the long list.

All readers will have their own bias which is taken into consideration and used in the weighing of all entries.

  • Idea Development (How well does the author fulfil the promise of the piece? Does the piece pose questions that are ultimately answered? Does the piece leave its audience with intentional questions? Is the idea complete? Does the piece feel finished?)
  • Voice (Is the author’s point of view and voice clear? Does the author effectively develop character or ideas? Is the point of view consistent? Is the point of view appropriate to the piece? Is there a sense that the piece is personal or that the piece is personal to a character?)
  • Originality (Does the piece demonstrate something new? Does it tackle an idea or character in a novel way? Does the piece rely on unexamined tropes or cliché?)
  • Setting and Description (Does the piece demonstrate where it is set or consciously not do so? Are descriptions well used and free from jargon or unnecessary detail?
  • Impact (Did the piece stir something? Did it make you think? Did it provoke an emotional response? Did the use of words, structure, theme, storytelling, phrases, dialogue, etc evoke a deeper insight into the piece, the author, a character, or something else?
  • Relevance and Cultural Consciousness Does the piece show respect to its subject matter and any people, cultures, and histories that it examines/represents? Does the piece examine traditionally marginalised voices, peoples, ideas, cultures, and histories in ways that are appropriate and relevant for 2024? Is the piece timely? Is it tackling a topic or idea that feels relevant to now? Does the piece use unexamined slurs, racist rhetoric, blatant cultural bias etc? While not all pieces are going feature or have the space for complicated analysis of Cultural Consciousness, but does it use opportunities when appropriate to demonstrate an awareness of diversity and equity?
  • Overall Quality (Is the piece polished and free from errors? Does the entry make good use of the word count? Could it be edited further for clarity or consciousness without losing meaning and significance? Is the piece ready for publication?)
  • Something Special (Is there something special about the piece that made it stand out in categories not covered above, but deserves special recognition?)

First-Time Writer, or Seasoned-Pro, you Have a Home at the Federation of BC Writers

This contest is administered by the Federation of BC Writers and is governed by our bylaws and constitution as a Not-For-Profit Society in the Province of British Columbia

The Federation of British Columbia Writers (FBCW) is a provincial writing organization and charity for writers, about writing. Built upon the need to support emerging and established writers on a grassroots level, the FBCW has grown to include over 1,700 members of British Columbia’s literary community since its inception in 1976.

The role of our organization has evolved over its forty-eight-year history, with an increased focus on education, collaboration, advocacy, and addressing the current challenges facing writers in every genre. With an aim to promote excellence and professionalism in the literary arts, the FBCW supports BC and Yukon writers and poets at every stage of their creative journeys, through programs, services, and publications that target craft, connection, and career.

www.bcwriters.ca

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