Hello contestants, my name is Jash Parikh (call me J if you can't pronounce it) and I was assigned to be the judge for the books that will follow. With being your judge, I'm also one of the four admins of the Mystical Awards where you've entered your books, so I'd like to thank you warmly for entering and welcome you to our Mystical Family! Personally, I cannot wait to read the amazing books you all have written!

Why does this chapter exist, you ask? Well, I figured that since I'm reviewing (and possibly constructively bashing) your work, it is only fair I explain my criteria and methodology to you.

I have given marks out of 5 where I have rounded up at both 0.0x and 0.y. This means you will observe marks like 0.85 and 0.8 according to categories. Categories are - 'Cover', 'Title', 'Description' and 'Beginning, Plot, and Overall Book'.

Cover and Title are seldom considered while judging but often considered while tapping that 'read' button. Hence I felt it necessary to tell you where you fare in these aspects. 

The description is what pulls the reader towards your book. Hence I have graded it a tad more strictly. 

The Beginning is where I judge the beginning and much more, so it has the highest weight-age (2 marks, while other criteria have 1 mark). Here I judge everything from the time I tap the 'read' button. Be it the character intros, prologues, character sketches, writing style, descriptive writing and detailing, character development, story pace, and everything in between. Also, obviously, your grammar and punctuation, and how unique, hooking, and original your plot is.

The marks aren't meant to downgrade your self-esteem, downplay your efforts or demotivate you in any way; but to make sure you hone and upgrade your writing skills. Every book I reviewed was amazing in its own way, but do remember that there is always scope for improvement regardless of how good you are. Your review is just an attempt to boost you towards that path of perfection.

I have been completely unbiased while judging. I have tried to give you as many tips as possible and guide you on how to improve

However, remember that I'm no published author or consider myself to be better than you, but I do have vast writing experience as well as reviewing experience and I will judge your book based on that. 

Lastly, I would strongly urge all of you to not just read your own review but also that of others' (at least three others). This, because a person can learn not only from their own but from others' mistakes as well. The enlisted points will help every author realize what are some of the ingredients that go into creating a really engaging book.

Leave feedback at the end - whether you felt anything amiss, extra, unsolicited, or bias. You can be blunt and direct, it's only fair. That's it, I'll stop rambling now, go check out your reviews!

P.S. - I have judged over 150 reviews on Wattpad for various awards, and reviewed over a 100. NOBODY so far has gotten 5/5 from me. Let's see if any of you can...

Disclaimer: The flaws and praises of other authors are not for mocking them, so if an author has a grade lower than you, do not undermine his/her talent and skill quotient. At the same time if an author has a grade higher than yours doesn't mean that author is terrific or flawless. If I find anyone spreading hate or being cocky due to this I will have you permanently banned from the Mystical Awards forever.