Welcome all,

You have all done a wonderful job of putting your efforts to make your works happen. I'm so proud of ya'll.

In a recent awards book, I had posted the judging criteria of how a book would be judged. I got a lot of positive responses for it. I thought I could share the same on this book, so that,

1. You understand how my reviews work. Because I want to be completely transparent in this process.

2. Maybe they can help as a key or tips for anyone of you while working on a writing project of yours.

Again, like I've said in the previous section of the book, we can all agree to disagree as long as they are not malicious comments.

Now just like how food is a brilliant amalgamation of different tastes, so does a book needing to have a perfect blend of the following elements.

Let's start with:

the cherry-on-top
TITLE: /5

A title plays a crucial role for any book. It sets an impression. Does the title attract you to come read the book? Does the title sound too dry? Is it a complicated, fancy word (from any Language) used for the sake of it?

A good title should be able to provide you with a hint of what the story could possibly be about. So, the title should have some significance or connection to the story.

Like I said, a beautiful cherry to attract you to come and take a bite.

Sprinkles and sweet confetti,
BOOK COVER: /5

A cover should literally be an eye-stopper. It should stop you from scrolling and moving past the book. It should intrigue you and make you wanna click on it and give it a read.

Now the colours and themes that are used in a book cover, should indicate what sort of theme you can expect in the story. For example, using pastel colours in the cover could indicate a very sweet, boy-next-door sorta of romantic story. A dark cover could indicate some sort of mystery, tragedy, crime and the likes. The elements used in the cover also help in sealing the deal. If my story is about Taehyung being a strong wizard in the 19th Century, I have to choose an image of him wearing some retro attire that could come close to this representation. It's a throw-off if I have him dressed wearing a Tata costume. Although it would be definitely cute, but isn't appropriate to the story.

The font chosen could also indicate themes. For example, something gothic style could indicate the theme of a thriller; cursive lettering for historical fanfictions, etc. These are just examples. Any font style will do as long as they make the right impression.

On an overall level, all these things add upto the aesthetic of a book cover. Let the cover resonate what's from within.

Flavor of the cake,
DESCRIPTION: /5

A description should be like a net you throw to catch fish. The holes within the net shouldn't be too wide, nor too narrow. It needs to be in the right size.

The description shouldn't be lacking to the point that it doesn't give you an idea of the book at all; nor should it be too long and descriptive to the point that you can already figure it out.

The description should induce curiosity. Just the right amount to leave some mystery and make your imagination run wild.

Check whether the description provided is too dry and the content provided should be relevant and should be able to give the reader an idea of what you can expect.

So, if the description is random quote and it ends there, I have no idea what the story is still about. I mean sure, the quote is good and fancy, but how is it relevant to the story? Some description would be needed along with the quote. Check whether the quote used is relevant to the concept of the story.

A story description should give you an idea of what flavour the cake is. Choose your flavour well.

Fluffy bread base,
PLOT: /15

Now, just like how a cake base forms the stability to the whole cake, and also the main substance; similarly the whole work is based on a plot. The plot provides foundation to the story. Have a strong plot, and the story has a higher chance of doing well.

Is the plot interesting? Does it have too many loopholes? Does the story have some sort of climax or a goal? Is there a direction to the story? Or is it just running around in circles?

Cake Filling,
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: /15

Every story has two kinds of characters, round character and flat character. A round character is a character in the story who undergoes a change. A sort of development. It's like they have an epiphany and go through a process of how they change in terms of personality, thinking or behaviour. On the other hand, a flat character is a character who doesn't undergo a change at all.

A good story is one in which the main characters are all round characters. Any supporting characters can either be round or flat characters.

Also, look into how well this change is potrayed. How can it be potrayed better? And such. Your cake's taste can only be enhanced by some filling whether that be caramel, cake butter, apple sauce or some fresh fruits.

Icing,
WRITING AND GRAMMAR: /15

Like how the icing brings all the parts of the cake together, so does the writing style of a story. It is upto the writing style to bring the plot, characters, themes into a smooth blend.

Is the writing too slow paced or fast paced? How is the language employed in the story? Is it comprehensive or just jumbled jargon?

Are there too many shifts between active voice and passive voice? Usage of the right verb tenses? The story is not enjoyable if the writing has too many breaks in it.

If the story is built in a completely different universe made by author, check whether there is a build of strong description to how this universe and setting works and is. As a reader, you should be able to understand and feel as if you are present and living in that particular scene. Description is crucial.

Keep an eye out for poorly structured sentences, spelling errors, punctuation.

Another bite?
ENDING: /10

All these need to come to good finish. There was a rise in action, fall in action, climax. What we need right now is an anti-climax which brings the story down to normalcy. (This is of course with a completed book)

If the book you're judging is yet to be updated, you can judge that on the pace at which the story is going. Was there a good cliff hanger to the last chapter? Do you feel impatient for the next update? Would you recommend this story to others?

Basically, would you like to take another bite from the cake?

Your cake is ready!
TOTAL SCORE: /70

I personally LOVE Red Velvet cake. What about you?

Any other queries or questions, feel free to DM me. I'll respond as quickly and as satisfactorily as I can.

Mia©2020