Does it matter when my self-published novel was published?
No.
All that matters is that you have not had any book published, fiction or non-fiction, by a traditional publisher (vanity publishers do not count).
What language should my novel be written in?
English. Sadly, this is the only language that all our judges can read, though some are proudly fluent in American, Canadian and even Australian.
What are your judging criteria?
Since contest entries will likely cover a vast range within the fantasy spectrum, from Middle Grade contemporary fantasy to Arthurian romance to Westeros Mark 2, judging criteria will be applied more intuitively than stringently. However, as a rough guide:
1) How original is your concept? Does it reinvent the genre, put an intriguing twist on it, or solely rely on tried-and-tested tropes?
2) How compelling is your story, bearing in mind structure and pacing? Are we turning the pages of your novel like a bank teller or falling asleep in our chairs?
3) How well-developed and distinctive are your characters? How realistic and engaging is your dialogue? Is there humour in your novel's universe? If not, why?
4) How beautiful and entrancing is your prose? Are we reading Ursula Le Guin or the phone book?
5) For higher fantasy novels, how immersive, detailed and realistic is your world building? Will you be the next Tolkien?
Will entries be judged blind?
Yes.
When your entries are passed to the judges, your personal details are not. This eliminates the possibility of discrimination based on factors such as sex and location, or if the judge happens to hate your uncle Paul over a disagreement they once had on whether Han or Greedo shot first.
Do I retain the rights to my work if I take part?
Yes. Taking part in our contest will not affect any of your rights regarding your work. You retain 100% control and ownership, and we will never attempt to sell or advertise your work without your express permission.
