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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9028-Judging-Tips.html
Contests & Activities: August 01, 2018 Issue [#9028]

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Contests & Activities


 This week: Judging Tips
  Edited by: spidey Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey Author Icon, and I'm your Editor this week!



Word from our sponsor

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Amazon's Price: $ 6.99


Letter from the editor


Tips for Judging

I've thought often about how to create and host a successful contest or activity. I've had a few successful ones and a few failures, like most judges and hosts. One thing I just realized I never gave a ton of thought to was the judging process. I've been through it many times, so I think I may have some advice to give to judges out there.

Judging may seem simple. You read the entries and select your winner(s). That's all there is, right? Well, I think there are a lot of things going on in the background while you're completing the task of judging.

Here are some things you might want to keep in mind while judging:

*Idea* Give yourself plenty of time! I had a long-running weekly poetry contest, and judging could be a long task especially if I was offering to review each entry (which I think is a great idea to develop your thoughts on an entry and to communicate those thoughts with the participants). You'll want to announce winners in a timely manner. It's a good idea to give yourself some extra time. Give a deadline to participants, a date or time when you'll be expecting to announce winners, and then work toward meeting that goal as much as possible.

*Idea* Related to giving yourself time is thinking about how you might want to take breaks or space out your judging. Reading a lot of entries too close together can make you want to rush through the process. Give yourself plenty of time to devote to each entry. If it seems like you might not meet your deadline, it can be a good idea to let entrants know that the announcement might be delayed.

*Idea* Keep the prompt and rules in mind. It can be a good idea to keep multiple tabs/windows open or even utilize multiple monitors if you're lucky enough to have them.

*Idea* Use a template or categories. Especially if you're having a difficult time deciding between entries, it can help to create categories (such as "characters," "setting," "writing style," etc.) and score within categories to help you in the judging process.

*Idea* Ask for help! If you're having trouble, don't be afraid to ask for help from fellow WDC members. Invite guest judges or just ask a trusted friend to read a few entries and give their opinion if you're having trouble deciding or meeting deadlines.

Judging and hosting a contest or activity can be extremely rewarding and I think it's an integral part of the success of Writing.Com. I hope this newsletter has helped!


As always, keep on writing!



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Editor's Picks







Official Writing.Com Contests & Activities:

 
Image Protector
Good Deeds Get CASH! Open in new Window. [E]
Write reviews to win cash prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

 
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Rhythms & Writing: Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Use the music provided to inspire your writing!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon





Contests/Activities:

 Bite Size Poetry Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Just one small sweet bite of poetry is all I need.
by Taizia Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Image Protector
Question of the Day! Open in new Window. [18+]
Come answer a question, share a laugh, encourage one another, and bring me a coffee!
by Lilith 🎄 Christmas Cheer Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Image Protector
The Contest Challenge Open in new Window. [13+]
Join by entering a contest a month for 12 months--Win Badges! Catching up is allowed!
by Schnujo's NOT Doing NaNoWriMo Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Image Protector
Contest Central Station Open in new Window. [E]
Looking for contests to enter? Find your destination here (a 2015 Quill Award Nominee)
by 🐕GeminiGem🎁 Author Icon

Image Protector
Daily Snapshot Open in new Window. [E]
Jump start your imagination!
by Genipher Author Icon

 
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Please Review Open in new Window. [E]
This is a page to request reviews for static items and books.
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

When Someone Gives You Giftpoints.... Open in new Window. [E]
Some kind heart gives you gift points. You in return...
by Banana Boat Author Icon



Some contest resources:
How to Create a Contest Open in new Window. [ASR]
Things you need to know before you open a contest. Includes a contest template.
by Angels in my Ear Author Icon

"Create/Edit a Message Forum" Open in new Window.
Newbie Hyperlinking 101 - Bitem Format Open in new Window. [E]
Learn the ins and outs of creating a link using the bitem format.
by NickiD89 Author Icon





Know of some gems that deserve exposure? Submit them in the feedback form or submission form at the end of this Newsletter, and I'll put them in my next one!




 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer



My last newsletter, ("Contests & Activities Newsletter (July 4, 2018)" Open in new Window.), discussed road trips. Here is some feedback from last week's Newsletter readers:

No feedback! *Shock*



What is your judging process like? Do you have any tips to share?

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