For Writers:

1. Is the cover letter properly formatted?
2. Is the manuscript neat and free of grammatical and spelling errors?
3. Does the lead paragraph or stanza make me want to read more?
4. Is the dialogue well-written and realistic?
5. Is the narrative properly placed?
6. Is the quantity of description consistent with the mood of the work?
7. Is the main character or voice interesting and consistent?
8. Are the characters multi-dimensional?
9. Is the problem properly developed?
10. Is the climax constructed in keeping with the pace and structure of the work?
11. Is the ending appropriate and concise?
12. What is the theme of the work?
13. Is there a reason for the work to exist?
14. What were the writer's emotions when it was written?
15. Is it a work-in-progress?
16. Does the work reveal a truth?
17. Would the work be readily understood by an international audience?
18. Does the author have a voice of authority?
19. Am I left wanting to read more of the author's work?
20. The X Factor.

 

For Artists:

1. Is the cover letter properly formatted?
2. Is the work clear on an Internet standard monitor?
3. In what medium was the work created?
4. Is the use of color properly placed and contrasted?
5. If a photograph, is the work correctly exposed?
6. If the work contains faces, has the artist made each of those faces distinct?
7. If the work is realistic, has the artist correctly proportioned the subject?
8. Is the background consistent with the subject?
9. If the work is abstract, is the idea or emotion behind the work discernible?
10. Is the work appropriately titled?
11. What is the theme of the work?
12. What were the artist's emotions at the time of creation?
13. Is it a work-in-progress?
14. Is the work appropriate for an international audience?
15. Does it convey a universal truth?
16. Is there a reason for the work to exist?
17. Has the artist conveyed a voice of authority?
18. Has the artist convincingly conveyed her vision?
19. Am I left wanting to see more of the artist's work?
20. The X Factor.