Judging Criteria & Process

Understand how entries are evaluated so you can put your best work forward.

Judging Split

70%

Published Nigerian authors assess entries against the scoring rubric. Results are confidential until announcement.

30%

The PenEarn community votes for their Reader Picks once per day per entry. Total votes are publicly visible.

Originality & Creativity

20%

How unique is the concept, plot, and voice? Does the story offer something fresh?

Language & Style

20%

Quality of prose, grammar, vocabulary, and consistency of the author's voice.

Story Structure

20%

Coherent plot, pacing, character development, and satisfying narrative arc.

Theme Relevance

20%

How well does the work interpret and execute the competition theme?

Reader Engagement

20%

Measured by community votes, views, and reader retention metrics.

Any registered PenEarn user can vote for entries on the Candidates page.

One vote per entry per day — votes reset at midnight (WAT).

Authors cannot vote for their own entry.

Total vote counts are public and displayed on each candidate card.

Voting closes when the submission window closes.

Keep updating your story regularly — consistent writers get more reader exposure and votes.

Engage with your readers in the comments section to build a loyal fanbase.

Write a compelling first chapter — judges and readers decide quickly.

Make your story title and cover attention-grabbing — it's the first impression.

Stay on theme — the judging panel weighs theme relevance heavily.

Share your entry on social media to drive more Reader Pick votes.