How Do Fantasy Writing Competitions Judge Entries?

Question

Cecelia · Answer

Having volunteered as a slush pile reader for a fantasy mag once, the process is brutal but revealing. First-round cuts often hinge on hook strength—if your first paragraph doesn’t spark curiosity or atmosphere, it’s risky. Judges also look for thematic cohesion. A story about loss woven through a quest narrative? Gold. Random subplots that go nowhere? Bye. I remember one entry had a stunning twist on selkie folklore but fumbled the ending; it got debated for hours before being axed. Word count adherence is non-negotiable—going over screams 'can’t follow rules.' And for love of Morrigan, no info-dialogue where characters explain their world unnaturally.

Vanessa · Answer

Fantasy writing competitions can feel like navigating a labyrinth of dragons and magic spells—each one has its own quirks. From my experience submitting to things like 'Writers of the Future' or smaller indie contests, judges usually prioritize originality first. If your elves are just Tolkien clones or your magic system is a carbon copy of 'Mistborn,' they’ll notice. World-building needs to be immersive but not overwhelming; no one wants a 10-page lore dump mid-story.

Character depth is another biggie. A cool setting means nothing if your protagonist feels like cardboard. I’ve seen judges dock points for flat arcs or predictable 'chosen one' tropes. Prose style matters too—some contests lean toward lyrical, 'Name of the Wind'-style writing, while others prefer punchy, action-driven narratives like 'The Blade Itself.' And pacing! I learned the hard way that a slow-burn prologue can kill your chances in shorter word limits.

Emma · Answer

The best fantasy contests reward risk-taking. I once submitted a story where the 'hero' was the villain’s disillusioned minion, and it scored precisely because it flipped expectations. Judges seem to crave moments that make them pause—whether it’s a morally gray choice or a setting detail that feels lived-in (like the sentient, grumpy cities in 'The City We Became'). Over-polished prose can backfire too; a little roughness sometimes adds authenticity. And endings! Ambiguity works if intentional, but abrupt ones? Instant death.

Yara · Answer

Judging fantasy feels like trying to balance a scale with a unicorn on one side and a griffin on the other—subjective but thrilling. I’ve chatted with a few judges, and they often mention emotional resonance. Does your battle scene make their pulse race? Does your quiet moment between characters linger? Technical stuff matters (grammar, structure), but voice is the secret sauce. A fresh take on familiar tropes can stand out—think 'Gideon the Ninth' reimagining necromancers as space opera knights. Also, adherence to theme prompts is huge; stray too far, and even brilliant prose gets cut.

How Do Fantasy Writing Competitions Judge Entries?

4 Answers

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