Paper Evaluation Criteria
The rubric judges use to score critical and creative paper submissions. Reading this before you submit helps you tune your work to what evaluators are looking for.
What Evaluators Look For
Critical essays are evaluated on the strength and originality of the argument, the precision and ambition of the analysis, the engagement with primary and secondary sources, and the clarity and elegance of the prose. Creative works are evaluated on voice, craft, structural integrity, originality, and resonance.
All submissions are read by multiple evaluators using a standardized rubric. The rubric is reviewed by the Convention Committee annually. Acceptance is based on merit and venue space alone.
Full rubric and reader instructions are published before the submission window opens — bookmark this page for the live version.