We can’t beat subjectivity, but we can temper it. An excellent story shouldn’t be rejected because of vibes, whims, or pure personal taste. I use a rubric to evaluate stories. The rubric aims to highlight craft and skill without letting a story get weighed down by factors beyond a writer’s control.
When submission’s open, we publish a character prompt. The story, however, is yours. The character must start the story in their prompted state, but how they evolve from there, if they do, is completely up to you.
Masthead
Danielle Ellis, editor
I have no personal taste to list here. It’s not important. I want to judge your work for its merits. Outside this new venture, I am a graphic and web designer with various publications scattered around. I’ve also been on staff for various lit mags, in positions from reader to editor.
Our Process
When reading submissions, points are added based on the quality of several aspects of storytelling.
- Prose: style, voice, descriptive clarity
- Plot: coherence, originality, tension, stakes
- Grammar: spelling, mechanics, clarity (only gains 1 point if not poor)
- Concept: creativity, uniqueness
- Structure: pacing, clarity, flow
- Characterization: depth, motivation, believability
- Dialogue: realism, voice consistency
- Setting: atmosphere, immersion, a sense of place
Points are based on the quality of each aspect:
- Poor: 0 pts
- Adequate: 1 pt
- Good: 2 pts
- Excellent: 3 pts
Only stories scoring 13+ points are considered for publication. Ko-fi Supporters get the option to see their rubric if their piece is rejected.
Trivia
- We have no analytics installed on the site. We’re very committed to protecting your privacy, so we’ve decided against using third parties that will collect your information on our website.