Kent Safford

Choose The Sun

Submitted to Writer's Digest Competitions - Self-Published E-book Awards 2021 on 08/04/2021 

 

 

Comments by Judge, 9th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published E-Book Awards. 01/31/2022

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In a few explanatory sentences, please share with the entrant 1-3 things

that you enjoyed or that readers will find compelling about this book and why.

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     This story was so compelling and interesting. I loved the premise that combined a sense of the current era of tech science with incredible treasure hunting excitement and lore of Egyptian history. The massive scavenger hunt, the race against time, and the contagion that heightens the stakes made for an incredibly fast paced read. The story was incredibly original in detail and the premise of the bodily changes that characters and folks go through is interesting to contemplate and made the story stay with me long after reading. The writing of the book flows well, and one of the things I was impressed by most was how it is such a propulsive story that is highly entertaining, but also makes the characters gain some empathy, contemplate situations outside their own, and reading about that mental growth was satisfying just as much as the rest of the book was entertaining. Incredibly original work I was riveted to read. 

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Structure, Organization, Pacing: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

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     This book is exemplary in its structure, organization, and pacing. The structure of the chapters/parts aid in a compelling organization of the story or information. The pacing is even throughout and matches the tone/genre of the book.

 

Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

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     This book has spelling, punctuation, and grammar corresponding with the region of the world from which the author hails (ex. British English or American English) or with where the book is set (including slang, vernacular, or dialect). These choices are intentional and implemented consistently throughout with few, if any, errors.

 

Production Quality and Cover Design: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

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      This book is exemplary in production quality and cover design. The digital file allows for easy and accurate toggling between chapters and URLs (if any) are hyperlinked. The cover appears to be professionally designed and is compellingly related to the content/genre of the book.

 

Plot, Story, or Topic Appeal: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

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     This book is exemplary in its choice of topic or theme of the story. It is unique but still has strong appeal for most readers in its intended genre. If the book is fiction or narrative nonfiction, the book is well plotted. If the book is poetry or prescriptive nonfiction, there is a cohesive theme or delivery of information.

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Character Appeal and Development: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

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     This book is exemplary in character appeal (or interest) and development. All main characters (including antagonists) are unique and fully fleshed out with compelling, layered motivations and traits. Secondary characters are unique and have a meaningful purpose.

 

Voice and Writing Style: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

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     This book is exemplary in its voice and writing style. It has a unique voice, and the writing style is consistent throughout. The style and tone are also consistent with or will appeal to readers of the intended genre.

 

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