Golden Crown Literary Society - Award Categories and Judging Guidelines

AWARD CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS AND JUDGING GUIDELINES

I. AUDIOBOOK

AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: This category has no genre restrictions, meaning audiobooks of all GCLS categories – Fiction Novels, Fiction Anthologies/Collections, Nonfiction, and/or Poetry – are eligible. Source material of audiobooks can be published in any year, but the audiobook version must have been released during the current Goldie Awards cycle. Moreover, audiobooks must be based on works meeting Goldie requirements for length: at least 40,000 words for Fiction Novels, Fiction Anthologies/Collections, and Nonfiction, and at least 48 pages for Poetry. Using standard calculators, this equates to audiobooks of approximately four hours duration. Abridged versions of longer works are acceptable as long as they meet length requirements.

Judging Guideline: By definition, this award focuses on the narration of the audiobook rather than on the source material. As a consequence, evaluation items ask almost exclusively about the performance of the narrator(s). There are no restrictions on the number of narrators, but if a submission has several narrators, they will be judged on the overall performance rather than on individual performances within the work. Entries must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people.

II. FICTION ANTHOLOGIES/COLLECTIONS

FICTION ANTHOLOGIES/COLLECTIONS (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: This category includes both multi-author anthologies and single-author collections containing fictional works that share a theme, purpose, style, approach, and/or source (e.g., related works from a single publisher, authors from a certain geographic locale, works about a specific vocation or pastime). All entries must be fictional works chosen by the compiler(s)—a single editor or publisher, a group of editors, a group of authors, etc. Anthologies/Collections must have a minimum of three individual pieces and a total of at least 40,000 words to qualify for judging.

Judging Guideline: These anthologies/collections must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people. Individual pieces in the anthology/collection should be self-contained yet contribute to the book’s overall quality. For GCLS purposes, anthologies or collections devoted to poetry should not be entered in this category but rather in Poetry.

III. FICTION NOVELS

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: SHORT NOVELS (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: Contemporary Romance is a modern (set within the past 25 years) love story in which the main characters overcome differences or challenges to achieve and/or sustain a romantic relationship. The love story must be the main focus of the novel, and it must have a happy or hopeful ending. This category is distinguished by novels whose main plot focuses on the obstacles a new couple faces to get together or the threats an existing couple must overcome to stay together. Sequels, series, and standalone novels in which the main plot centers on issues such as children, illness, career upheavals, etc., are eligible only when these issues significantly threaten the romantic relationship (i.e., sufficient to consider it the main plot). Entries in this category should be between 40,000 and 74,999 words in length.

Judging Guideline: This category includes novels in which the main characters fall in love, as well as other romantic plots in which characters already may have fallen in love (e.g., a sequel or series based on a story in which the characters fell in love in an earlier book; a standalone story of an established couple experiencing difficulties in their romantic relationship). These novels must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people.

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: MID-LENGTH NOVELS (Evaluation criteria)

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: LONG NOVELS (Evaluation criteria)

EROTIC NOVELS (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: This category includes novels that contain a high level of sexual content, especially stories about erotic sexual interaction. The sex must be such an inherent part of the plot, setting, narrative, characterization, etc., that it could not be removed without damaging the storyline. Entries must have a minimum of 40,000 words to qualify for judging.

Judging Guideline: In this category, sexual interactions are central to the work, though stories may contain elements of other genres (romance, paranormal, historical, etc.). Sexual relationships must be a driving force, with intensely erotic scenes that flow naturally from the overall story or premise. For GCLS purposes, all physical and/or sexual encounters in erotic novels must reflect mutual consent. These novels must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people.

FANTASY (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: This category includes novels in which a significant portion or aspect of the story is set in a fantastical or parallel world. Generally, these settings invent fantasy realms that do not, and likely could not, exist in reality (magical elements, mythical creatures, etc.). Entries must have a minimum of 40,000 words to qualify for judging.

Judging Guideline: In this category, fantastical events are essential to the story. Though subplots of romance and/or drama may exist, the major focus does not have to be on love and romance. These novels must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people. However, the gender norms and social mores of the novel’s setting may differ substantially from those of the “real” world. For GCLS purposes, novels set in a futuristic yet scientifically logical world should not be entered in this category but rather in Science Fiction. Novels set in our current world as we know it, but with a paranormal/occult/horror twist, should be entered in Paranormal/Occult/Horror.

GENERAL FICTION (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: General Fiction novels may address any subject or theme. Careful use of language, style, and technique may be as important as subject matter, and character development may or may not take precedence over plot. Books in this category can break traditional fiction-writing conventions—endings may be upsetting or ambiguous, plot exposition may not be primary to the story, the author may employ new twists in dialogue or structure, etc. General fiction books can be a combination of any number of genres of fiction that cause them to lie outside the limits and rules of those specific genres. For GCLS purposes, examples include a dramatic story for which a romance is not the primary arc, a love story that does not have a happy or hopeful ending, character studies, or fresh genres not included in other categories. Entries must have a minimum of 40,000 words to qualify for judging.

Judging Guideline: These novels must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people. In this category, judges may encounter styles that do not adhere to traditional genre-writing norms and expectations.

HISTORICAL FICTION (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: These novels are comprised of narratives that take place at least 25 years in the past and provide a realistic reconstruction of life in the historical time period in which they are based. The story must be predominantly set in a historical period, even if some of the scenes take place in the present. Historical novels should come as close to reflecting historical reality as possible. Entries must have a minimum of 40,000 words to qualify for judging.

Judging Guideline: In this category, the historical elements must be part of the main plot/theme of the book. There can be romantic elements, but they are not necessarily the main focus. These novels must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people.

MYSTERY/THRILLER/CRIME (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: This category includes novels in which a mystery, puzzle, chase, or search, particularly in the realm of crime, is central to the main plot. In mystery novels, a crime typically is committed early on, and the story focuses on discovering who committed the crime and why. Subgenres include cozy and hard-boiled mysteries; police procedurals; medical, scientific, or forensic mysteries; and legal or courtroom dramas. In thrillers, the focus often is on stopping a crime or event beforehand, capturing the villain(s), solving/resolving the issue, and/or preventing another, potentially more devastating crime or event from occurring. Subgenres include political thrillers (set against the backdrop of a political power struggle); epic thrillers (perhaps threatening an entire community, city, or country); and psychological thrillers (in which the threat is more contained—for example, to the protagonist, her partner, and/or other family members). In crime novels, the focus typically is on the contest of wills between protagonist and villain. Subgenres include certain types of police procedurals, “noir” books with a morally compromised hero, and perhaps even a mystery/thriller blend. Entries must have a minimum of 40,000 words to qualify for judging.

Judging Guideline: In this category, the major focus is on catching criminals, saving the day, and solving crimes. All entries must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people. For GCLS purposes, no love story or personal issues for the main character(s) should ever constitute the main plot (though minor subplots of romance or personal issues may exist). If the novel includes two interwoven plotlines – a significant romance and a complex storyline involving elements of suspense, intrigue, adventure, and/or dramatic events—the book belongs in Romantic Blend. Supernatural thrillers should not be entered in this category but in Science Fiction/Fantasy or Paranormal/Occult/Horror.

NEW ADULT FICTION (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: This category includes novels written primarily for, and targeted to, readers aged 18 to 29. In New Adult Fiction, at least one main character must be aged 18 to 29 and dealing with one or more life “firsts”—e.g., first job, first apartment, first serious relationship—and/or with adult situations for the first time. New Adult Fiction focuses on life after legal age, and how one deals with the beginnings of adulthood. Entries must have a minimum of 40,000 words to qualify for judging.

Judging Guideline: In this category, new adult themes must be the focus. These novels can be romance, science fiction, or any other genre, but must focus on the 18 to 29 age group. Events do not necessarily have to take place in the present. These novels must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people.

PARANORMAL/OCCULT/HORROR (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: This category includes novels with familiar or recognizable settings in which the occult (vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, zombies, witches, warlocks, etc.) or paranormal (ghosts, spirits, psychics, etc.) constitute a major part of the plot, as well as novels in which events of horror cause overwhelming feelings of fear, dread, or shock. Typically, these novels are set in our current world as we know it—as opposed to an entirely new world—but with a paranormal/occult/horror twist. Entries must have a minimum of 40,000 words to qualify for judging.

Judging Guideline: In this category, paranormal, occult, or horror elements are essential to the story. These novels must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people. However, the gender norms and social mores of the novel’s setting may differ substantially from those of the “real” world. For GCLS purposes, novels set in a futuristic yet scientifically logical world should not be entered in this category but rather in Science Fiction. Novels set in an alternative, entirely new world should be entered in Fantasy.

ROMANTIC BLEND (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: Novels in this category include two interwoven plotlines—a significant romance and a complex storyline involving elements of suspense, intrigue, adventure, and/or dramatic events. For GCLS purposes, romance is defined as a love story in which the main characters overcome differences or challenges to achieve and/or sustain a romantic relationship. Suspense often includes a mystery, crime, chase, or search with imminent personal and/or social peril. Intrigue often includes puzzles, covert identities, and/or corporate or geopolitical spycraft with both immediate and long-term consequences. Adventure often focuses on an unexpected physical trial where nature is the antagonist or a purposeful quest for achievement where failure holds physical or psychological consequences for the protagonist(s). Dramatic events often are central to stories of activism and protests; legal, medical, or courtroom dramas; power struggles between opposing political, family, or corporate players; and/or other externally inspired plots. Focus may shift throughout the novel from the romance to elements of suspense, intrigue, adventure, and/or dramatic events and back again. The culmination of storylines in these novels must achieve an emotionally satisfying romance and resolve issues of suspense, intrigue, adventure, and/or dramatic events. More than one of these elements may combine as they blend with the romantic arc. Entries must have a minimum of 40,000 words to qualify for judging.

Judging Guideline: Judging in this category should not give undue weight to either the romance or the suspense/intrigue/adventure/dramatic events but consider both storylines together. The romance must have a happy or hopeful ending. These novels must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people. This category is not to be confused with Mystery/Thriller/Crime (where a mystery, thriller, and/or crime constitutes the novel’s main plotline) or General Fiction (where romance with a happy or hopeful ending does not constitute a significant plotline).

SCIENCE FICTION (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: This category includes novels in which a significant portion or aspect of the story is set in a futuristic yet scientifically logical world. These settings generally include disruptive technologies that are not currently available to humanity but can realistically be extrapolated from known science and reality. Entries must have a minimum of 40,000 words to qualify for judging.

Judging Guideline: In this category, futuristic but scientifically logical events are essential to the story. Though subplots of romance and/or drama may exist, the major focus does not have to be on love and romance. These novels must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people. However, the gender norms and social mores of the novel’s setting may differ substantially from those of the “real” world. For GCLS purposes, novels set in an alternative, entirely new world should not be entered in this category but rather in Fantasy. Novels set in our current world as we know it, but with a paranormal/occult/horror twist, should be entered in Paranormal/Occult/Horror.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: This category includes novels written primarily for, and targeted to, readers aged 12 to 18. Young adult books can be romances, historical fiction, science fiction, or any other genre, but they must focus on themes, characters, situations, and/or issues of interest and importance to 12-to-18-year-olds. Language must be readily accessible to young people in the targeted age group. Entries must have a minimum of 40,000 words to qualify for judging.

IV. NONFICTION

NONFICTION (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: This category includes nonfictional works dealing with or offering opinions or conjectures about facts and reality. Nonfiction includes, but is not limited to, such topics as humor, commentary, travel writing, historical accounts, personal narrative, memoirs, and biography. Two types of works comprise this category – books of nonfiction, and multi-author anthologies/single-author collections of nonfiction. To qualify for judging, books must have a minimum of 40,000 words, and anthologies/collections must have a minimum of three individual pieces and a total of at least 40,000 words.

Judging Guideline: Entries in Nonfiction must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people. Individual pieces in the anthology/collection should be self-contained but contribute to the work’s overall quality. For GCLS purposes, anthologies/collections devoted to poetry should not be entered in this category but in Poetry.

V. POETRY

POETRY (Evaluation criteria)

Definition: This category includes multi-author anthologies, single-author poems, and single-author collections of poetry. To qualify for judging, entries must be at least 48 pages long, and at least 50 percent of poems must be new, meaning not previously published. Previously published poems include those that have appeared in print in any format (book, journal, anthology, magazine, etc.) or anywhere publicly online (including the nominee's blog or Facebook page but excluding critique groups).

Judging Guideline: Poems must include significant themes, characters, situations, or other content about women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to women or sapphically aligned nonbinary people.

VI. SPECIAL CATEGORIES

ANN BANNON AWARD (Cross Novel Items)

Definition: This category has no genre restrictions, meaning any novel nominated in a judged genre category can also be nominated for the Ann Bannon Award. Books must have a minimum of 40,000 words to be eligible for judging. Finalists are determined by averaging genre-category judges’ scores on 18 essential elements of good novels, plus a 19th cross-genre item common to all novel categories. Three winners are selected from a maximum of 15 finalists via a single round of ranked-choice voting open to the public.

DEBUT NOVEL (Cross Novel Items)

Definition: This category has no genre restrictions, meaning any novel nominated in a judged genre category can also be nominated for the Debut Novel Award. Books must be an author's first novel and have a minimum of 40,000 words to be eligible for judging. Finalists are determined by averaging genre-category judges’ scores on 18 essential elements of good novels, plus a 19th cross-genre item common to all novel categories.