By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett

Last year I recruited (with help) close to seventy-five judges for the ACFW Virginia Crown Award contest that I direct each year. Between you and me, that’s a lot of asking nicely. I’m grateful that a most authors are very receptive to humor as I beg for their help. Not everyone can say yes, and sometimes, authors aren’t sure they know enough. So, let’s look at what I think qualifies a judge and then some points to consider before signing up. 

Qualification

Only you can make this decision. Some good questions to ask though – 1) are you an experienced writer? That doesn’t always mean extremely very published in eighteen different genres. Several of the most gifted and knowledgeable writers I know have never had a contract. 2) Do you understand the vital skills involved in the type of writing or genre you’re judging? No point judging a speculative novel if your skills lie entirely in dog training manuals, unless you have a side interest and knowledge base to fall back on. 3) are you someone who understands the fundamental components of good writing? 4) Do you know how to spot areas that are weaker? And, most importantly, 5) do you have a heart for helping other writers? 

Now, if you’ve passed the qualifying round, CONGRATULATIONS! Would you consider rolling your sleeves up to help with contest season?

Seven GREAT reasons to be a judge…

Judging – gives back to writing

As a newer writer, who had been blessed by an amazing mentor and a supportive writing group, I felt compelled to pay it forward. But what could I do? Little Miss No Books Published. Then the First Impressions contest came knocking and I really wasn’t sure, so I asked the contest coordinator if they really did mean to ask me. I was advised to give it a try, that I’d likely surprise myself, and she was right. I was blessed to be helpul!

Judging – allows you to expand your community

Judging is designed to be blind and impartial, to prevent a variety of problems. I have found over the years that writer friends often chat about contests they’ve helped with (no details) and it’s fun to discuss how to be a better judge or what advice to give in a certain situation. There’s a camaraderie to be had. And those discussions have led to my next point.

Judging – makes you a better writer

I hadn’t anticipated this, but wow, when you see the errors other folks make, it can flip a switch in your self editor. I found myself catching more of my own errors after my very first time judging. Another side benefit is that it boosted my confidence. I don’t mean by comparison (at all), but rather as I evaluate the writing of others, I realized how much I have learned about the craft, and also, spotting certain errors reminded me of things I need to work on too. There’s still plenty to learn. Which leads nicely into my next point (again).

Judging – expands your genre knowledge

Occasionally I’ve been assigned genres or categories that aren’t a natural fit for me as a writer or a reader. In those instances, I’ve spoken to other authors who are successful in that area and asked for some background information about what to look for in these genres so I can be a little more prepared. Reading different genres and understanding the key essentials that make a successful story is a vital skill for any writer, regardless of the category.

Judging – helps other writers

Writing is hard. Grueling even. Writing brings euphoric highs and sobbing lows. Writing is painstaking and meticulous and hugely time consuming. And for the most part, we do it on our own, even the extroverts among us. Getting some help from another author can change the way we write. Spotting areas of weakness and suggesting ways to improve is a tremendous help. Conversely, having someone tell us what we do well can also be a huge encouragement and give a writer a foundation to build on. In The Crown Award we ask our judges to answer three questions that cover what the author does well, what they could improve and to recommend a next step. 

Judging – supports those who support writers

As someone who has recruited a lot of judges over the past five years, this is heartfelt point. Judging contests is a little bit time consuming, especially if the writers are newer to the craft (typically more to point out). But contests exist to help writers develop. Contests cannot happen without judges. And contests raise vital funds to support the organizations that work with writers. Contests help fund conferences and often cover the cost of scholarships to attend them. 

Judging – draws you closer to God

I cannot judge any entry without praying for the writer and my own discernment. My goal in being a judge is to help a writer craft their work so it blazes the glory of God through anyone who reads it. Praying first focuses my heart and spirit on how best to help the writer improve. The beauty here is that the triumph of others becomes sweet to me. 

So, the next time an email arrives asking, think twice before you decline. I for one, will be grateful for your time, effort, and generosity in sharing your expertise. 

Writer, broadcaster and speaker Debb Hackett has been a radio journalist for more than twenty years. Married to a Royal Air Force test pilot, Debb has written a Bible study for military wives.

A regular contributor to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Devotional Arise Daily, she’s also been privileged to writer chapters for Write Well Sell Well. For now, based near London, England she’s having lots of fun working on a contemporary romance series and was an ACFW Genesis award semi-finalist in 2020.

When she’s not writing, Debb can be found leading worship, playing bass or skiing. If you can swing by her house while she’s making scones, that would also be a win.