Questions
About the stories and submission guidelines
What counts as ‘science fiction’ for the purposes of the Award, and to what extent must the stories contain a scientific element?
The Award is designed to recognise authors and works specifically within the science fiction genre. Entries must depict a world shaped by science and technology, and scientific achievements and technological solutions must be a significant element of the story.
Are there any restrictions on themes within the science fiction genre?
No. A science fiction story may cover a wide variety of themes.
What kind of vision of the future is acceptable in the stories: only positive ones, or can dystopias also be submitted to the competition?
The competition considers works that demonstrate solutions to the problems facing humanity through science and technology. If, by the end of the story, the dystopian world becomes slightly better, such a work may be submitted to the competition. However, all other things being equal, priority will be given to life-affirming works.
Are co-authored works permitted?
Yes. A story written in collaboration with others may be submitted to the competition. The file must list the names of all co-authors. The application should specify one of the authors whom the organisers can contact if necessary.
Can maps, illustrations, photographs or other supplementary materials be included in the story?
Maps, character portraits and soundtracks can enhance the reading experience and complement the story. However, only texts are considered for the competition. Stories containing supplementary materials are not eligible for the Prize.
Is the theme of the story open?
No. The theme and entry requirements for each season are published on the Award’s official website.
About submitting applications
Can I submit a story that was already entered in the first season?
Yes, a story may be resubmitted provided it meets the specified criteria. In particular, the story must fit the competition theme and must not have been published in full or in part, as publication violates the principle of anonymity during the judging process.
Can a story be submitted if it has been published in part?
No. Stories that have been published in full or in part will not be accepted. This requirement is due to the fact that, in such cases, it becomes possible to identify the author of the work, which contravenes the principle of participant anonymity.
About the selection and evaluation of entries
What are the stages of the selection process for the second season?
The selection process will take place in several stages. First, lists of short stories for all competition categories will be published. The readers will then draw up a longlist of works. Experts will compile shortlists for each category. As in the first season, the winners of the Award will be determined by a jury.
Who are the readers?
The readers are publishing professionals, critics, fandom figures and science fiction scholars. The readers’ work is carried out anonymously: to ensure fairness, the texts are reviewed in an anonymised form, and the readers also remain anonymous.
Are there uniform criteria by which the readers evaluate the works? Will these be published?
The readers evaluate the stories according to a system of criteria based on the Award Regulations.
How are the works protected from subjective assessment?
There is no such thing as a completely objective method of evaluating works of fiction. To achieve the greatest possible objectivity, each story is read by several readers. If there is a significant discrepancy in the assessments, the story is sent for a further review.
At what stage do the jury members become involved in the assessment, and will they read the entries themselves?
The jury works with the shortlisted entries. A condition of serving on the jury is that they must personally read all the stories that have reached this stage.
How will a participant find out if their work has progressed to the next stage?
The shortlists for all categories, as well as the long and short lists, will be published on the Award’s website. Information on the progress of the competition will also be published on the Award’s official social media channels.
Is there any feedback from the readers?
Works submitted for the Award are not reviewed. However, experts and jury members may share their impressions of the works they have read.