I've been participating, but I'd like to make one of my own. What are the standards for quest-creators?

If you can get people interested in listening to you, you can run a quest.  There are many ways to advertise your quest, and raise awareness - chat, mood panel, forum post, quest docs, and if you nag the Admin - getting into the announcements.

If you run a good (read: entertaining) quest, people will want to participate in your next one.  Start simple and work up.  Don't try something too big to manage, or you could flop and lose people's interest.  You might get help, playtesting, copyedits, ideas, etc. by talking with other people

You can offer prizes to raise interest, of course.  These need not be from your own inventory, and probably couldn't be if you're just starting.  Solicit donations from older players and the Admin.  If you can convince them you know what you're about, you can probably get a sponsor or three.