Running a short story competition is not only fun, it can also be a great way to raise funds.
I’d like to pass on a couple of tips that may be of use.
Firstly, make sure that the rules of your competition ask entrants not to put their name on their manuscript and disqualify any entries that break that rule. Judging needs to be seen to be fair, and it’s virtually impossible to do that if you know one of the entries has been written by somebody you know.
When entries arrive, it can be tempting to open the envelope and have a peek. Don’t.
Find somebody to help you. Anyone who hasn’t entered the competition will do. Get them to allocate a number to each entry as it comes in, and write it in pencil on the manuscript, and again on the entry form.
The entry forms can then be put away. You don’t need to look at them until after the winners have been chosen.
In my opinion, it’s best not to read any of the entries until after the closing date.
Why?
Imagine one entry comes in six weeks before the closing date. The next day a friend tells you that they’ve already posted their entry. You will know which one is theirs. Also, those early stories may be read more slowly, simply because you have more time.
Judging itself is a very subjective process, whatever the status or size of the competition. How you go about it is up to you. I usually read all the entries very quickly and jot down my first impression, giving each story a mark out of ten. I find these first thoughts can be useful at the end of the judging process if it’s hard to decide on a winner. .
