What do you guys think about blind readings? You know -- when you leave your name and contact info off your submission at the request of a publisher. I have mixed feelings about this. Of course, the story should always speak for itself, but I do feel like my writing credits could help me out in some cases like making the editor take a closer look. I don't know if that's ever helped me, but it could, right? I just entered a contest that is doing blind reads. I've never won a contest so it really shouldn't make too much of a difference. But I wanted to hear from you fellow submitters about what you think of this policy when in place. Do you feel like your chances are better when it's a blind reading? Does it really make that much of a difference? Has anyone ever won or been a finalist for a contest that does blind reading?
I didn't comment on this earlier because I didn't think I had much to say, but since you asked so nicely in the rejection thread... I don't have any insider knowledge of the publishing industry, so I can only guess about the policy's effects. If anything, it may help me slightly since I don't have any name recognition to coast on (yet! ), but my gut tells me that it probably doesn't make much difference. If a writer is popular enough for their name to give them a significant advantage, I suspect they're probably not going through the slush pile anyway. In any case, it doesn't affect my submission choices in the slightest. I submit to places that read anonymously and places that don't. Everyone gets a fair chance to reject me - and they do!
I got honorable mention once, which in practical terms translates to "lost." First prize included a $3000 stipend. Being in second place was in some ways more disappointing than if my story hadn't been mentioned at all. So close and so far...
I think blind reading helps inoculate the contest from charges of favoritism. A lot of these judges teach or speak at writers conferences, MFA programs, etc. If a judge picks someone they know, it can make the contest feel rigged, even though many of these judges have interacted with scores of emerging writers in some capacity. I don't think most judges would be swayed by a cover letter with a list of good publications, so a blind reading shouldn't disadvantage you in any way.
Did you get anything or published for coming in 2nd? I wouldn't mind coming in 2nd if there was at least some sort of "prize." You say they "mentioned" you and your story. Depending on the contest that can still count for something. But I also get it that it would sting a little to be so close to winning. Did that story end up getting picked up by another publication? If it wasn't published by the first place, I think you could at least mention in your cover letter to other publications that the story had come in second in whatever the contest was. I think mentioning that in a cover letter might make an editor read your piece a little closer and take it more seriously. I would mention it at least, but I've never won a contest or even come as close as you.
Contest rules usually state that you can't submit if you know or have any relationship with a guest judge.
I had to think a few minutes to recall which story got the honorable mention. (Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.) In the bio part of query letters, I do allude to the honorable mention as well as a couple of other competitions that I did win. The best of the latter resulted in a writer's residency at a national monument plus a small per diem. I loved that one- nothing to do but take long walks in amazing country and write. If I could write stories in return for free housing in beautiful places, I'd do it.
There are a lot of gray areas in that. Some of these judges are regulars on the MFA/writers' conference circuit. They have interacted with a lot of writers. Better to just judge blind than to try to parse what constitutes a relationship.
