Comment from the Slush Team: No Electronic Cover Pages!

I've heard feedback from the slush team. This paragraph appears to be confusing people:

6. Entries submitted in hard copy must be typewritten or a computer printout in black ink on white paper, printed only on the front of the paper, double-spaced, with numbered pages. All other formats will be disqualified. Each entry must have a cover page with the title of the work, the author’s legal name, a pen name if applicable, address, telephone number, e-mail address and an approximate word count. Every subsequent page must carry the title and a page number, but the author’s name must be deleted to facilitate fair, anonymous judging.

(Emphases added.)

The cover page is only for hard-copy submissions! It will be removed before the hard-copy submission is sent to the slush team.

DO NOT INCLUDE A COVER PAGE WITH YOUR NAME IN AN ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION!!!!!

There is no mechanism to remove the electronic cover page. It will be included in the file the slush team reads; and as soon as they see that name on that cover page, they have to Disqualify the story.

This isn't just about following a rule. The Contest has to remain anonymous and fair. If the slush readers know your name, there can be accusations of favoritism or discrimination. It's sad when your story is bounced for something like this, but it's absolutely necessary.

They haven't said how many stories have been rejected for this, but it's enough for them to comment.