Oh absolutely. I think that the first cut is for competence and then they look for stories. I've sent in stories that I was sure would win or at least place high. One of those completely struck out. I look at my early stories and I know now, I think, why they didn't even place. But it's hard to quantify.

It is going to be subjective. And I know a number of authors who've never been the right fit. And others who've won on their opening shot. Even if I'd never placed in the contest, I would still support it for what it does for encouraging writers and keeping interest up in SF/F.

Dr. Phil