• How is the contest screened and judged?
  
• Are there contingencies in place in case there are screener or judge conflicts of interest?
  
• What happens if the judge decides not to select a winner?
  
• How are author information, cover letters, biographical notes, and acknowledgements handled?
  
• Are submissions disqualified if the guidelines are not followed to the letter?
  
• What type of submission deadline is in place (postmark or receipt)?
  
• What timetable exists for the contest (submissions information available, entries received, decisions finalized, notification, awards, publication, etc.)?
  
• How are entrants contacted if selected, and does the contest notify all entrants of results?
  
• Are submissions accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage on it returned or are all submissions recycled?
  
• What sort of publicity is used to promote the contest and its results?
  
• Is the contest "bonded" (will the prize be awarded and/or publication take place regardless of the number of entrants)?
  
• How many entries does the contest typically receive?
  
• Why was the contest established and what do the contest administrators hope the contest will accomplish?
  
• What do I get in exchange for my entry fee (a subscription to the magazine/copy of the issue with the winning poem(s) OR a copy of the winning book once it is published/copy of a previous winning book)

Compiled by Jon Tribble, Managing Editor of Crab Orchard Review