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Eligibility:
Participation is open to all authors of novel length romance fiction
unpublished by an RWA recognized publisher. All work must be the author’s
original work that has not been contracted for publication prior to
the entry deadline.
Categories:
- Contemporary:
Romantic novels in which sensuality may constitute a strong element
in the romance. Word count over 40,000.
- Mainstream
with Strong Romantic Elements:
A work of fiction not belonging in another category that contains
a strong romantic element, such that one or more romances contained
in the story form an integral part of the story’s structure,
but in which other themes or stories may also be significantly developed.
The word count for these novels is a minimum of 80,000 words.
- Paranormal:
Time Travel, Futuristic, Fantasy, and Paranormal. Romantic novels
with any time setting that contain elements such as time-travel, angels,
vampires or other new-age/mystical/paranormal themes, or set in the
future, on other planets or in other dimensions. Word count over 40,000.
- Historical:
Novels with settings at least 100 years in the past. Must have a strong
romantic element throughout. Word count over 40,000.
- Romantic Suspense:
Romantic novel in which elements of suspense or intrigue are integral
to the plot. May have a contemporary or historical setting. Word count
over 40,000.
- Inspirational:
Romantic novels in which one or more characters’ religious or
spiritual beliefs is a major part of the plot. The novel may be set
in any place or era. Word count over 40,000.
Entry
Deadline:
- Entries must
include entry form, submission (not to exceed 25 pages) and synopsis
(2-5 pages, double-spaced).
- Entries must
be submitted by February 14, 2006 midnight.
- Checks must be
postmarked by February 15, 2006. Money sent through paypal must be
sent by February 15th 2006.
- Each entry will
be judged by three judges. The lowest score will be dropped.
- Finalists will
be announced by May 1st. There will be five finalists for each category.
Finalists will be contacted by phone or email.
- Finalists will
have the opportunity to revise their submissions before they are sent
to the editors and agents for final judging.
- Winners will
be announced by mid June.
- CORW reserves
the right to return all entries and fees, if there are insufficient
entries in a category. Entrants will be contacted and given the option
to place their entry in another category before entries are returned.
Entry
Fee:
$25.00 check or money order in US funds, made payable to CORW. Details
are below, in the section entitled "Entry Details/Checklist".
A new paypal option
is available for your convenience. Please go directly to www.paypal.com
and send the money to kriscrimmins@yahoo.com. Payment must be sent by
February 15, 2006.
Awards:
Five finalists in each round will receive certificates. The first place
winner will receive $25.00 and their certificate. Results will be publicized.
Scoring:
Our scoresheet is set up to provide feedback on both the first chapter
and the synopsis. View the Scoresheet from the link on the Contests
page
Entry
Details/Checklist:
- Entries will
be accepted in electronic submissions only. If you have problems,
please contact the contest coordinator.
- E-mail a copy
of your first chapter and prologue (if applicable) not to exceed 25
pages, and copy of your two to five (2-5) page double-spaced synopsis
to megunticook@sbcglobal.net.
- Entries need
to be sent in RTF (rich text format) format only. It should be formatted
in standard manuscript format, ready for printing. This includes header
and page numbers.
- In order for
your entry to be considered, a $25 fee per entry is required. Payment
can be made via PayPal, or a check or money order mailed to:
Stefanie
Catenzaro, Contest Coordinator,
8 Ryan Court, Cromwell,
CT 06416-1111
- You will receive
a confirmation page when the entry is submitted. Please print for
your records.
Formatting:
- Double Spaced
- One inch margins.
- Size 12 font,
either Courier, Courier New or Times New Roman.
- Chapter headers
start 1/3 to ½ of the way down the page.
- Header on the
manuscript and synopsis pages must contain title and category in the
upper left corner.
- Page number
should be in the upper right corner.
- Your name should
only be on the electronic entry form and not on the entry anywhere.
Any questions should
be directed to the contest coordinator at megunticook@sbcglobal.net.
Final
Round Judges:
Contemporary:
Paige Wheeler - Agent
Mainstream
with SRE: Keyren Gerlach - HQN
Paranormal:
Patience Smith - Harlequin
Historical:
Hilary Sares - Kensington
Romantic
Suspense: Allison Lyons - Harlequin Intrigue
Inspirational:
Julie Swarzburg - Multinomah
Failure to comply with any of the above rules may
disqualify the entry and the entry fee may not be refunded.
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