| Writing Contests | |
| by Stephie Smith | |
Disclaimer: This website owner
is not responsible for misinformation!! Please do your own homework. Categories abbreviations used: Contemp (Contemporary), ER (Erotic Romance), FF&P (Futuristic / Time-Travel, Fantasy or Paranormal), HR (Historical Romance), MS (Mainstream), Para (Paranormal), RC (Romantic Comedy), RE (Romantic Elements), RS (Romantic Suspense), ST (Single Title), YA (Young Adult). |
| Organization | Contest | Type | Eligibility | Dates |
Entry | Fee | Sub- mission |
Categories / Final Judges / Other Info |
| From The Heart Romance Writers | Golden Gateway | Romance | unpublished or not published in book or e-book in last 5 yrs | July 25, 2008 (extended from July 18); finalists notified Sept 10; finalists must have latest copy to coordinator by Sept 15; winners announced Oct 31. | beginning of ms and 10 pp max synopsis, max total 55 pp | $20, $25, $30 | electronic | Short Contemp (Diana Ventimiglia, Silhouette Desire); Long Contemp (Patience Smith, Harlequin Books); ST/MS (LaToya Smith, Grand Central Publishing); HR (Leis Pederson, Berkley); RS (Michelle Grajkowski, Three Seas Literary Agency); TT/ FF&P (Jim McCarthy, agent Dystel & Goderich Literary Management) |
| Gothic Romance Writers | Haunted Hearts | Romance with Gothic Elements | RWA member unpublished in novel length romantic fiction by a royalty-paying publisher within the last 5 yrs nor contracted at contest deadline. | Postmark by Aug 1, 2008 | 1st chapter (25 pp), Synopsis (one pp max) | $15, $25 | mail, email | Historical Gothic (Julia Thornhill, The Wild Rose Press); Contemporary Gothic (Alicia Condon, Dorchester Publishing) |
| Rose City Romance Writers | Golden Rose | Romance | RWA members, unpublished or not published in last 5 yrs | e-deadline Aug 3, 2008 | beginning of ms and synopsis (15 pp max); 55 pp max total entry | $30, $35 ($32, $37 if by PayPal) | electronic only | Contemp Series (Susan Littman, Harlequin); Contemp Series Suspense/Adventure (Patience Smith, Harlequin); Contemp ST (Alissa Davis, Dorchester); HR (Laurie McLean, Larson & Pomada Literary Agency); Regency HR (Courtney Hoffman, Resplendence); Inspirational (Andrea Doering, Revell Books); RE (Paige Wheeler, Folio Literary Management); Para (Carrie Lynn Wolfe, Wild Rose Press); RS (Raelene Gorlinsky, Ellora's Cave and Cerridwen); YA (Jenny Bent, Trident Media Group) |
| FF&P Special Interest Romance Writers | On the Far Side | Romance | not contracted / published by RWA recognized publisher in book-length fiction in last 5 yers | e-deadline Aug 8, 2008 | first 20 pp of ms, optional synopsis (5 pp, not scored) | $20, $30 | electronic | Erotic (Caren Johnson, Caren Johnson Literary Agency); RE (Lois Winston, Ashley Grayson); Futuristic (Stacy Boyd, Harlequin); General Para (Erika Tsang, Avon); TT (Margo Lipschultz, Harlequin / Luna); Fantasy (Deborah Werksman, Sourcebooks); YA (Scott Eagan, Greyhaus Literary Agency) |
| Romance Writers Ink | Where the Magic Begins | Romance | Unpublished in romance | August 15, 2008 (winners will be announced at the Cimarron Dreamin' Conf, Oct 12-14, 2008) | 1st 25 pp, synopsis (1 pp, may be single spaced) unjudged | $25, $27 | electronic | Erotica (Allison Brandau, Berkley); HR (Leis Pederson, Berkley); Para, Dark(Keyren Gerlach, HQN & Luna); Para, Light (Latoya Smith, Grand Central); RS (Allison Lyons, HQN & Intrigue); Sensual Contemp (Diana Ventimiglia, Silhouette Desire); ST (Kate Seaver, Berkley); Sweet Contemp (Krista Stroever, Steeple Hill) |
| Black Diamond Romance Writers | The Good, The Bad and The Toilet Paper | Romance | for unpubbed category: unpublished, not published within last 2 yrs, or not PAN eligible; for published category: PAN authors. | Aug 15, 2008, finalists notified Sept 15. | Synopsis up to 10 pp, single-spaced. | $18 for 1st entry; add'l ones $15 ea. | emailed in rtf format | Final Judges: Unpublished: Elaine English; Published: Jessica Faust. |
| Wild Rose Press | Got Wolf? Black Rose Writing Contest | Werewolf Romance | Received by Aug 30, 2008 | short (15-25,000 words); full short (25-45,000 words) | Free | All sub-genres of romance | ||
| Volusia County Romance Writers | Laurel Wreath Award | Romance Book | published RWA member, copyright of 2007 | August 31, 2008 (winners notified by mid-Nov 2008) | book, e-books eligible in hard copy | $20 | Short Contemp; Long Contemp; RS; HR/ Regency; RE; FF&P/TT. Judges: booksellers | |
| The Golden Network Romance Writers | Golden Pen | Romance | RWA member unpublished or uncontracted by Sept 1, 2008 (or not published in last 5 yrs) by a non-vanity, non-subsidy publisher | e-deadline Sept 1, 2008; finalists notified Oct 20; winners Dec 15 | beginning of ms, synopsis (55 pp max) | $30 | electronic | Short Contemp (Susan Litman, Harlequin); HR (Allison Brandau, Berkley); ST (Tara Parsons, HQN); Para (Chris Keesler, Dorchester); RS (Adam Wilson, Mira); Inspirational (Melissa Endlich, Steeple Hill); YA (Jennifer Heddle, Simon & Schuster); MS/RE (Kerry Donovan, NAL) |
| Oklahoma Romance Writers | Finally A Bride | Romance | unpublished, uncontracted authors whose ms have finaled (but not won) in a RWA sponsored contest or whose ms placed in the top 25% of the Golden Heart. Do not have to be member of RWA. | Sept 1, 2008 | first 30 pp | $25, $30 | mail or email | Inspirational/Traditional (Melissa Endlich, Steeple Hill; Rebecca Germany, Barbour); Series Contemp (Patience Smith, Silhouette; Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin); TT/F&P (Margo Lipschultz, HQN; Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester); RS (Natashya Wilson, Silhouette; Alex Logan, Grand Central Publishing); HR/Regency (Tessa Woodward, Avon; Megan McKeever, Pocket); MS/RE (Keyren Gerlach, HQN; Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks Casablanca) |
| SpacecoasT Authors of Romance | Launching A Star | Romance | Unpublished writers who are not PAN eligible | Postmark / e-deadline Sept 8, 2008 | 1st chapter, max 25 pp | $25, $30 | mail or electronic | HR (Keyren Gerlach, HQN & agent Elizabeth Pomada); ST (Erin Galloway, Dorchester & agent Michelle Grajkowski); Series contemp (Susan Litman, Harlequin & Becca Stumpf, Prospect Agency); General Para (Heather Osborne, TOR & agent Laurie McLean); FF&P (Angela James, Samhaim & agent Lucienne Diver); YA (Kristen Daly, Harper Collins & agent Elaine Spencer); ER (Allison Brandau, Berkley/Jove & agent Roberta Brown) |
| Missouri Romance Writers | Gateway to the Best | Romance | not contracted / not published with RWA approved publisher within last 3 yrs | Postmark, e-deadline Sept 9 , 2008 | up to 1st 25 pp | $25, $30; half price for add'l entries | mail or electronic | Contemp (TBA); HR (TBA); ST (TBA); Para (TBA); Erotica/ER (TBA) |
| Lake County Romance Writers | Barclay Gold | Romance Book, Novella | published RWA book length & novella | Postmark by Sept 15, 2008; winners notified Dec 1, 2008 | book, novella first published in calendar year 2007 | $25, $30 | YA, Contemporary, ST, HR, Para/TT/F, RS, Inspirational | |
| East Texas Romance Writers | Southern Heat | Romance | unpublished in entry category within last 5 yrs | Received by Sept 15, 2008 | synopsis (10 pp max), first 10 pp | $20, $25, $30 | mail or electronic | MS/ST (Miranda Stecyk, MIRA); HR (Diana Ventimiglia, Silhouette); Long contemp (Patience Smith, Silhouette); Short contemporary (Susan Litman, Silhouette); Para (Vivian Crosby, Wild Rose Press); Erotica (Trish Owens, Wild Rose Press); Inspirational (Eve Mallary, Wild Rose Press) |
| East Valley Authors | EVA Query Contest | Fiction | Anyone | Postmark Sept 27 , 2008 | 1-2 pp query letter | $5 | mail or electronic | All genres of fiction. Final Judges TBA |
| Mid-Wilamette Valley RW | Pitch Perfect | Romance | Unpublished or published with uncontracted entry. Non-RWA authors are encouraged to submit their work. | Sept 30, 2008, finalists Nov 1, winners Dec 5. | 1 pp query letter, short synopsis (3 pp max), long synopsis (10 pp max) | $15, $20 | Contemp (TBA); FF&P (Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester); RS (Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency); RE/Chick Lit (Sha-Shana Crichton, Crichton & Associates); HR (Kate Seaver, Berkely); YA (Michelle Grajkowski, Three Seas Literary Agency); Inspirational (Kim Moore, Harvest House Publishing); ER (Raelene Gorlinsky, Ellora's Cave) | |
| Maine Romance Writers | MERWA - Synopsis is Not a Four-Letter Word | Romance | unpublished | Postmark / e-deadline Oct 1, 2008 | synopsis (10 pp max) | $20 | mail, electronic | Contemp; HR; RS; RE. Final Judge: Editor TBA |
| First Coast Romance Writers | Beacon Award | Romance | unpublished / not contracted in book-length or novella in last 3 yrs | Postmark by Oct 1, 2008 | prologue, 1st chapter (30 pp max), optional unjudged synopsis (3 pp max) | $25 | HR/Regency; Long Contemp/ST; Series Contemp; RS/Series RS; FF&P; ER; Chick Lit/Women's Fiction/MS; Inspirational | |
| Southwest Florida Romance Writers | Hold Me, Thrill Me | Romance | RWA member not published in book-length fiction | Postmark by Oct 1, 2008 | prologue, 1st chapter (2 pp max), optional synopsis (1 pp, not judged) | $25 | Entries must contain a romantic element and may be long/short contemp, suspense, mystery, historical, western, Regency, medieval, para, fantasy, YA. Final judge: Tessa Woodward, Harper Collins | |
| River City Romance Writers | Duel on the Delta | Romance | not published in book-length fiction in the last 5 years | Postmark by Oct 1, 2008 | prologue, 1st chapter (25 pp max) | $25 | HR; Contemp Series; MS/ST; Mystery/RS; Para' YA; Inspirational | |
| New York City Romance Writers | Kathryn Hayes Love and Laughter | Romance | Not contracted /published in novella or novel-length fiction as of Oct 1, 2008. RWA membership NOT required. | Postmark by Oct 1, 2008 | Humorous scene between H/H (10 pp max courier or courier new font), story/ background summary (2 pp max, not judged) | $25, $30 can pay by PayPal | mail, email | Final Judge: Agent/Editor TBA |
| West Houston Romance Writers | The Emily | Romance | Not contracted by Oct. 7, 2008; not published in category entered in past 5 yrs. | Received by / e-Deadline Oct.7, 2008 | 1st 35 pp of ms. | $30-$35 | Series contemp (Patience Smith, Silhouette/Harlequin & agent Pattie Steele-Perkins); HR (Tessa Woodward, Avon & agent Paige Wheeler); Para (Allison Brandau, Berkley/Jove & TBA); ST (TBA); Best of the Best (TBA) | |
| Coeur De Louisiane Romance Writers | Romancing The Tome | Romance | Any RWA member unpublished / uncontracted by RWA Standards | Received by / e-Deadline Oct 7, 2008 | 1st 5 pp of ms, synopsis (2 pp) | $20 | TBA | |
| Earth Vision | The Earth Vision Nature Writing Contest | Nature | Anyone (English entries only) | Oct. 15, 2008 (winners notified by Nov 15, 2008) | 500-2500 words of original fiction, creative non-fiction or poetic prose | $12 | Theme must be nature, deep ecology or spiritual ecology | |
| Ohio Valley Romance Writers | Enchanted Words | Romance | Not contracted / published in book-length romantic fiction in last 3 yrs. | Received by Nov 1, 2008 (extended from Nov 1) | Query letter, synopsis (7 pp max), beginning of ms (5 pp max). | $20 | mail or electronic | Contemp (TBA); HR (TBA); Paranormal (TBA) |
| Hudson Valley Romance Writers | Hook, Line and Sinker | Romance | All RWA members, published or unpublished | Postmark by Nov 1, 2008 | 1st 3 pp of ms. | $10 | Top 5 entries will be ranked by Brenda Chin, Harlequin | |
| Writer's Digest | Popular Fiction Awards | Fiction | Anyone not affiliated with Writer's Digest | Postmark by Nov 3, 2008 | 4000 words or less | $12.50 | mail or electronic | Romance; Mystery/Crime Fiction; Sci-Fi/Fantasy; Thriller/Suspense; Horror |
| Writer's Digest | Short Short Story Competition | Fiction | Anyone not affiliated with Writer's Digest | Postmark by Dec 1, 2008 | 1500 words or less | $12 | mail or electronic | Writer's Digest |
| Contests below this row have deadlines which have passed. |
| Organization | Contest | Type | Eligibility | Dates |
Entry | Fee | Sub- mission |
Categories / Final Judges / Other Info |
| Heart of Louisiana | Labor of Love | Romance | unpublished or not published in book or e-book in last 5 yrs | postmark by May 29, 2007 (finalists notifed ~ Labor Day) | synopsis and beginning of ms, 50 pp max for both; synopsis is judged | $30 | by mail | HR, Contemp, FF&P. The first place winner gets a reading of the full manuscript by Kristin Nelson of Nelson Literary Agency. |
| Mid-Michigan Romance Writers | Happily Ever After | Romance | unpublished or not published in last 5 yrs | June 6, 2007 (finalists notified mid-August, 2007) | last chapter, epilogue of ms, 27 pp max; 1-3 pp judged synopsis | $20, $25, $30 | by mail | Short / Long Contemp Series (Patience Smith, Silhouette); ST / MS with RE incl YA (Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary Agency); RS (Miriam Kriss, Irene Goodman Literary Agency); HR (Hilary Sares, Kensington Publishing); Para (Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency); Inspirational (Jessica Alvarez, Steeple Hill); ER (Felicia Mills, Red Sage Publishing) |
| Tony Hillerman Writer's Conference & St. Martin's Press | Hillerman Mystery Competition | Mystery | Anyone not published in mystery book length fiction | Postmark by July 1, 2007 | ms of not less than 220 pp / 60,000 wds with emphasis on solving murder or serious crime set in southwest US | Free? | by mail | Editors of St. Martin's Press |
| Northwest Ohio Romance Writers | Cleveland Rocks Romance | Romance | RWA members unpublished or not published in last 5 yrs | July 1, 2007 (finalists notified around Nov 15, 2007) | first pages, optional synopsis (5 pp max) OR 1 pp set-up, max total entry 25 pp | $15, $25 | electronic or mail | ST (Leis Pederson, Berkley); Contemp (Christine Witthohn, Book Cents Literary Agency); MS with RE (Raelene Gorlinsky, Cerridwen Press / Ellora's Cave); Para (Chris Keeslar, Dorchester); RS (Kim Lionetti, Book End Literary Agency); HR (Mary Altman, Cerridwen Press/ Ellora's Cave) |
| Florida Writers Association | Royal Palm Literary Award Contest | Fiction, Non-fiction, poetry | FWA member at time of submission, published (2006-2008) or unpublished (judged separately) | Postmark by August 1, 2008 | Depends on your category. Download the pdf guidelines from their conference page. | $15, $30 | by mail | Poetry; Fiction: Mainstream, Romance, Women's Fiction, Humor / Satire, Children's / YA, Horror; Romance / ER, Humor / Satire, Mystery, Thriller, Children's Book / Young Adult, Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy, Flash Fiction, Short Story; Non-Fiction: Educational / Informational, Biography, Memoir, History, Humor / Satire, Travel, Essays |
| Red River Romance Writers | Ticket to Write | Romance | unpublished or not published in last 5 yrs | Postmark / e-Deadline July 7, 2007 (finalists notified Sept 1, 2007) | first 25 pp, synopsis (2 pp) | $25 first entry; $20 each add'l by mail or Paypal | electronic or by mail | HR (Hilary Sares, Kensington); Contemp (Susan Litman, Harlequin); Hot & Steamy (Kate Duffy, Kensington); Inspirational (Patience Smith, Steeple Hill); FF&P (Chris Keeslar, Dorchester Publishing) |
| Grand Rapids Romance Writers | Best Bite | Vampire | unpublished or not published in novella or book length fiction in last 5 yrs | Postmark by July 31, 2007 | best vampire scene up to 15 pp, 2 pp setup (will not be judged) | $20, $25 | by mail | Contemp (Patience Smith, Silhouette); Historical (Selena James, Pocket Books); Erotica (Briana St. James, Ellora’s Cave) |
| Inland Empire Romance Writers | Picture This | Romance | unpublished or not published / contracted in last 3 yrs | Postmark by August 1, 2007 | best scene (5 to 12 pp) plus double-spaced set-up page (will not be judged) | $20, $25 | by mail | Final judge: Diana Ventimiglia, Harlequin |
| Gather.com | First Chapters | Romance | Unpublished writers (excluding self published and vanity published) | 11:59 PM August 22, 2007 (semi-finalists notified by Sept 24, 2007) | 1st chapter posted online for voting by readers and jedges; 2nd chapter, etc. Read rules. Must have complete ms, abide by Pocket Books rules. | Free (You agree to certain things. Read rules!) | electronic | Readers vote and Gather.com judges vote. Pocket Book editors vote on top 25 entries. |
| Wild Rose Press | Through the Garden Gate Historical Romance Contest | Romance | no stipulations (Suggest that entrant check policy regarding rights of submission) | August 30, 2007 (winners announced Oct 31, 2007) | time travel stories 15,000 - 20,000 words in length. Story must start in 2007 w/ heroine vacationing in cottage pictured on website. When she walks through the garden gate she is transported in time and finds romance in one of the category time periods. | must be free (this is a publishing company); don't see any stated fee | email entry as rtf or Word doc attachment | Regency (1811-1820), Civil War (1861-1865), Western (1800's, set west of the Mississippi), and Vintage (1955-1965). One story from each category will be e-book published and all entries will receive a critique. |
| Valley of the Sun Romance Writers | Hot Prospects | Romance | Not contracted/ published by RWA-recognized publisher in last 5 yrs or not published in category entered | postmark by Sept 1, 2007; e-deadline Sept 4, 2007 (deadlines extended from August 18 and August 21) | short story length: synopsis (2 pp max), first 10 pp; Novel-length: synopsis (3 pp max), first 20 pp) | $15-$25 Short story; $25-$35 Novel-length | mail or electronic | HR/Regency (Vivian Beck, Vivian Beck Agency); FF&P (Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester Publishing); RS (Paige Wheeler, Folio Literary Mgt); YA (Kate Seaver, Berkley); Short Contem (Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary Agcy); Long Contemp (Patience Smith, Harlequin /Silhouette); Chicklit/ Women’s Fiction (TBD); Inspirational (Denise Silvestro, Putnam Praise); Erotica (Raelene Gorlinsky, Ellora’s Cave); Short Stories 10-12K (Anne Scott, Samhain Publishing); Cross-Over-see eligibility rules (Elaine Spencer, Knight Literary). |
| Mid-America Romance Writers | Fiction from the Heartland | Romance | Unpublished, excluding MARA members | Postmark by Sept 8, 2007 (extended from Sept 1) (finalists announced Nov 10, 2007) | prologue, 1st chapter, synopsis (35 p max) | $30 | Contemp (Susan Litman, Harlequin Silhouette); RS (Allyson Lyons, Harlequin); HR (Keyren Gerlach, Harlequin); ER (Mary Altman, Ellora's Cave); Para (Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester; Hilary Dowling, NAL); Inspirational (Melissa Endlich, Steeple Hill); YA (Allison Brandau, Berkley) plus Deidre Knight /Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency; Carolyn Grayson of the Ashley Grayson Literary Agency; Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary Agency | |
| Florida Romance Writers | Golden Palm | Romance | RWR members not published in book-length | e-deadline Sept 30, 2007 (finalists notified Dec 15, 2007) | prologue, 1st chapter (25 pp max) | $25, $30 | electronic | Short/Long Contemp (Pattie Steele-Perkins, Steele-Perkins Literary Agency); ST (Leslie Wainger, Harlequin); MS/RE (Rose Hilliard, St. Martin’s Press); HR (Helen Rosburg, Medallion Press); FF&P (Miriam Kriss, Irene Goodman Literary Agency) |
| Kensington Publishing Corp | Brava Novella | Romance | unpublished or authors published with houses other than Kensington | Sept 30, 2007 (winners announced Nov 15, 2007) | 750 words of any scene (theme: reunited lovers) | Free? | online entry form | Kensington Editorial Director Kate Duffy |
| Peninsula RW | Perfect Pitch | Romance | RWA member never published in book length fiction by any publisher | Received by Oct 1, 2007 (finalists notifed by Nov 2, 2007) | 1 pp pitch following instructions | $12, $15 | email only | No categories. 1st Round Judges: Authors Debbie Macomber, Kristin Hannah, Allison Brennan, Cindy Gerard, Jill Barnett; Final Judge: Paula Eykelhof (Harlequin/ Silhouette) |
| North Louisiana StoryTellers and Authors of Romance | The Suzannah | Romance | Published or unpublished. Entry must be unpublished/ uncontracted as of Oct. 1, 2007 | Postmark by Oct 1, 2007; received by Oct 5. (finalists announced Dec 1, 2007) | Beginning of ms, synopsis (25 pp max) | $25 | No categories (6 finalists). Judges: Michele Bidelspach, Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books); Nadia Cornier, Firebrand Literary Agency; Rose Hilliard, St. Martin's Press; Caren Johnson, Caren Johnson Literary Agency; Esi Sogah, Avon Books; Jessica Zita, Pocket Books; Dr. Julie Nelson, sponsor of The Suzannah) | |
| New England RW | First Kiss | Romance | Unpublished in book-length fiction | Postmark by Oct 9, 2007 (finalists announced ~Dec 15) | scene of first kiss (10 pp max) plus 1 p set-up | $15, $20, $23 | Beth de Guzman (Grand Central Publishing) will choose winners from 6 finalists | |
| Southern Magic Romance Writers | Linda Howard Award of Excellence | Romance | RWA members unpublished or not contracted in past 5 years | Postmark by Oct. 27, 2007; received by Nov. 3 (finalists announced by Jan 19, 2008) | 1st 25 pp of ms | $20, $22, $25, $27 | email or mail | Short & Long Contemp (Susan Litman, Silhouette); ST (Selina McLemore, Grand Central Publishers (formerly Warner); RS, series of ST (Lauren McKenna, Pocket); HR (Alicia Condon, Dorchester); FF&P (Selena James, Kensington) |
| e-Harlequin.com | Super
Romance Conflict of Interest |
Romance | Anyone in North America | Postmark by Oct 31, 2007; received by Nov 7, 2007 (finalists notified after Dec 5, 2007) | the scene or moment that best illustrates the emotional conflict between the H/H; the first chapter, and 10 pg max outline | Free (read official rules that you are bound by). | Three winners will each receive a detailed editorial evaluation by a Superromance® Books editor | |
| Alaska RW | Heat Up Your Winter Nights | Romance | Unpublished / uncontracted entry | Oct 31, 2007 | best romantic scene (20 pp max) plus unjudged synopsis (2pp max) | $30 | email or mail (forms must be sent via mail) | Contemp; HR; Inspirational; Para; RS; Fantasy; Erotics; Chick Lit; YA; Other. Heat Levels: Sweet, Sensual, Ultra Sensual, Erotic, Highly Erotic. Winning ms will be submitted to Laurie McLean, Larsen-Pomada Literary Agency. |
| Pikes Peak Writers | Paul Gillette Writing Contest | Fiction | unpublished in short story and book-length fiction with uncontracted entry | Postmark by Nov 1, 2007 (winners notified early April 2008) | Entire Short Story, or 1st 15 pp of novel plus synopsis (2-5 pp max) | $30, $40 | mail plus email | Final round judges are editors and agents. |
| Silicon Valley RWA | GOTCHA! | Romance | Unpublished in category entered | Received by Nov 15, 2007 (Nov 8 for early Raffle Prize) | 1st 15 pp of ms | $22, $25 | electronic | Series Contemp (Susan Litman, Silhouette); ST Contemp (Keyren Gerlach, HQN Books); Series Mystery / RS (Allison Lyons, Harlequin Intrigue); ST Mystery / Suspense (Christopher Keeslar, Dorchester); HR (Hilary Sares, Kensington); Para (Jessica Wade, Berkley / Jove); Inspirational (Jessica Alvarez, Silhouette Steeple Hill) |
| Romance Writers of America | Golden Heart | Romance | Unpublished / uncontracted (from non-Subsidy, non-vanity publisher) writer by contest entry deadline | Register by Nov 15, 2007; entry must be received by Dec 3, 2007 | 6 printed copies of partial (beginning of manuscript and 15 pp max synopsis, total entry 55 pp max.) and one printed copy of full ms or one .rtf / .doc file on CD. | $50 for RWA members; $150 for non-members | RWA members register by mail or online; non-members by mail. Entry sent via mail in paper of CD format | Contemp Series; Contemp Series RS / Adventure; Contemp ST; HR; Inspirational; Novel w/ strong RE; Para; Regency HR; RS; YA |
| Crescent Moon Press | Launch Contest | Romantic Sci-Fi and Fantasy | Unpublished / uncontracted entry | Nov 15, 2007 (winners announced Dec 15, 2007) | query letter plus 3 pp of completed ms | Free | email only | 5 finalists will be asked to send entire ms. 1st place winner will receive $100 AMEX card and pub contract, other finalists eligible for but not guaranteed contract |
| Romance Writers of America | Rita | Romance Book, Novella | Book published in English by non-subsidy, non-vanity publisher with original copyright date or 1st printing date in 2007 | Register by Nov 30, 2007 | 5 copies of the book | $40 for RWA members; $140 for non-members | RWA members register by mail or online; non-members by mail. Entries sent by mail. | Contemp Series; Contemp Series RS / Adventure; Contemp ST; HR; Inspirational; Novel w/ strong RE; Para; Regency HR; RS; YA; Novella; Best First Book |
| Oklahoma RW | National Readers' Choice Awards | Romance Book, Novella | Any book with original copyright date of 2007 or 1st US printing date of 2007, and available for sale in US in 2007 | Register by Dec 1, 2007; books received by Jan 15, 2008 | Book (if e-book, must be submitted in either perfect or spiral bound, galley-printed book form) | $25 (plus $5 if entering 1st book category also) | by mail | Traditional Series; Short Contemp Series; Long Contemp Series; ST Contemp; YA; HR; Regency; F/F/TT/Para; RS; Inspirational; MS/RE; ER. Can be novella if it fits in category entered. |
| North Texas RW | Great Expectations | Romance | RWA members who are: unpublished and uncontracted in book-length romantic fiction, or published authors who have not published or contracted in the entered category within the past 3 yrs. | Jan 1, 2008 (extended from Dec 29, 2007) | 1st 25 pp plus Query Letter | $25 | mail or electronic | Contemp (Megan Long, Harlequin); ER (Raelene Gorlinsky, Elora's Cave); FF/TT/P (Chris Keeslar, Dorchester/Leisure); HR (Tessa Woodward, Avon); Inspirational (Melissa Endlich, Harlequin); MS/RE (Liza Schwartz, NAL); RS (Allison Brandau, Berkley/Jove); ST (Alex Logan, Grand Central Publishing); YA (Karen Chaplin, Puffin/Speak Books) |
| Writers of the Future | Writers of the Future | Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy | Open to those who have not professionally published a novel or short novel, or more than one novelette, or more than 3 short stories in any medium. Professional publication is deemed to be payment and at least 5,000 copies or 5,000 hits. | Postmark by midnight Dec 31, 2007 | Works of prose, up to 17,000 words in length. | Free and writer retains all rights. | All types of science fiction, fantasy and dark fantasy. No poetry or works for children. No excessive violence or sex. Cash prizes of $500, $750, $1,000 every quarter. Annual cash prize of $5,000. | |
| Desert Rose RWA | Golden Quill | Romance Book, Novella | Published RWA members. Copyright dates or 1st North American printing / release date between Jan and Dec 2007 | Postmark by Jan 5, 2008 and received by Jan 12, 2008 | 5 copies of each book; e-books must be submitted in book or bound galley format | $25 | mail but can pay thru Paypal | Judges: romance readers. Categories: HR/Regency (85,000 words max); MS/ST; Long Contemp (over 70,000 words); Short Contemp (up to 70,000 words); Traditional; Para/ TT; Fantasy/Sci-Fi /Futuristic; Inspirational; RS; Hot, Sexy & Sensuous; ER; Best First Book; Novella (stories under 40,000 words) |
| Wisconsin RW | Write Touch Reader's Award | Romance Book | RWA members with full-length romance novels copyright date or 1st US printing of 2007 | Received by midnight Jan 8, 2008; finalists notified by Apr 13, 2008 | 3 autographed copies of each book; e-books must be submitted in book or bound landscape galley format | $25 | Judges: romance readers. Categories: Short Contemp Series; Long Contemp Series; HR (Long and Short); Trad. Regency; F/F/TT&P; MS/RE; ST Contemp; Erotica /Romantica; Inspirational /Trad. Contemp; RS | |
| Colorado RW | Award of Excellence | Romance Book | Novels published in 2007. | Received by Jan 11, 2008; finalists notified by Apr 1, 2008. | 3 copies of book; e-books must be submitted in book or bound galley format. | $20 | mail but can pay thru Paypal | Judges: Readers, booksellers or authors. Categories: Short Contemp; Long Contemp; ST Contemp; RS; HR; F/F/TT&P; Inspirational; MS/RE; ER |
| Washington RW | Marlene Awards | Romance | RWA members unpublished or not contracted for novel-length romance in past 3 yrs, or if book is with a small press, it cannot have earned $1,000 or more in royalties | Postmark by Jan 14, 2008; finalists notified ~Apr 7, 2008. | synopsis, beginning of ms (35 pp max). | $25 | mail but can pay thru Paypal | Final Judges: ST Contemp (Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s Press; Linda Lael Miller); Long & Short Series Contemp (Keyren Gerlach, HQN; Julie Leto); HR (May Chen, Avon; Diane Gaston); Para (Alicia Condon, Dorchester; Shana Abe); RE (Kate Duffy, Kensington; Gemma Halliday); YA (Karen Chaplin, Penguin; Caridad Ferrer) |
| Virginia RW | Holt Medallion | Romance Book | Copyright date of 2007. Need not be RWA approved publisher. | Received by Jan 11, 2008 | 4 copies, print book or e-book printed and bound with copyright info | $30 | Pay by mail or Paypal. | Judged by readers. HR, MS/ST Contemp, Long Contemp, Short Contemp, Long Inspirational, Short Inspirational, F/F/TT&P, RC, RS, Extra Spicy/Erotic, Best First Book, and Southern Theme |
| Orange County RW | Book Buyer's Best Award | Romance Book | Published RWA members | Received by Jan 12, 2008 | Romance novels published in 2007. | $25, $35 | Pay by mail or Paypal. | Final judges: Book buyers from Borders & Levy Short Contemp; Long Contemp; RE; RS/Mystery; HR/Regency; Para/TT/Fantasy |
| Southern Magic RW | Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence | Romance Book, Novella | Published authors of novel length romance fiction published by an RWA-eligible publisher | Postmark by Jan 15, 2008 | Books with 2007 copyright, e-books eligible in hard copy. | $15, $20 | by mail | Judged by romance readers and booksellers. Categories: Short Contemp; Long Contemp; HR; RS; Series RS; F/F/TT&P; Contemp ST; YA; Inspirational; Novella |
| Greater Detroit RW | Bookseller's Best Award | Romance Book | 50,000 word minimun, 2007 copyright or 1st US printing, includes e-books. | Postmark or online entry / fee by Jan 15, 2008; Books postmark by Feb 20, 2008. Finalists notified by Jun 10, 2008. | 5 autographed copies of book | $20-$30 | Online or mail for entry form, fee. Mail for books. | Judges: Booksellers, librarians. Categories: Traditional/Sweet, Short Contemp, Long Contemp, ST, RS, ER, Short HR, Long HR, Para/TT/F, Inspirational (contemp or historical), Best First Book |
| Houston Bay Area RW | Judge A Book By Its Cover | Romance Book | Books published in 2007 by traditional publishers, ePublishers, POD publishers or self. | Front cover image must be uploaded by midnight Jan 15, 2008. | Front cover of book | $15 by PayPal or check | electronic | Judges: Booksellers from U.S, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Categories: ST / MS; Contemp Series; HR; RS; Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Para |
| Amber Quill Press | Amber Heat Wave | Erotic Romance | Unpublished by Amber Quill Press or its imprints. | Received by Jan 15, 2008. Winners announced Mar 1, 2008. | complete ms from 11k-18k words | None | All categories. See web site for heat levels | |
| Yellow Rose RW | Winter Rose Award for Excellence- Published | Romance Book | RWA PAN or PAN-eligible authors. Novels published in 2007. | Postmark by Jan 25, 2008 | 4 copies of book | $20 | Final Judges: booksellers, readers' group, librarians. Categories: RS; Para; ST Contemp; HR; Series Contemp; Insiprational. | |
| Yellow Rose RW | Winter Rose Award for Excellence- Unpublished | Romance | RWA members not published in book-length fiction in past 5 yrs | Postmark by Jan 25, 2008; finalists notified April 10, 2008 | Prologue/ 1st 25 pp | $30 | Entry form must be mailed. Entry can be via mail or email. | Final Judges: Contemp ST (Becky Vinter, NAL ); HR, incl. Regency (May Chen, Avon); MS/RE (Rose Hilliard, St. Martin's Press); Para (Heather Osbourne, TOR); RS (Erika Burns, Pocket) Series Contemp (Victoria Currin, Harlequin) |
| Valley Forge RW | The Sheila | Romance | Not contracted / published in category entered | Received by Jan 31, 2008 | Synopsis, beginning of ms (35 pp max) | $25-$30 | Mail, Email | Para (Kate Duffy, Kensington); RE/ChickLit (Rose Hilliard, St. Martins); ST Contemp (Keyren Gerlach, HQN); HR (Deb Werksman, SourceBooks); RS (Megan McKeever, Pocket) |
| Smoky Mountain RW | Laurie Award | Romance Book | Romance novels with 1st copyright date or 1st North American printing date of August 1, 2006 thru July 31, 2007. | Register by Jan 31, 2008; Received by Feb 8, 2008; Finalists notifed Apr 13, 2008 | 3 copies of book. e-books and small press books must be in bound hard copy with copyright page. | $15, $20, $25 | 1st Round judged by Readers. Final round judged by booksellers. HR / Regency; F/F/P; ST / MS; Short / Long Contemp Series | |
| Chicago-North RW | Fire and Ice | Romance | Unpublished / not published in book-length fiction in last 5 years | Postmark by Feb 1, 2008 | Prologue / 1st chapter (25 pp max) | $25, $30 | HR (Hilary Sares, Kensington): MS/RE (Allison Brandau, Berkeley); Para (Nephele Tempest, Knight Agency); Series Contemp (Gail Chasan, Silhouette); YA (Michelle Andelman, Andrea Brown Agency); ST Contemp (Scott Eagan, Greyhaus Literary Agency). | |
| Passionate Ink | Passionate Plume | Erotic Romance Book, Novella | 1st copyright date or 1st NA printing in 2007 | Received by Feb 4, 2008 | e-book or 4 copies of print book | $15, $25 | Mail / email. Pay by mail or Paypal. | Contemp; HR; F/F/Sci-Fi; Para/TT; Novella. 1st round judges: Readers, writers, reviewers, booksellers, librarians. Final Round Judges: Multi-published authors and reviewers. |
| Passionate Ink | Stroke of Midnight | Erotic Romance | Unpublished in the category entered | Received by Feb 4, 2008 | Up to 5 pp single-spaced synopsis (not judged) plus 1st 20 pp for novella, or 1st 35 pp for novel | $15, $25 | Email entry. Pay by mail or paypal. | Contemp (Kate Seaver, Berkley); HR (Hilary Sares, Kensington Aphrodisia); F/F/Sci-fi (Angela James, Samhain Publishing); Para/TT (Roberta Brown, Brown Literary Agency); Novella (Raelene Gorlinsky, Ellora’s Cave) |
| Greater Detroit RW | Between the Sheets | Romance | RWA members unpublished in book-length fiction. | Received by Feb 14, 2008; finalists notified by Apr 15, 2008. | love scene, 10 pp max, 1 pp set-up, unjudged | $20 | All categories, Sweet to Erotic. Final Judges: Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester; Diana Ventimiglia, Harlequin / Silhouette; Elaine English, Elaine P. English Literary Agency | |
| Northwest Indiana RW | Grand Beginnings | Romance | Not published or contracted in last 3 yrs. | Postmark by Feb 14, 2008 | 1st 5 pp of mx. | $20, $25 | Mail or email | All categories. Final Judges: GH Finalist; Published Author; Michelle Witvliet, Wild Rose Press |
| Harlequin Presents | Instant Seduction | Romance | Entry must be unpublished, uncontracted, not previously submitted. | Received by Feb 14, 2008 | 1st chapter (5,000 words max) of completed ms suitable for Harlequin Presents (NA) or Mills & Boon Modern Romance (UK) or M&B Sexy Sensation (Aust/NZ) plus outline (2 pp max) | |||
| Charter Oak RW | Golden Acorn | Romance | Unpublished / uncontracted by RWA publisher at time of deadline | Submitted by midnight EST Feb 15, 2008 | 1st 20 pp plus optional unjudged synopsis (5 pp max). Synopsis is required if you final. | $25 | electronic only | Contemp (Esi Sogah, Avon), MS/RE (Mary-Margaret Scrimger, MIRA); Para (Chris Keesler, Dorchester); HR (Hilary Sare, Kensington); RS (Patience Smith, Harlequin); Inspirational (Melissa Endlich, Steeple Hill) |
| From the Heart RW | The Lories Best Published | Romance Book, Novella | Book, novella published in 2007 | Received by Feb 16, 2008 | Book in pdf, html or print format | $20-$30 | electronic or mail | Final Judge: Bookseller. Categories: Contemp Category, MS/RE, ST, HR, incl. Regencies, RS, Para, Erotica, Short Story / Novella |
| From the Heart RW | The Lories Best Proposal | Fiction | Authors published in works of 25,000 words or more; entry must be unpublished / uncontracted | Received by Feb 16, 2008 | beginning of ms (50 pp max) plus synopsis (5 pp max) | $20-$30 | electronic | Final Judges: Panel consisting of 2 agents, 1 editor, 1 publisher reader, 1 bookseller |
| Crested Butte Friends of the Library | The Sandy | Fiction | Unpublished in novel length fiction. | Received by Feb 17, 2008 | first 20 pp of novel plus synopsis (2 pp max) | $20, $30 | Email only | Romance (Selina McLemore, Grand Central Publishing); MS Adult Fiction ( Mollie Glick, Jean Naggar Literary Agency); Suspense/Thriller (Katie Gilligan, Thomas Dunne Books); Fantasy/Sci-Fi (Melissa Ann Singer, Tor); Children’s & YA (Jennifer Rees, Scholastic Books) |
| Pacific Northwest Writer's Association | PNWA Literary Contest | Fiction, Screenplay, Poetry, Non-Fiction | Entries must be original and not previously accepted for publication or production at time of submission. | Postmark by Feb 22, 2008 | Categories 1-7: beginning of ms and synopsis (28 pp max); category 8: complete ms (90-130 pp); category 9: 3 poems; category 10: complete short story; category 11: complete ms (text); category 12: complete ms | $35, $50 | Categories: (1)MS; (2)Inspirational; (3)Romance; (4)Mystery/Thriller/Horror; (5)Sci-Fi/Fantasy; (6)YA; (7)Non-Fiction Book/Memoir; (8)Screen Writing/Play-writing; (9)Poetry; (10)Adult Short Story; (11)Children's Picture Book, Short Story or Chapter Book; (12)Adult Short Topics (Article/Essay/Short Memoir) | |
| Maryland Writers' Association | MWA Novel Contest | Fiction | Entry must be complete book-length (50,000 words+), work of fiction, unpublished/uncontracted by an agent or publisher. | Postmark by Feb 28, 2008 | 1st 25 pp plus 1 pp synopsis | $37, $40 | Categories: Action /Adventure /Horror; MS/Literary; Mystery /Suspense /Thriller; Romance /Historical; Sci-Fi /Fantasy /Speculative | |
| Inland Empire RW | Picture This | Romance | RWA members not published/contracted in last 3 yrs. | e-deadline Feb 28, 2008 | best scene from unpubbed ms (5-12 pp max) | $20, $30 | Email entry. Pay by Paypal or mail. | Final Judge: Patience Smith, Harlequin |
| Smoky Mountain RW | The Laurie | Romance | Unpublished / not published in last 5 yrs | e-deadline Feb 29, 2008 (extended from Jan 31) | Synopsis (5 pp max), 1st 25 pp of ms. | $25 | HR (May Chen, Avon); MS (Kate Seaver, Berkley); FF&P (Chris Keeslar, Dorchester); Long & Short Contemp (Keyren Gerlach, Harlequin) | |
| Wisconsin RW | Fabulous Five | Romance | Authors unpublished in RWA approved full-length fiction for last 5 yrs | Received by Mar 1, 2008 | 1st 10 pp of ms | $18, $20, $22 | Email entry, payment by mail or PayPal | Long/short contemp (Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin); ER (Diane Carlile, Wild Rose Press); Para (Nephele Tempest, Knight Agency); HR (Shauna Summers, Bantam Dell); Women's Fiction (Hilary Teeman, St. Martin's); ST (Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks); RS (Kimberly Whalen, Trident Media) |
| American Christian Fiction Writers | Genesis | Fiction | ACFW members unpublished in adult or YA fiction in past 7 yrs (entry must be uncontracted) | Received by Mar 1, 2008 | 1st 15 pp (max) of ms plus one page optional symopsis | $35 | Email only | Contemp Romance, incl RC (Tamela Hancock Murray, Hartline Literary Agency and JoAnne Simmons, Barbour Publishing); HR (Melissa Endlich, Steeple Hill and Rebecca Germany, Barbour Publishing); RS (Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary Agency and Emily Rodmell, Steeple Hill); Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Allegory (Steve Laube, the Steve Laube Agency and Andy Meisenheimer, Zondervan); Hist. Fiction--not romance (Sue Brower, Zondervan and Charlene Patterson, Bethany House Publishers); YA (Barbara Scott, Zondervan and Annie Tipton, Barbour Publishing); Contemp Fiction (Janet Grant, Books and Such Literary Agency and Chip MacGregor, MacGregor Literary); Women's Fiction (Beth Jusino, Alive Communications, and Stephanie Broene, Tyndale); Suspense / Thriller / Mystery (Susan Downs, Barbour Publishing, and Kelly Mortimer, Mortimer Literary Agency); Chick / Mom / Hen / Lady Lit (Rachelle Gardner, Wordserve Literary Group and Ahna Phillips, Eames Literary) |
| Faith, Hope & Love RW | Inspirational Readers Choice | Romance Book, Novella | Inspirational romance copyrighted or with 1st print date in 2007. No POD, self-published or e-book entries | Entry received by Mar 1, 2008. Books received by Mar 15, 2008. | 4 copies of book | $20, $25 | Electronic entry, payment by mail or PayPal. | Judges: Inspirational Readers worldwide. Categories: Short Contemp; Long Contemp; Short HR; Long HR; RS; Women's Fiction, Novella |
| First Coast RW | Beacon Award | Romance Book, Novella | RWA members with 1st print romance novels published in 2007. Any publishing venue (Traditional, POD, self-pubbed, ebook, etc.) | Postmark by Mar 1, 2008 | 3 copies of book per category (book may be entered in multiple categories); ebooks accepted in hard copy. | $25 | Mail. Pay by mail or Paypal. | Final Judges: Booksellers. Categories: HR/Regency ; Long Contemp/ST; Short Contemp; RS; FF&P; ER; MS/RE; Inspirational; Novella; First Book. |
| Kentucky, Ohio & West Virginia RW | Bold As Brass | Romance | Not contracted/published in book-length fiction in past 5 years. | Postmark by Mar 1, 2008. 1st round finalists notified Apr 15. Final round winners announced Apr 26. | Scene (10 pp max) showing your heroine at her boldest or feistiest (plus optional 1 pp set-up, not judged). | $12, $15 | All categories. Final judges: Editor, Agent. | |
| Windy City RW | Four Seasons Award | Romance | RWA Golden Heart eligibility | Postmark by Mar 1, 2008. Finalists notified May 1, 2008. Winners announced by end June. | 1st 25 pp of ms. | $30 | ST (Lindsay Nouis, NAL; Danielle Egan-Miller, Brown & Miller Agency); Short/Long Contemp (Diana Ventimiglia, Harlequin; Jennifer Schober, Spencerhill Associates); HR (Rebecca Vinter, Penguin/NAL; Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency); FF&P (Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester; Kelly Harms, Jane Rotrosen Agency) | |
| Popular Fiction Association of Idaho | Murder In The Grove | Mystery, Suspense, RS, Para Suspense, Thriller | Unpublished in novel length fiction | Postmark by Mar 1, 2008 | 1st 20 pp of ms (mystery, thriller, suspense, romantic suspense, or para mystery/suspense) plus synopsis (5 pp max). | $25 | PFAI-trained judges. | |
| Heartland RW | Show Me The Spark! | Romance | Unpublished/not published in last 3 yrs. | Postmark by Mar 1, 2008. Finalists notified by Apr 15. Winners announced June 30. | 1st chapter of completed ms (25 pp max); unjudged synopsis (5 pp max) | $25, $35 | Mail, or email. PayPal OK. | Categories: HR, Contemp, F&P, Erotica, RS, Inspirational. Final Judges May Chen, Avon; Patience Smith, Silhouette; Rhonda Penders, The Wild Rose Press. |
| Writers League of Texas | Novel Manuscript Contest | Fiction, Non-Fiction | Unpublished / not accepted for publication | Postmark by Mar 7, 2008 | 1st 10 pp of ms plus 1 pp synopsis | $50 | Fiction: MS; Thriller/Action-adventuire; Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror; Historical/Western. Narrative Non-Fiction; Children/Middle Grade; YA | |
| Central Florida RW | Touch Of Magic | Romance | RWA members not published in book-length fiction by RWA-approved publisher | Received by Mar 13, 2008. Finalists notified May 15; winners notified early July. | 1st 25 pp plus unjudged synopsis (3 pp max) | $30, $35 (includes return postage) | Long or Short Series Contemp (Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin); ST (Paula Eykelhof, Harlequin); HR (Hilary Sares, Kensington); Para (Kate Seaver, Berkley); RE (Melissa Singer, TOR) | |
| Romance Writers Ink | More Than Magic | Romance Book, Novella | Books w/ 2007 copyright | Register by Mar 15, 2008 (deadline extended from Mar 1); books must be received by March 15, 2008 | 3 copies of book | $25, $27 if by PayPal | Mail. Pay by mail or Paypal. | Judges: Readers. Categories: Long/Sensual Contemp; Sweet Contemp; RC, HR, ST, Para, RS, Erotica, Novella, Best First Book. Top Prize: 2008 RWA Conference Registration Fee |
| Connecticut RW | CONNections | Romance | Unpublished in your category in last 3 yrs. | Postmark by Mar 15, 2008 (extended from Mar 1). Winners announced May 31. | 1st 30 pp of ms; optional (unjudged) 1 pp synopsis | $30 | Final Judges: Para (Hilary Sares, Kensington); Series Contemp (Natshya Wilson, Harlequin); ST (Rose Hilliard, St. Martin's Press); RS (Chris Keeslar, Dorchester); HR (May Chen, Avon); best first meeting between hero and heroine. | |
| San Antonio RW | Merritt Magic Moment | Romance | Published or unpublished but entry cannot be accepted for publication at entry date | e-receipt deadline Mar 15, 2008 (extended from Mar 1) | "magic moment" scene, i.e., the pivotal, breakthrough moment (20 pp max), optional set-up (2 pp max) | $20, $25 Paypal is $22, $27 |
Electronic | Final Judges: Erotica (Raelene Gorlinski, Ellora’s Cave); HR (May Chen, Avon); Para (Hilary Sares, Editor, Kensington ); Short/Long Contemp (Susan Lipman, Harlequin); ST (Allison Brandau, Berkley Publishing) |
| Kiss of Death RW | Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence: Published | Mystery /Suspense Book | Book w/2007 copyright. E-books, POD, subsidy, self-published are eligible. | Received by Mar 15, 2008 | 4 copies of book | $25 | HR, Inspirational, MS, F&P/RR, ST | |
| Kiss of Death RW | Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence: Unpublished | Mystery /Suspense Fiction | Never contracted in book-length fiction from any publisher | Received by Mar 15, 2008 | 1st 15 pp plus 1 pp single-spaced, unjudged synopsis. Finalists may be required to submit more. | $15, $25 | All categories must be Romantic Mystery / Suspense: Series Contemp (Patti-Steele-Perkins, Steele-Perkins Literary Agency; Allison Lyons, Harlequin); HR (Kelly Harms, Jane Rotrosen Agency; Chris Keeslar, Dorchester); Mainstream (Paige Wheeler, Folio Literary Mgmt, Linda McFall, MIRA); Para /TT /Futuristic (Kristin Nelson, Kristin Nelson Literary Agency; Megan McKeever, Pocket); ST (Kimberly Whalon, Trident Media Group; Celia Johnson, Grand Central); Inspirational (Karen Solem, Spencerhill Associates; Melissa Endlich, Steeple Hill) | |
| Magnolia State RW | Dixie 1st Chapter | Romance | Unpublished / not contracted in last 5 yrs | Postmark by Mar 15, 2008. Finalists announced ~May 30. Winners announced ~Jun 30. | 1st 25 pp | $25 | Para/F/TT (Chris Keeslar, Dorchester); Super-sexy (Mary Altman); HR (Hilary Sares, Kensington); RS (Jozelle Dyer); Inspirational (Melissa Endlich, Harlequin Love Inspired); Contemp (Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin Superromance) | |
| Cassell Network of Writers and Florida Freelance Writers Association | Annual Florida State Writers Competition | Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry | Unpublished or self-published entries (except for category (A) | Postmark by Mar 15, 2008 | 1 chapter per entry, 5,000 words max | $3, $5, $10 | Nonfiction Division: (A) Previously Pubbed Article/
Essay/ Column/ Nonfiction Book Chapter (B) Article/ Essay/ Column/ Nonfiction
Book Chapter. Fiction Division: (C) Short Story (D) Novel Chapter. Children's Lit Division: (E) Short Story/ Nonfiction Article/ Book Chapter/ Poem. Poetry Division: (F) Free Verse/ Traditional |
|
| Inland Valley RW | Put Your Best Hook Forward | Romance | Published or unpublished RWA members | Postmark by Mar 15, 2008. Finalists notified by June 30. | 1st 10 pp of ms | $20 | Contemp/MS, HR, Series Contemp, Para | |
| Futuristic, Fantasy & Paranormal RW | Prism Contest | FF&P Book, Novella with min 40% romantic elements | Copyright of 2007 | Mar 17, 2008 | 1 electronic copy + 3 printed copies of book | $25, $30 | Mail and electronic | Time Travel, Fantasy, Futuristic, Light Paranormal, Dark Paranormal, Erotica/Romantica, or Novella or Best First Book. |
| RWA San Diego | Spring into Romance | Romance | Unpublished / not contracted in book length fiction in last 3 yrs | Postmark by Mar 22, 2008 (extended from Mar 17). Finalists announced Apr 18. Winners announced end of May. | 1st 25 pp | $20, $25, $35 | Short Contemp (Diana Ventimiglia, Silhouette); Long Contemp (Allison Brandau, Berkley); ST (Jessica Sebor, Bantam Dell); HR (Tess Woodward, Harper Collins); FF&P (Latoya Smith, Grand Central) | |
| Hearts Through History RW | Romance Through The Ages | Novel - length Historical Romance or Romantic Historical Fiction | Published or unpublished authors with entry uncontracted as of Feb 1, 2008. | Received by Mar 22, 2008. (extended from March 15). Finalists notified ~May 10. | Beginning of ms ( 30 pp max) plus a 1-2 pp (unjudged) synopsis. | $20, $25, $33, $41.25 | Mail, email. PayPal OK. | Ancient / Medieval / Renaissance (Rose Hilliard, St. Martin's); Georgian Regency / Victorian (Kate Seaver, Berkley /Jove); Colonial / Western / Civil War (Nicole D'Arienzo, Wild Rose Press); Post-Victorian / World War 2 (Leanne Burroughs, Highland Press); TT / Para (Lindsay Nouis, NAL); Legend Award (Tessa Woodward, Avon); Best of the Best |
| Red Sage Publishing | Novella Contest | Erotic romance | Unpublished entry | Received by Mar 31, 2008 | 25,000 - 35,000 words featuring an alpha male hero | Free | Judges: Red Sage editorial staff | |
| Virginia RW | Fool for Love | Romance | Unpublished / not contracted in last 5 yrs | Postmark by / e-deadline Apr 1, 2008. Finalists notified June 30, 2008 | 1st 20 pp plus optional symopsis (5 pp max) | $25 | mail or electronic | Para (Holly Root, Waxman Literary Agency); Short Contemp (Alicia Rasley, Red Sage Publishing); Long Contemp (Patience Smith, Silhouette); HR (Jenny Bent, Trident Media); Women's Fiction/Chick Lit (Sulay Hernandez, Simon and Schuster) |
| Faith, Hope & Love RW | Touched By Love | Romance | Unpublished / not published in last 3 yrs | Received by Apr 1, 2008 | Up to first 30 pp plus synopsis (2 pp max, single-spaced) of inspirational romance (see categories) | $20, $25 | Mail or electronic | Short contemp, Long contemp, HR |
| Heart and Scroll RW | Magic Moments | Romance | Unpublished / not contracted in last 5 yrs | Postmark by Apr 1, 2008 | 1st 10 pp | $25, $30 | Final Judge: Chris Keeslar, Dorchester Publishing | |
| Orange County Romance Writers | Orange Rose | Romance | RWA member unpublished / not contracted in last 5 yrs | Received by Apr 12, 2008; finalists notified July 12; winners notified Oct 11. | Synopsis plus beginning of ms (55 pp max) | $25, $30 | Mail. Can pay via PayPal. | Short Contemp; HR; Inspirational; MS/RE; Para/TT/Fant; RS; ST |
| The Beau Monde Romance Writers | Royal Ascot | Regency Romance | RWA members who are unpublished or have not been published in book-length fiction since 2003; non-RWA members who are not published in romance | Received by midnight Pacific Daylight Time Apr 21, 2008. Finalists announced Jun 15. Winners, Jul 30. | Beginning of ms plus synopsis (30 pp max). Story must have at least a partial Regency setting. | $25, $30 | Mail or email. Pay by check or PayPal. | Regency Set HR (TBA); Sweet and Mild Regency including Traditional, YA or Inspirational (Lindsey McGurk, Samhain Publishing); Hot and Wild Regency including Para or Erotic or both (Hilary Sares, Kensington Books) |
| Scriptscene Romance Writers | Share the Dream | Romance | RWA members in good standing | Received by Apr 22, 2008. (extended from Apr 15.) | 1st 15 pp of finished script, treatment (unjudged, 5 pp max) | $20, $25 | mail or electronic | Judges: Marilyn R. Atlas, Cindy Carroll, Lew Hunter, Wendy LaBron, Debi McMartin, Jennifer Miller, Evelyn Morgan, Geralyn Ruane, Amy Taylor, Sally J. Walker, Rich Whiteside, Billie Williams |
| Alaska Romance Writers | Breakup | Romance | Unpublished as of deadline | Postmark by May 1, 2008 | Best breakup, big fight, darkest moment or makup scene (10 pp max), unjudged setup / synopsis (3 pp max) | $25 | mail or electronic. Paypal OK. | Final Judge: Gretchen Neeley, Editor-in-chief, Dark
Eden Press Contemp, Fantasy/Para, HR, Erotica, Inspirational, YA, RS, Chick Lit. Heat Levels: Sweet, Sensual, Ultra Sensual, Erotic, Highly Erotic |
| Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences | The Nicholl Fellowships | Script | Screenwriters who have not earned more than $5,000 writing for film or television. Up to 2 authors per script. | Postmark by May 1, 2008 | Complete script | $30 | First, quarter-final, semi-final and final rounds of judging. Semi-final round judged by Academy members of the motion picture industry. Final round judged by the Nicholl committee. | |
| Writers Digest | International Self Published Book Awards | Various (see categories) | English-language self-published books for which the authors have paid the full cost of publication, or the cost of printing has been paid for by a grant or as part of a prize | Postmark by May 1, 2008. Winners notified by Oct 13, 2008 | printed, bound book published OR revised and reprinted between 2003 and 2008 | $100 for 1st entry; $50 each addl | MS/Literary Fiction; Genre Fiction; Nonfiction; Inspirational (Spiritual, New Age); Life Stories (Biographies, Autobiographies, Family Histories, Memoirs); Children's Picture books; Middle-Grade/Young Adult books; Reference Books (Directories, Encyclopedias, Guide Books); Poetry | |
| Georgia Romance Writers | The Maggie | Romance Book | RWA authors who meet RITA guidelines for eligibility. Books must have copyright date between Jan-Dec 2007. | Received by May 1, 2008. Finalists notified by Aug 15, 2008. | 3 copies of entire book as published by publisher (electronic and audio accepted in print-book format produced by publisher) | $20 | by mail | Short Contemp, Long Contemp, HR (includes Regencies), ST Contemp, FF&P, Inspirational. Judges: Booksellers |
| Tampa Area Romance Writers | TARA | Romance | unpublished or not published during past 3 yrs; uncontracted for novel-length fiction in any format | Received by May 1, 2008. Finalists notified by June 30, 2008. | prologue/first chapter (4,000 words max); optional one-page, single-spaced synopsis (will not be judged) | $20, $25 | 2 copies by mail; one copy by email | Series Contemp (Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin); HR (Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester); Para (Amy Pierpont, Grand Central); Inspirational (Natalie Hanemann, Thomas Nelson); RS (Allison Brandau, Berkley); ST (Danielle Poiesz, Pocket); Women's Fiction (Lindsay Louis, NAL) |
| Celtic Hearts Romance Writers | Golden Claddagh | Romance | unpublished / not published in last 5 yrs, no accepted offer | e-deadline May 7, 2008 (extended from May 1). Finalists notified Jul 1, 2008 | beginning of ms, 30 pp max; synopsis, 5 pp max | $20, $25 check or Paypal; | HR (Esi Sogah, Harper Collins); FF&P (Rose Hillard, St. Martin's Press); RS (Leis Pederson, Berkley/Jove ); MS with RE (Margaret Esch, Tiger); Contemp (Lois Winston, Ashley Grayson Literary Agency); Erotic (Felicia Mills, Red Sage Publishing) | |
| Ohio Valley Romance Writers | Summer Sizzle | Romance | RWA member, unpublished or not published or contracted in last 3 yrs by RWA recognized publisher | Received by May 8, 2008 (extended from May 1). Finalists notifed mid-June, 2008. | best sexual tension scene (love scene or not) 12 pp max; optional 1 pp set-up (won't be judged) | $20 | electronic or by mail | Sweet (Adam Wilson, Harlequin/Silhouette); Sensual (LaToya Smith, Grand Central Publishing); Spicy (Kathryn Lye, Harlequin Blaze); Sexy (Jennifer Miller, Samhain Publishing) |
| Central Ohio Fiction Writers | Ignite the Flame | Romance | unpublished in book length fiction, including e-books and POD | Postmark by May 10, 2008; received by May 17, 2008. Online entries due May 10. Winners notifed ~Aug 5, 2008. | hero and heroine's first meeting, 15 pp max; optional one page set-up for necessary background (will not be judged) | $20, $25 | mail or email | ER (Susan Swinwood, Spice); RC (Amy S. Pierpont, Grand Central) Short Contemp (Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin Superromance); ST Contemp (Erika Tsang, Avon); Para (Heather Osborn, TOR/Forge); HR (Cindy Hwang, Berkley); RS (Hillary Sares, Kensington) |
| Saskatchewan Romance Writers | We Dare You! | Romance | unpublished or not published in book length fiction in last 3 yrs. Entry not contracted as of Jan 1, 2008. | Postmark by May 15, 2008 and received by Jun 1, 2008 | first 12 pp of ms | $20 | by mail | Final Judge: Tara Parsons, HQN Books |
| Writers Digest sponsored by Outskirts Press | Writers Digest Annual Writing Competition | Various (see categories) | Original, in English, unpublished (except Magazine Feature Article category) and unproduced, not accepted by any other publisher or producer at the time of submission. | Postmark by May 15, 2008 (Late entry is June 2, 2008; addl fees apply) | Memoirs/Personal Essay, Magazine Feature Article and Children's/Young Adult Fiction: 2,000 words max; MS/Literary Short Story and Genre Short Story: 4,000 words max; Inspirational Writing: 2,500 words max;. Poems: 32 lines max;. Scripts: 1st 15 pp in standard script format, plus one-page synopsis. | Poems $10 for first entry, addl $5 ea. All others $15 for first entry, $10 each addl. | mail or online if paying with credit card | Inspirational (Spiritual/Religious); Memoirs/Personal Essay; Magazine Feature Article; Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc.); MS/Literary Short Story; Rhyming Poetry; Non-rhyming Poetry; Stage Play (*submission by mail only); Television/Movie Script (*submission by mail only); Children's/Young Adult Fiction |
| Heart of Denver Romance Writers | Aspen Gold | Romance Book | book length romantic fiction, published during last calendar yr | Received by May 22, 2008 (extended from May 15) | book; if e-book, must mail galley copies and a CD | $20, $25 | by mail | YA, Contemp, ST, HR, FF&P, RS, ER; Final judges: Booksellers |
| Heart of Denver Romance Writers | The Molly | Romance | unpublished or not published in past 3 yrs | Received by May 22, 2008 (extended from May 15). Finalists notified ~July 1, winners ~Oct 1. | beginning of ms, 30 pp max; synopsis, 5 pp max | $30, $35, $40; -$5 early bird discount; check or Paypal | by mail or email. | RS (Patience Smith, Silhouette RS); Erotica (Theresa Stevens, Red Sage); Contemp (Scott Eagan, Greyhaus Literary Agency); YA (Lisa Cheng, Margaret K. McElderry Books / Simon & Schuster); Para/TT/F (Kate Duffy, Kensington Books); HR (May Chen, Harper Collins); ST (Lindsay Nouis, NAL); Heart of Molly-HODRW members only (Kate Schafer, KT Literary Agency); Unsinkable Heroine (Alissa Davis, Dorchester Publishing) |
| Published Authors Special Interest Chapter of RWA | Book Of Your Heart | Romance | published or unpublished; entry must be unpublished and uncontracted | Postmark by May 21, 2008; received by May 27, 2008. Winners announced ~Sept 20. | prologue, first chapter, 25 pp (or 6500 word) max; synopsis, 3-10 pp | $20, $30 | by mail | Contemp Series (Diana Ventimiglia, Silhouette Desire); Para (Heather Osborn, Tor); HR (Leis Pederson, Berkley); ST (Latoya Smith, Grand Central); MS (Becky Vinter, NAL); YA (Megan McKeever, MTV Books); ER (Hilary Sares, Kensington) |
| Toronto Romance Writers | Original Golden Opportunity | Romance | RWA members unpublished or not published in past 5 yrs by RWA recognized publisher | Postmark by May 31, 2008 Finalists notified early Sept. | synopsis, prologue/ first chapter, 30 pp max. | $25, $30 by check or Paypal | by mail or email | Contemp Series (Brenda Chin, Harlequin); Contemp ST (Margo Lipschultz, HQN); RS (Megan McKeever, Pocket); HR (Leis Pederson, Berkley); YA (Lexa Hillyer, Razorbill / Penguin); Para/Fantasy / Futuristic (Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester); RE/Chick Lit (Katie Gilligan, Thomas Dunne Books / St. Martins); Gold Ticket Grand Prize (Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency) |
| Georgia Romance Writers | The Maggie (unpubbed) | Romance | unpublished RWA member not receiving full-time writing income in fiction writing, Golden Heart eligibility rules | Received by June 2, 2008 (finalists notified by Aug 15, 2008) | synopsis, prologue and first chapter, 35 pp max | $25, $30 | by mail | ST (Amy Pierpont, Grand Central Publishing); Short Contemp (Diana Ventimiglia, Silhouette Desire); Long Contemp (Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin Superromance); HR (Rose Hilliard, St. Martin's Press); Para (Heather Osborn, Tor); Inspirational (Melissa Endlich, Steeple Hill) |
| Southern Louisiana Romance Writers | Dixie Kane Memorial Contest | Romance | unpublished or not published in book length fiction by RWA approved published in last 5 yrs | Postmark by June 2, 2008 (extended from May 17) | first 5 pp of ms, 1 pp synopsis (not judged) | $15 |