The 2005 Marlene Awards Contest Rules

 

Presented by the

Washington Romance Writers

 

Emotion, tension, drama. Does your book have what it takes to be the next bestselling romance?

The Marlene Awards are open to members of RWA who have not signed a publishing contract for novel-length romantic fiction (regardless of publisher) within three years of the contest deadline.  The entry must have a projected minimum length of 50,000 words.

 

Categories and final round judges:

Single Title Contemporary Romance – Kate Duffy, Kensington

Series Contemporary Romance (long and short) – Susan Litman, Silhouette

Historical Romance – Alicia Condon, Dorchester

Paranormal Romance –Patience Smith, Harlequin

 

Two judges will score each entry.  Any entry receiving a point spread of more than 12 points where the highest score is at least 80 percent of the total possible points, will receive a third judge and the lowest of the three scores will be dropped. The top three entries in each category will be ranked by an editor or agent.  First-place winners receive a Marlene Medallion and a detailed critique of their submission by published authors  Suzanne Brockmann  (single title contemporary), Shirley Hailstock (series contemporary), Linda Lael Miller (historical), or Ann Lawrence (paranormal).  All other finalists will receive certificates.  Finalists will be notified by April 15, 2005.  Winners will be notified by May 25, 2005.

 

Contest Rules:

  1. Entries should include a synopsis and the beginning of the manuscript (no more than 35 pages combined).  Entry (including synopsis) must be typed, double-spaced, on one side of 8 ½” x 11” paper with 1” margins.  Maximum 27 lines per page.  A $25 entry fee must accompany all entries (check or money orders only made out to Washington Romance Writers).  Enter as often or as many categories as you like, but each entry must be provided in a separate envelope with a separate entry form, SASE, and check or money order. 
     
  2. All entries and entry fees must be postmarked by January 15, 2005 and received no later than February 1, 2005.  We reserve the right to limit the contest to the first 120 entries.
     
  3. Entrants must be 21 years old or older and must be members of Romance Writers of America.
     
  4. Entries must be appropriate to the category in which they are entered.  Published authors may enter if they have not signed a publishing contract for novel-length romantic fiction (regardless of publisher) within three years of the contest deadline.
     
  5. Entrants must submit four (4) copies of each entry, with the $25 entry fee.  Please place a blank, colored sheet of paper between each manuscript and synopsis and bind each synopsis/chapter combination with a binder clip.  No staples! Incomplete entries will not be accepted.  Indicate title and category in the top left corner and the page number in the top right corner of every page.  The author’s name may not appear anywhere on the manuscript or synopsis. 
     
  6. A cover sheet must accompany each entry listing the title, first line of manuscript, author’s name,
     
  7. address, phone number, projected word count, category for submission and targeted publisher/line.
     
  8. SASE:  Include a sturdy envelope (we prefer USPS Priority Mail Tyveks where possible) with adequate postage (stamps only) unless the entry is from outside the U.S. (in which case add $6 to entry fee to cover postage).  No metered, FedEx, or UPS returns accepted.
     
  9. All entries will be critiqued and scored.  Judges reserve the right to make written comments directly on the manuscripts.  The three highest scoring entries in each category will be forwarded to an editor or agent for final round judging.  The decision of the judges is final.
     
  10. Failure to meet contest requirements as set forth above will result in disqualification of entry.  Entry fees will not be returned on disqualified manuscripts.

 

Questions?  Contact Kathryn Anderson  Email: wrwmarlene2005@verizon.net