Washington Romance Writers has been offering the Marlene contest (named in fond remembrance of Marlene Montano) since 1996. Click here and here for some tips on entering contests from some of our winning members.
Previous Marlene Award Winners: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002
Congratulations to all of the following writers!
The winner in each category will receive a Marlene Medallion and a detailed critique of her or his submission by a published author.
Paranormal/Fantasy/Futuristic Romance – Final Editor Judge: Katherine Pelz, Berkley; Critique Author: Gwyn Cready, 2009 Rita winner for Best Paranormal Romance
Women’s Fiction with Romantic Elements/Chick Lit – Final Editor Judge:Latoya Smith, Grand Central; Critique Author: Lani Diane Rich
Single Title Contemporary Romance – Final Editor Judge: Alicia Condon, Dorchester; Critique Author: Elise Chidley, 2009 Rita finalist for Single Title and Best First Book
Series Contemporary Romance (long and short) – Final Editor Judge: Patience Smith, Harlequin/Silhouette; Critique Author: Dana Marton, 2009 Rita nominee for Best Contemporary Series--Suspense/Adventure
Young Adult – Final Editor Judge: Emilia Rhodes, Simon Pulse; Critique Author: Carrie Jones
Historical Romance – Final Editor Judge: Jen Enderlin, St. Martin’s; Critique Author: Diane Gaston, 2006 Rita winner for Best Regency Romance
The winners were announced at WRW’s 2010 “In the Company of Writers” retreat, April 17-19, 2009, at the Carradoc Hall Holiday Inn in Leesburg, Virginia.
*Indicates WRW member.
Emotion, tension, drama. Does your book have what it takes to be the next bestselling romance?
Marlene Awards are open to unpublished writers who have not signed a publishing contract for novel-length romantic fiction (regardless of publisher) within three years of the contest deadline. 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 OR if s/he has a book with a small press but has not earned at least $1,000 in royalties. The entry must have a projected minimum length of 50,000 words. Click here for a copy of the Rules & Entry Form (in RTF, rich text format).
Categories, final round judges, and critique prize authors:
Single Title Contemporary Romance – Final Editor Judge: Alicia Condon, Dorchester; Critique Author: Elise Chidley, 2009 Rita finalist for Single Title and Best First Book
Series Contemporary Romance (long and short) – Final Editor Judge: Patience Smith, Harlequin/Silhouette; Critique Author: Dana Marton, 2009 Rita nominee for Best Contemporary Series--Suspense/Adventure
Historical Romance – Final Editor Judge: Jen Enderlin, St. Martin’s; Critique Author: Diane Gaston, 2006 Rita winner for Best Regency Romance
Paranormal/Fantasy/Futuristic Romance – Final Editor Judge: Katherine Pelz, Berkley; Critique Author: Gwyn Cready, 2009 Rita winner for Best Paranormal Romance
Women’s Fiction with Romantic Elements/Chick Lit – Final Editor Judge: Latoya Smith, Grand Central; Critique Author: Lani Diane Rich
Young Adult – Final Editor Judge: Emilia Rhodes, Simon Pulse; Critique Author: Carrie Jones
Please see below for a listing of our category definitions based on the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest.
NOTE: If fewer than 10 entries are received for a category, that category will be eliminated and the author given the choice of switching the entry to another category or having the entry and fees returned.
NEW THIS YEAR: All entries must be submitted electronically.
DEADLINES: The contest opens for entries on December 15, 2009. All entries must be received electronically by 11:59pm EST on January 15, 2010. Entries received after the deadline will be returned. Finalists will be notified the week of April 1, 2010. Winners will be announced at the annual WRW Retreat on April 18, 2010. Those winners and finalists not attending the retreat will be notified after the event.
ENTRY FEE: $25 for WRW members/$30 for all non-WRW members. All entries must be paid via PayPal. All entry fees are non-refundable unless your category is cancelled and you choose not to switch to another.
JUDGING: Three judges will score each entry on a 50 point scale. Judges will be encouraged to comment on the score sheet and/or manuscript, but WRW cannot guarantee that all judges will comply with this suggestion. The lowest of the three scores will be dropped. The top three scoring entries in each category will be ranked by an editor or agent. The decision of the judges is final. Sample Marlene score sheet (rich text format)
WINNERS: First-place winners receive a Marlene Medallion and a detailed critique of her/his submission by a published author. All other finalists will receive certificates.
ENTRY FORMAT:
Entries:
• One electronic copy of a synopsis (up to 5 pages) and the beginning of the manuscript not to exceed 35 pages total for synopsis and manuscript pages. Important: Your attachment file must be received as one .doc or .rtf attachment that should include your manuscript pages first and then your synopsis second. Total page count must not exceed 35 pages. Files must be saved as: storyinitials-Marlene-category.doc or storyinitials-Marlene-category.rft (example: Little Red Ridinghood should be: LRR-Marlene-YA.doc). The categories for purposes of file saving are: YA, RE, Single, Series, Para, and Hist.
• Entries must be presented in proper standard manuscript format: double-spaced on 8 ½” x 11” paper with one inch margins using 12-pt. Courier, Courier New, or Times New Roman font, 25 lines per page. NOTE: Entries using any typeface other than Courier, Courier New, or Times New Roman will not be accepted.
• The title and category of entry must appear 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.
• Each entry must also include the following information in the body of the e-mail submission:
a. Entry title
b. Author’s name
c. Address
d. Phone number
e. Email address
f. Projected word count
g. Category for submission
h. Targeted publisher/line
i. Your completed and signed agreement form copied and pasted into the body of the e-mail. (The fewer attachments for the coordinator to open, the better). For the purposes of this contest your typed name will be accepted as your signature on the agreement form.
j. Electronic confirmation of your PayPal payment receipt copied and pasted into the body of the email.
Entrants who do not comply with the above rules will be contacted and given until the contest deadline to make corrections. Failure to comply by the deadline will disqualify the entrant and the entry fee will be forfeited.
We reserve the right to limit the contest to the first 120 entries. We also reserve the right to extend the submission deadline in order to boost entries if a category is in danger of being canceled due to lack of entries.
Questions? Contact Candy Lyons at
Category Definitions
Contemporary Series Romance
Series romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Contemporary Single Title Romance
Romance novels which focus primarily on the romantic relationship, released as individual titles, not as part of a series. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Historical Romance
Romance novels set in any time period prior to 1945, and taking place in any location. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
A work of fiction in which a romance plays a significant part in the story, but other themes or elements take the plot beyond the traditional romance boundaries. Novels of any tone or style, set in any place or time are eligible for this category. A romance must be an integral part of the plot or subplot, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Paranormal Romance
Romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world, or paranormal happenings are an integral part of the plot. In this category, a futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal element is blended with the love story, which is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Young Adult Romance
Novels with a strong romantic theme geared toward young adult readers. In this category, the love story is an important element of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Download Rules & Entry Form (in RTF, rich text format).
Submissions: Send entries to the individual category coordinators as follows:
Paranormal
Jean Marie Ward
Series Contemporary Romance (long and short)
Category Coordinator Barbara Burnham
Historical Romance
Nicky Penttila
Young Adult
Merry Banerji
Romantic Elements
Anne Barton
Single Title Contemporary Romance
Gail Reinhart
Washington Romance Writers is delighted to announce The 2009 Marlene Awards. Congratulations to all of the following writers!
The winner in each category will receive a Marlene Medallion and a detailed critique of her or his submission by a published author.
Young Adult;Final judge: Kristin Daly, Balzer & Bray/Harper Collins
Author critique: 2008 double Rita finalist Kelly Parra
Series Contemporary;Final judge: Patience Smith, Silhouette
Author critique: The Pink Hearts Society (Donna Alward, Jenna Bayley-Burke, Ally Blake, Nicola Marsh, Natasha Oakley, Trish Wylie (winner to receive at least one critique from PHS depending on type of series she or he is targeting)
Romantic Elements;Final judge: Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s
Author critique: American Title III winner and WRW member Jenny Gardiner
Single Title;Final judge: Latoya Smith, Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books)
Author critique: 2008 Rita winner Kristan Higgins
Paranormal;Final judge: Tracy Farrell, Luna & HQN
Author critique: NY Times Bestseller Gena Showalter
Historical;Final judge: May Chen, Avon
Author critique: 2006 Rita winner and WRW member Diane Gaston
The winners were announced at WRW’s 2009 “In the Company of Writers” retreat, April 17-19, 2009, at the Carradoc Hall Holiday Inn in Leesburg, Virginia.
*Indicates WRW member.
Emotion, tension, drama. Does your book have what it takes to be the next bestselling romance?
The Marlene Awards are open to unpublished writers who have not signed a publishing contract for novel-length romantic fiction (regardless of publisher) within three years of the contest deadline. 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 OR if s/he has a book with a small press but has not earned at least $1,000 in royalties. The entry must have a projected minimum length of 50,000 words. Entries from outside the continental United States will only be accepted electronically. Click here for a copy of the Rules & Entry Form, in RTF.
Please note: If paying by PayPal, please print your confirmation receipt from the transaction and include that with your entry.
Categories, final round judges, and critique prize authors:
Series Contemporary
Editor: Patience Smith, Silhouette
Author: The Pink Hearts Society (Donna Alward, Jenna Bayley-Burke, Ally Blake, Nicola Marsh, Natasha Oakley, Trish Wylie (winner to receive at least one critique from PHS depending on type of series she or he is targeting)
Single Title
Editor: Latoya Smith, Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books)
Author: 2008 Rita winner Kristan Higgins
Historical
Editor: May Chen, Avon
Author: 2006 Rita winner and WRW member Diane Gaston
Paranormal
Editor: Tracy Farrell, Luna & HQN
Author: NY Times Bestseller Gena Showalter
Mainstream with Strong Romantic Elements
Editor: Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s
Author: American Title III winner and WRW member Jenny Gardiner
Young Adult
Editor: Kristin Daly, Balzer & Bray/Harper Collins
Author: 2008 double Rita finalist Kelly Parra
Please see below for a listing of our category definitions, based on the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest.
NOTE: If fewer than 10 entries are received for a category, that category will be eliminated and the author given the choice of switching the entry to another category or having the entry and fees returned.
DEADLINES: All hard copy entries must be received no later than January 15, 2009. Electronic entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on January 15, 2009. Entries received after the deadline will be returned. Finalists will be notified by April 1, 2009. Winners will be notified the week of April 20, 2009.
ENTRY FEE: $25 for WRW members/ $30 for all non-WRW members. Hard copy entries can be paid via check (made payable to Washington Romance Writers in U.S. dollars) or by using the PayPal option. Print the receipt and include it with your entry materials. Electronic entries must be paid via PayPal. Entry fees are non-refundable unless your category is cancelled and you do not choose another.
JUDGING: Each entry will be read by three judges and scored using a 50 point scale. The lowest score will be dropped. Judges are encouraged to comment on the score sheet and/or manuscript, but WRW cannot guarantee all judges will comply with this suggestion. The top three entries in each category will be ranked by an editor or agent. The decision of the judges is final. Sample Marlene score sheet (rich text format)
WINNERS: The winner of each category will receive a Marlene Medallion and a detailed critique of her or his submission by a published author. All other finalists will receive certificates.
NEW THIS YEAR: Entries may be mailed hardcopy or submitted electronically.
ENTRY FORMAT:
Hardcopy:
• Four copies of a synopsis (up to 5 pages) and the beginning of the manuscript not to exceed 35 pages total for synopsis and manuscript pages.
• Entries must be presented in proper standard manuscript format: double-spaced on 8 ½” x 11” paper with one inch margins using 12-pt. Courier or Courier New font, 25 lines per page. NOTE: Entries using any typeface other than Courier or Courier New will not be accepted.
• Please place a blank, colored sheet of 8 ½” x 11” paper between each chapter and synopsis and bind each synopsis/chapter combination with a binder clip. No staples or paperclips!
• The title and category of entry must appear 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.
• One cover sheet listing the title, first line of manuscript, author’s name, address, phone number, email address, projected word count, category for submission, and targeted publisher/line.
• SASE: After many years of experience we have found that flat rate envelopes do not work for our contest. Therefore we require that all returned envelopes be USPS Priority Mail Tyvek envelope with adequate postage (stamped only – not metered).
• No metered, FedEx, or UPS returns accepted. DO NOT send by any form of delivery that requires a signature.
• Completed and signed entry form.
Electronic entries:
• One (1) copy of a synopsis and the beginning of the manuscript (no more than 35 pages combined per entry) sent in .doc or .rtf format only.
• Each electronic entry must be paid for using PayPal. Please email confirmation of your payment to the appropriate category coordinator.
• Competed entry form (for the purposes of this contest your typed name will be accepted as your signature).
Entrants who do not comply with the above rules will be contacted and given until the contest deadline to correct the issue. Failure to comply by the deadline will disqualify the entrant. The entry will be returned if an SASE has been supplied or destroyed if not. The fee will be forfeited.
We reserve the right to limit the contest to the first 150 entries. We also reserve the right to extend the submission deadline in order to boost entries if a category is in danger of being canceled due to lack of entries.
Questions? Contact Keely Thrall at
Category Definitions
Contemporary Series Romance
Series romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Contemporary Single Title Romance
Romance novels which focus primarily on the romantic relationship, released as individual titles, not as part of a series. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Historical Romance
Romance novels set in any time period prior to 1945, and taking place in any location. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
A work of fiction in which a romance plays a significant part in the story, but other themes or elements take the plot beyond the traditional romance boundaries. Novels of any tone or style, set in any place or time are eligible for this category. A romance must be an integral part of the plot or subplot, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Paranormal Romance
Romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world or paranormal happenings are an integral part of the plot. In this category, a futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal element is blended with the love story, which is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Young Adult Romance
Novels with a strong romantic theme geared toward young adult readers. In this category, the love story is an important element of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Download Rules and Entry form (in rich text format)
Submissions: Send entries to the individual category coordinators as follows:
***Do not send by any form of delivery that requires a signature***
Paranormal
Candy Lyons
6365 New Haven Ct
Frederick MD 21703
Electronic submissions:
Series Contemporary Romance (long and short)
Beth Balberchak
2131 N. Monroe Street, Apt. 103
Arlington, VA 22207
Electronic submissions:
Historical Romance
Courtney Hunt
43722 Clemens Terr
Ashburn VA 20147-4724
Electronic submissions:
Young Adult
Lisa Fontaine
PO Box 175
Olney MD 20830-0175
Electronic submissions:
Romantic Elements
Heather Sapp
116 Moncure Dr
Alexandria VA 22314
Electronic submissions:
Single Title Contemporary Romance
Gail Reinhart
2121 Jamieson Ave Unit 1806
Alexandria VA 22314-5715
Electronic submissions:
***Do not send by any form of delivery that requires a signature***
Washington Romance Writers is delighted to announce The 2008 Marlene Awards.
Congratulations to all of the following writers for a splendid job!
Young Adult—Final judge: Karen Chaplin, Penguin
- Winner: Kickin’ It: A “Chick Jocks” Novel by Liz Eliot
- First runner-up: Ellie and the King by Anita L. Nolan
- Second runner-up: Tangled in the Power Lines by Suzanne Kaufman Kalb*
Historical—Final judge: May Chen, Avon
- Winner: The Lady Falcon by Candy Lyons*
- First runner-up: Lost in Love by Pamela Bolton-Holifield
- Second runner-up: Addie’s Choice by Keli Gwyn
- Third runner-up: Highland Magic by Alexis Walker
Single Title—Final judge: Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s Press
- Winner: Old Flames by Marianna Jameson
- First runner-up: Come Morning by Laura Graham Booth*
- Second runner-up: Race of Her Life by D’Anne Avner
- Third runner-up: Buried Alive by Jean Mason
Series Contemporary—Final judge: Keyren Gerlach, HQN
- Winner: Relic Hearts by Lee Roland
- First runner-up: Her Responsibility by Kathy Altman*
- Second runner-up: Playing the Billionaire’s Game by Greta MacEachern
Paranormal—Final judge: Alicia Condon, Dorchester
- Winner: Rogue Moon by Melinda Leigh
- First runner-up: The Ruby Brooch by Katherine Lowry Logan (subsequently sold to The Wild Rose Press)
- Second runner-up: Magic Heart by Kerry McCleskey
Romantic Elements—Final judge: Kate Duffy, Kensington
- Winner: Five O’Clock Whistle by Nancy Lytle
- First runner-up: Fat Chance by Linda Lovely
- Second runner-up: Where There’s Smoke by Melinda Leigh
The winners were announced at the 2008 WRW Retreat at the Bolger Center in Potomac, Maryland, on April 26, 2008.
*Indicates WRW member.
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.
Click here for a copy of the Rules & Entry Form, in RTF.
Please note: If paying by PayPay, please print your confirmation receipt from the transaction and include that with your entry.
Categories, final round judges, and critique prize authors:
Single Title Contemporary Romance—
Editor: Jennifer Enderlin (St. Martin’s Press), Author: Linda Lael Miller
Series Contemporary Romance (long and short)—
Editor: Keyren Gerlach, (HQN Books), Author: Julie Leto
Historical Romance—
Editor: May Chen (Avon), Author: Diane Gaston
Paranormal Romance—
Editor: Alicia Condon (Dorchester), Author: Shana Abe
Fiction with Romantic Elements—
Editor: Kate Duffy (Kensington), Author: Gemma Halliday
NEW THIS YEAR!!
Young Adult—
Editor: Karen Chaplin (Penguin), Author: Caridad Ferrer
Two judges will score each entry. Any entry receiving a point spread of more than 15 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 a published author. All other finalists will receive certificates.
Finalists will be notified around April 7th, 2008. Winners will be notified by April 29th, 2008.
Contest Rules:
Please note: Incomplete entires will not be accepted. Please read and follow entry rules carefully.
1) Entries must include the following:
- Four (4) copies of a synopsis and the beginning of the manuscript (no more than 35 pages combined per copy). Entry (including synopsis) must be typed, double-spaced, on one side of 8.5” x 11” paper with 1-inch margins. Maximum 27 lines per page. Please place a blank, colored sheet of 8.5” x 11” paper between each manuscript and synopsis and bind each synopsis/chapter combination with a binder clip. No staples or paperclips! The title and category of entry must appear 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.
- A $25 entry fee.
Check or money order made out to Washington Romance Writers.
Or PayPal (see pink box above). If paying through PayPal, please print your confirmation receipt of the transaction and include the printed copy with your contest submission. - One cover sheet listing the title, first line of manuscript, author’s name, address, phone number, email address, projected word count, category for submission, and targeted publisher/line.
- SASE: Include a sturdy envelope (we prefer USPS Priority Mail Tyveks) with adequate postage (stamps only). If the entry is from outside the U.S., please add $6 to entry fee to cover postage. No metered, FedEx, or UPS returns accepted. Please be aware of any possible postage rate hikes and plan accordingly.
- Completed and signed entry form.
2) All entries, with entry fees, must be postmarked by January 14th, 2008, and received no later than January 17th, 2008.
3) Entrants must be 21 years old or older and must be members of Romance Writers of America.
4) Entries much be appropriate to the category in which they are entered.
5) REVISED THIS YEAR! 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 OR if she/he has a book with a small press but has not earned at least $1000 in royalties. If the author’s small press book has earned $1000 or more (in other words, the author is eligible for PAN), then the author may not enter this contest.
6) Judges reserve the right to make written comments directly on the manuscripts.
7) 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.
8) Failure to meet contest requirements as set forth above will result in disqualification of entry. Entry fees will not be returned on disqualified manuscripts.
We reserve the right to limit the contest to the first 120 entries.
Enter as often and in as many categories as you like, but each entry must be sent in a separate envelope with its own entry form, SASE, cover page, and check or money order, or printed PayPal receipt. If you are entering more than once and wish to use Paypal, you may make one payment but you must include a printed receipt in each entry packet.
Questions? Contact J. Keely Thrall at .
Washington Romance Writers is delighted to announce the winners for The 2007 Marlene Awards. Congratulations to all of the following writers for a splendid job!
Fiction with Romantic Elements
Judged by Kate Duffy, Kensington. Winner receives a critique by Diana Peterfreund.
1. Where You Belong — Kaki Warner
2. Between the Lines — Kristina Y. McMorris
3. The Foreign Wives Club — S.P. Sipal
Historical
Judged by Alicia Condon, Dorchester. Winner receives a critique by Diane Perkins/Gaston.
1. Texas Hold Him — Lisa Cooke (Requested manuscript!)
2. Kiss of a Traitor — Gail Foreman
3. The Prince’s Spy — Peggy L. Brown
4. The Angel’s Assassin — Laurel O’Donnell
Paranormal
Judged by Patience Smith, Harlequin. Winner receives a critique by Catherine Spangler.
1. The Shape-Shifter’s Secret — Kelly Moore* (Requested Manuscript!)
2. Angels at Almack’s — Catherine Leming (Requested manuscript!)
3. Her Man in the Moon — Gail Foreman
4. The Curse of the Dragon’s Spell — Robin Haseltine
Series Contemporary
Judged by Keyren Gerlach, HQN Books. Winner receives a critique by Patricia McLinn.
1. A Family After All — Kathy Altman*
2. Meant to Be — Donna Kowalczyk
3. Thirty-Nine — Linday Reynolds-Burkins
Single Title Contemporary Romance
Judged by Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s Press. Winner receives a critique by Linda Lael Miller.
1. The Seduction of Matt Malone — Rachel Robinson
2. The Truth About Dogs, Men and Politicians — L. Faye Hughes
3. The Crush That Ate My Life — Rachel Robinson
*indicates WRW Member
Washington Romance Writers is delighted to announce the finalists for
The 2007 Marlene Awards.
Congratulations to all of the following writers for a splendid job!
Series Contemporary—Final judge: Keyren Gerlach, HQN Books
- A Family After All by Kathy Altman*
- Meant To Be by Donna Kowalczyk
- Thirty-Nine by Lynn Reynolds
Single Title—Final judge: Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s Press
- The Truth About Dogs, Men & Politicians by L. Faye Hughes
- The Seduction of Matt Malone by Rachel Robinson
- The Crush That Ate My Life by Rachel Robinson
Fiction with Romantic Elements—Final judge: Kate Duffy, Kensington
- Between the Lines by Kristina Y. McMorris
- The Foreign Wives Club by S.P. Sipal
- Where You Belong by Kaki Warner
Paranormal—Final judge: Patience Smith, Harlequin
- Her Man in the Moon by Gail Foreman
- The Curse of the Dragon’s Spell by Robin Haseltine
- Angels at Almack’s by Catherine Leming
- The Shape Shifter’s Secret by Kelly Moore*
Historical—Final judge: Alicia Condon, Dorchester
- The Prince’s Spy by Peggy L. Brown
- Texas Hold Him by Lisa Cooke
- Kiss of a Traitor by Gail Foreman
- The Angel’s Assassin by Laurel O’Donnell
The winners will be announced at the 2007 WRW Retreat at Harpers Ferry on April 28, 2007.
*Indicates WRW member.
Washington Romance Writers is delighted to announce the finalists for
The 2006 Marlene Awards. Congratulations to all of the following
writers for a splendid job!
Series Contemporary
Judged by Kathryn Lye, Harlequin. Winner receives a critique by Patricia McLinn.
1. Lethal Medicine — Victoria Wasserman
2. Pirate of the Baltic — Cathryn Perry
3. Confessions of the World’s Oldest Shotgun Bride — Gail Reinhart*
Single Title
Judged by Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s Press. Winner receives a critique by Suzanne Brockman.
1. The Kama Sutra Chronicles — Kathleen Beaver
2. Romeo, Romeo — Robin Kawczynski*
3. There’s Only Been You — Donna M. Kowalczyk
Fiction with Romantic Elements
Judged by Kate Duffy, Kensington. Winner receives a critique by Donna Kauffman.
1. Missing — Mary Gardner
2. Snooping in Stilettos — Kathleen Beaver
- and tied for third -
3. Forsaking Maui Time — Rohn Federbush
3. The Quetzal’s Tale — Jane Sevier*
Paranormal
Judged by Patience Smith, Harlequin. Winner receives a critique by Ann
Lawrence.
1. Dark Moon Huntress — Lee Roland
2. Dead Mom Talking — Kathleen Beaver
3. Skin Deep — Marissa Doyle
Historical
Judged by Alicia Condon, Dorchester. Winner receives a critique by
Linda Lael Miller.
1. Dangerous Magic — Alix Rickloff*
2. Fatal Fortune — Joanne M. Barnaba
3. Never Kissed, Never Conquered — Rosanna Yermolina
*indicates WRW Member
