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.

• Deadline for entries is January 15, 2005.


• Finalists will be notified by April 15, 2005.


• Winners will be notified by May 25, 2005.

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

Contest Rules

Entry Form

Entry Form in PDF

Questions about the 2005 Marlene Contest?
Contact: Kathryn B. Anderson ()