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: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002

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The Marlene Awards are open to unpublished writers who have not signed a publishing contract for novel-length romantic fiction (regardless of publisher) within three years of the contest deadline.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 choose WRW Member or Non-WRW Member price:

WRW Member $25.00 Non-WRW Member $30.00

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 Click here if entering from inside the U.S.

Please click here if entering from outside the U.S.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

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—Final judge: Kathryn Lye, Harlequin

• Pirate of the Baltic by Cathryn Perry
• Lethal Medicine by Victoria Wasserman
• Confessions of the World’s Oldest Shotgun Bride by Gail Reinhart*

Single Title—Final judge: Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s Press

• There’s Only Been You by Donna M. Kowalczyk
• Romeo, Romeo by Robin Kawczynski*
• The Kama Sutra Chronicles by Kathleen Beaver

Fiction with Romantic Elements—Final judge: Kate Duffy, Kensington

• Snooping in Stilettos by Kathleen Beaver
• The Quetzal’s Tale by Jane Sevier*
• Forsaking Maui Time by Rohn Federbush
• Missing by Mary Gardner

Paranormal—Final judge: Patience Smith, Harlequin

• Skin Deep by Marissa Doyle
• Dark Moon Huntress by Lee Roland
• Dead Mom Talking by Kathleen Beaver

Historical—Final judge: Alicia Condon, Dorchester

• Never Kissed, Never Conquered by Rosanna Yermolina
• Dangerous Magic by Alix Rickloff*
• Fatal Fortune by Joanne M. Barnaba

The winners will be announced at the 2006 WRW Retreat at Harpers Ferry on April 29, 2006.

*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.

Also, don’t forget that postage has gone up!

Categories and final round judges:
Single Title Contemporary Romance—Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s Press
Series Contemporary Romance (long and short)—Kathryn Lye, Harlequin
Historical Romance—Alicia Condon, Dorchester
Fiction with Romantic Elements—Kate Duffy, Kensington
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.  All other finalists will receive certificates. 

Fiction with Romantic Elements First-place wins a critique by Donna Kauffman.

Paranormal First-place wins a critique by Ann Lawrence.

Single Title First-place wins a critique by Suzanne Brockmann.

Series Contemporary Critique by Patricia McLinn.

Historical Romance First-place wins a critique by Linda Lael Miller.

Other critiquers to be announced.

Finalists will be notified by March 24, 2006.  Winners will be notified by April 29, 2006.

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 8.5” 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 13, 2006, and received no later than January 20, 2006. 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.  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,
   address, phone number, projected word count, category for submission and targeted publisher/line.
7. SASE:  Include a sturdy envelope (we prefer USPS Priority Mail Tyveks) 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.
8. 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.
9. Failure to meet contest requirements as set forth above will result in disqualification of entry.  Entry fees will not be returned on disqualified manuscripts.

Click here for a copy of the Rules & Entry Form, in RTF.

Questions?  Contact Keely Thrall.

Washington Romance Writers is delighted to announce the finalists for
The 2005 Marlene Awards. Congratulations to all of the following
writers for a splendid job!

Single Title
Judged by Kate Duffy, Kensington.  Winner receives a critique by Suzanne
Brockman.

1. Perfect Pitch Terry McLaughlin
2. Son of the Enemy Joan Goodman*
3. Crybaby Falls Paula Graves
4. Kiss Me Tender Lori A. Borrill

Series Contemporary
Judged by Susan Litman, Harlequin/Silhouette.  Winner receives a
critique by Shirley Hailstock.

1. Wild Card Paula Graves
2. Best of Intentions Kathy Altman*
3. Riding for a Fall Katie McGuinness

Historical
Judged by Alicia Condon, Dorchester.  Winner receives a critique by
Linda Lael Miller.

1. Fearless Andrea Wilder
2. The Light Keeper Kathryn Albright
3. Moment of Glory Kelly Gottuso Mortimer

Paranormal
Judged by Patience Smith, Harlequin.  Winner receives a critique by Ann
Lawrence.

1. Moonlight Serenade Molly Herwood
2. Sapphire Dreams Pam Poulsen*
3. Through the Leaded Glass Judi Fennell


*indicates WRW Member