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 .