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The Marlene Awards are open to unpublished writers who have not signed a publishing contract for novel-length romantic fiction (regardless of publisher) within three years of the contest deadline.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