Categories
Erotic Romance – Formerly Erotica. Steamy, sexy books that sizzle. Anything goes. May be set in any time period.
Historical – Strong romantic element in believable historical setting. Often has sub-plots and major secondary characters.
Dark Paranormal– Features vampires, demons, shapeshifters and more. Usually has extensive world-building. Darker and grittier. Varies in sexual tension and love scenes. The world often established before delving into the relationship. Hero and heroine may not meet in the first chapters.
Light Paranormal – May be time travel, fantasy, futuristic, science fiction, etc. The “light” can mean funny, less gritty or that the paranormal aspects aren’t as intense; for example, comedy, psychics and fairies would generally fit here.
Romantic Suspense – May be historical, contemporary or category. Degree of sexual tension varies. Will certainly have unanswered questions in the contest entries. Balance of romance versus suspense varies.
Sensual Contemporary– Formerly Long and Short Contemporary. Targeted for the category romance market — ie, Harlequin, Silhouette, etc. Sensuality and sexual tension a strong element. Subplots generally limited to one. Introduction of main story line comes fairly quickly. May be a relationship-driven romance or may include mystery, suspense and paranormal elements.
Single Title – More complex plot. Romance not always the primary focus. May include women’s fiction, chick lit, romantic suspense or paranormal. Level of sensuality varies.
Sweet Contemporary – Formerly Traditional and Inspirational. Targeted for Harlequin, Silhouette, Steeple Hill, etc. More focus on the emotional rather than the physical. Sexual tension varies from significant to none. At this time, no explicit sex. Personal religious faith may be an element.
Rules
1. Our all-electronic contest is open to all unpublished romance authors. New this year: Published authors may enter any category in which they have not been published in the last three years. Note: A published author is defined as: An author who has published a book, whether the publisher is RWA-recognized or not, and that book was available for sale or download. [Clarification: "book" includes published novellas of 15,000 words or more.]
2. Authors may enter more than one manuscript in a category. A single manuscript may also be entered in more than one category. But remember, each manuscript counts as a separate entry and requires a separate entry fee.
3. If there are fewer than 5 entries in the following categories, they will be combined in the subsequent manner: Romantic Suspense & Single Title; Sensual and Sweet Contemporary; Light and Dark Paranormal.
4. Entry fees for each manuscript submitted: $25 if paying by check, $27 if paying by PayPal. Checks must be made out to: ROMANCE WRITERS INK. Please write the title of your entry on your check!
Use the link on the Entry Form & Payment page to pay via PayPal
5. Entries must be in Rich Text Format (RTF) with the entry’s TITLE and CATEGORY in the subject line. An entry consists of the first 25 pages of manuscript and a one-page single-spaced synopsis (unjudged) in one attached file, sent to:
Erotic Romance : jackie.rwimagic@netscape.com
Historical: rwimagic@earthlink.net
Dark Paranormal: rwi.contests@gmail.com
Light Paranormal: rwi.contests@gmail.com
Romantic Suspense: rwimagic@earthlink.net
Sensual Contemporary: marilyn.pappano@yahoo.com
Single Title: jackie.rwimagic@netscape.com
Sweet Contemporary: marilyn.pappano@yahoo.com
6. Entries must be in standard manuscript format, ready for printing, double-spaced, 1″ margins, 12 point or larger font. (Synopsis may be single-spaced.) Header must include title, category, and page number. Author’s name should NOT appear anywhere on the manuscript or synopsis. If the above conditions are not met, the entry will be disqualified.
7. An e-mail will be sent by your category coordinator confirming receipt of entry. If you haven’t received confirmation from WTMB within 48 hrs, please contact rwi.contests@gmail.com
8. Preliminary-round judges are trained and are instructed to provide constructive written feedback BOTH on the manuscript pages and the score sheets.
9. NEW THIS YEAR: Each entry will receive three scores from three different first round judges, then the low score will be dropped. A second round of judging will be held in the case of a tie.
10. The three top-scoring entries in each category will be sent to the appropriate editor for final judging.
DARK PARANORMAL — LaToya Smith, Hachette Books
EROTIC ROMANCE — Kathryn Lye, Harlequin
HISTORICAL — Leis Pedersen, Berkley
LIGHT PARANORMAL — Kate Seaver, Berkley
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE — Diana Ventimiglia, Silhouette
SENSUAL CONTEMPORARY — Krista Stroever, Silhouette
SINGLE TITLE — Heather Osborn , Tor
SWEET CONTEMPORARY — Emily Rodmell, Steeple Hill
11. For further information, check out our FAQ page or e-mail marilyn.pappano@yahoo.com.
12. Finalists will be announced at our November 14th meeting, and will shortly thereafter receive email notification.
