Contest Rules

1. Include a completed Contest Entry, Agreement and Release Form. Contest Entry Form (PDF) (includes Agreement and Release) Contest Entry Form (DOC)

Multiple entries are accepted with payment for each entry.  Note: Entries without a signature will not be accepted and will be returned.

2. Entrants do not need to be members of Romance Writers of America to enter.

3. Enclose 5 copies of the first 5 pages of your double-spaced manuscript, 12-point Courier or Times New Roman, on white paper and professionally presented with one inch margins and with a one-line header at the top of each page with title and category on the left, and page number on the right.  Include 2 copies of a title page with your name, address, email address, phone number, target market, first and second choice of categories, and the expected word count of your manuscript when complete.  Also, include five copies of your one-page, single-spaced synopsis.  The synopsis will not be judged.  Do not write your name on your entry.  Any entries on which a contestant’s name appears will be disqualified.  Receipt of your entry will preferably be sent to your email address.  Alternatively, you may include a SAS post card if you prefer acknowledgment in that form.

4. Enclose a 9 x 12 SASE with sufficient postage for return of your critiqued pages and score sheet. Do not use a metered stamp by the Post Office or from a private postage meter for the return of your scored entry.  The post office will not deliver mail that has a stale dated metered stamp. Standard glue-on stamps are suggested.

5. Include a check or money order for $15.00 in U.S. funds made payable to SOLA.

6. Entries must be received or postmarked by or on  July 15, 2011. August 1, 2011.  Send entries to contest coordinator:  N. Genovese, C/O SOLA, 237 Pi Street, Belle Chasse, LA 70037. Entries that are mailed as return receipt requested or which require a signature will be rejected.

7. If fewer than 5 enter a category, that category will be dropped.  Each entry from the dropped category will be placed in the category selected as second choice by the contestant.  Categories are: short/long series contemporary, single title contemporary, historical romance, paranormal, inspirational, novel w/ strong romantic elements, romantic suspense, and erotic romance.

8. If an entry places first and the entrant declines to have the entry sent to the designated editor, the second place entry will be sent to the designated editor.

9. Judging: All entries will be reviewed by 4 published or non-published trained members of RWA.  The lowest score will be dropped.  In the event of a tie for the highest overall score, the dropped score will be added in to determine the highest overall score.

10. Final Readers of the first place winning entries:

  • Short/long series contemporary, Rhonda Penders, Editor-in-Chief, The Wild Rose Press
  • Single title contemporary, Rhonda Penders, Editor-in-Chief, The Wild Rose Press
  • Paranormal, Lill Farrell, Editor, The Wild Rose Press
  • Inspirational, Nicola Martinez, Editor, White Rose Publishing
  • Novel w/ strong romantic elements, Rhonda Penders, Editor-in-Chief, The Wild Rose Press
  • Romantic suspense,Rhonda Penders, Editor-in-Chief, The Wild Rose Press
  • Historical romance, Nicole D’Arienzo, Editor, The Wild Rose Press
  • Erotic Romance, Alicia Rasley, Editor, Red Sage Publishing

11. Winners: First, second, third place, and honorable mention winners in each category will be announced on September 30, 2011.

12. Prizes:  Highest overall score in all categories receives $50 cash and a certificate. In the event of a tie for the highest overall score, a tie breaker will be applied. Also, first place winning entries will be sent to final judges for reading and potential requests for full or partial manuscript. First, Second, third place winners and honorable mentions will receive a certificate, announcement in RWR, The New Orleans Times Picayune, and on SOLA’s Web site.