Make the first 35 pages of your novel so compelling that an editor has to have more!
Five Sizzling Finalists in Five Categories:
Contemporary – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in a contemporary setting. Includes series and single-title length romances. Can also include elements of romantic suspense/intrigue.
Historical – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in a historical setting.
Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-fi – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in any setting in the future, an alternate world/reality, or another planet. Includes elements such as elves/faerie, sword & sorcery, aliens, etc.
Paranormal/Time Travel – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in any setting that includes elements of time travel, angels, vampires, werewolves or other paranormal themes.
Novellas - novellas of 10,000 to 25,000 words with erotic elements that focus on developing romantic relationship in any setting.
**All ctegories are open to alternative lifestyle entries and any entry that reflects an erotic romance between two or more people, straight, gay, bi, or any romantic combination.**
1. All entries must be in RTF format.
2. All entries must be at least 10,000 words in their completed form.
Judging and Prizes:
First Round: Preliminary-round judging will be completed by three qualified judges – Passionate Ink and other RWA members experienced in critiquing and/or published authors familiar with our genre. All scores will be added and averaged to determine the entrant’s ranking. Every attempt will be made to provide entrants with detailed score sheets and judges’ comments from this preliminary round. Top five entries in each category will move to final round.
Final Round: The top five finalists in each category will be ranked by the following industry professionals:
Contemporary: Angela James, Carina Press
Historical: Treva Harte, Loose ID
Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-fi: Kelli Collins, Ellora’s Cave
Paranormal/Time Travel: Melissa Jeglinski, The Knight Agency
Novellas: Lindsey Faber, Samhain Publishing
First place winners in each category will receive a free one year membership in Passionate Ink ($25 value), a certificate, and an award graphic for their website. (Writing teams will split the membership.) All other finalists will receive certificates and a finalist graphic for their website. All entries will be returned after finalists are determined and statistical information is complete. Winners will be announced at the Passionate Ink gathering at the Romance Writers’ of America National Conference in New York. Results will be listed on the Passionate Ink website, in the chapter’s newsletter, as well as have their names published in the Romance Writer’s Report.
The decisions of judges are final.
Rules for Entry
Eligibility:
1. All contest entrants must be 18 years of age by the contest entry deadline date.
2. Contest is open to all authors with unpublished, uncontracted full-length erotic romance manuscripts of at least 25,000 words (except novellas which must be at least 10,000) in the category they wish to enter.
Entry Deadline & Submission:
1. All entries must be submitted to som6@passionateink.org electronic in RTF format.
2. All entries and payment must be received completed by January 21, 2011. All materials, including entries and entry fees, must be received by that date.
3. Submit questions via email to som6@passionateink.org. It is the author’s responsibility to enter the manuscript in the correct category. All clarifications as to category should be made prior to submission.
4. Entrants may enter as many categories as they wish with DIFFERENT submissions, but cannot enter the same manuscript in two categories. Each entry must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee either via a mailed check or online PayPal payment.
5. There is a minimum requirement of 10 entries per category. If a category does not receive a sufficient number of submissions to make the category viable, the category will be canceled. The entrant will be asked to provide a second choice of categories. If the entrant does not wish to place the entry in another category, the entry and associated fees will be returned.
Entry Fees:
Passionate Ink members: $15
Others: $25
Email payments via PayPal to: midnight@passionateink.org
or mail payments to:
Stroke of Midnight Contest
c/o Robin L. Rotham
PO Box 2412
Norfold, NE 68701
Make checks payable to: Passionate Ink
1. Entry fees must be received prior to the entry deadline.
2. Include your name in the subject line and the titles of your entry(ies) in the comments box, if paying via PayPal. Include the title of your entry in the Memo field if paying via check.
Entry Format:
1. All entries must be electronic in RTF format.
2. Send a maximum of the first 35 pages of your manuscript (20 pages for novella entries).
3. Entries must be in proper manuscript format: One sided, double-spaced with one inch margins all around, size 12 font (like Times New
Roman or Courier) is recommended.
4. On the first page only, title and category on top left; page number on top right. Subsequent pages should include only title and page number.
5. Name of author should not appear anywhere on manuscript; the entry will be disqualified if name is on submission.
6. A synopsis of up to 5 single-spaced pages (which will not be judged) must also be included. No cover page is necessary.
Email questions to Sharon at som6@passionateink.org.
Enter online today! Online Stroke of Midnight Entry Form.
More information here.
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