The contest is now Closed!
Emerald City Opener Contest detailed score sheets. Our judges (published or Golden Heart finalists and winners) are encouraged to write comments on each entry.
Contest Timeline
June 15 - Entries must be postmarked by midnight (Deadline Passed)
September 15 - Finalists notified by telephone
October 11 - Winners announced at the Emerald City Writers' Conference
October 15 - Scoresheets and entries returned
Judging
Preliminary round - three judges (at least one published author plus GH finalists and winners); judges will be encouraged to make written comments directly on the manuscript as time permits and at the discretion of the individual judges. Judging is done on a point basis using score sheets.
Final round judging will be done by editors and/or agents attending the Emerald City Writers' Conference.
Awards
First, second, and third place winners in each category will receive an award certificate and an individual editor or agent appointment at the Emerald City Writers' Conference (Oct. 10-12, 2008). In addition, the first place winner in each category will receive a $25 gift certificate.
Qualifications
Open to unpublished writers -- RWA and non-RWA -- who have not accepted a publishing offer from a non-Subsidy, non-Vanity Publisher for a novel or novella by the contest entry deadline. Previous finalists of this contest may not re-enter finalist entries, even in an edited format.
Categories
Historical
Single Title Contemporary
Series Romance
Romantic Suspense
Paranormal Romance
Young Adult
Contest Rules
Each entry must include:
- Signed entry form and contest agreement
- Four (4) copies of the first seven (7) pages of your manuscript.
- One 1) check or money order in U.S. funds for $12.00 (GSRWA members) or $20.00 (nonmembers) made payable to Greater Seattle Chapter, RWA; Entry fees are non-refundable.
- One 9x12 or larger SASE with sufficient postage for return of entries and score sheets.
Entry Requirements:
- Follow editor-submission format: typed, double-spaced with one-inch margins, one side only, 25-27 lines/page, 12-point font (we suggest Courier, New Courier or Times New Roman). No script fonts.
- Fasten your entry with jumbo or regular paperclips or rubber bands.
- Print entry on letter quality printers.
- Include the title of the entry and sequential page number in the manuscript header. DO NOT put your name on manuscript pages.
- Limit two (2) entries per person. Each entry must be submitted separately, (separate entry form/SASE/check).
- Failure to comply with these requirements will result in disqualification.
Deadline:
Entries must have been postmarked by June 15th, 2008.
Special Note
If an entry is disqualified for any reason (clearly not romance fiction and/or does not fit the contest categories, improper format, etc.), the entry fee will not be returned to the contestant.
Questions? Email contest@gsrwa.org
