Passionate Ink’s 2006 Stroke of Midnight Contest
Make the first 35 pages of your novel so compelling that an editor has to have more!
Five Sizzling Finalists in Four 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 and 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.
All entries must be at least 25,000 words in their completed form. No novellas accepted.
Judging and Prizes:
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.
The top five finalists in each category will be ranked by the following industry professionals:
Contemporary: To Be Determined
Historical: Allison Brandau, Berkley
Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-fi: Raelene Gorlinsky, Ellora’s Cave
Paranormal/Time Travel: Rose Hilliard, St. Martin’s Press
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 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 Dallas. Results will be listed on the Passionate Ink website and in the chapter’s newsletter.
The decisions of judges are final.
Rules for Entry
Eligibility:
Contest is open to all authors with unpublished, uncontracted full-length erotic romance manuscripts (at least 25,000 words) in the category they wish to enter.
Entry Deadline and Mailing:
Entry form and payment must be sent to the Contest Coordinator by February 19, 2007. Any entries received without corresponding entry form and fee by the deadline will be disqualified.
Submit entries (or questions) via email to Strokeofmidnight @ passionateink.org. (without spaces)
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.
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 and a separate signed Contestant’s Agreement and Entry form.
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.
Finalists will be asked to mail one (1) hard copy of their entry within 7 days of notification for the final round judge. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the final round and your entry will not be judged.
Entry Fees:
Passionate Ink members: $15
Others: $25
Email payments via PayPal to: Treasurer @ passionateink.org (without spaces)
or mail payments to:
Stroke of Midnight Contest
c/o Marie Roy
RD2 Box 351
Terryville, CT 06786
Make checks payable to: Passionate Ink
Entry fees must be received prior to the entry deadline.
Include your name in the subject line and the titles of your entry(ies) in the comments box.
Entry Format:
All entries must be electronic in PDF or a Word 2003 compatible format.
Send a maximum of the first 35 pages of your manuscript.
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.
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.
Name of author should not appear anywhere on manuscript; the entry will be disqualified if name is on submission.
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 Marie at strokeofmidnight @ passionateink.org. (without spaces)
Enter online via the Online Stroke of Midnight Entry Form.
