Non-Nook Contest Type Entry
Dec
30
2009

Just a quick post to say hello and to check in on everyone. I’m working on Inside Out this week so I’ve been snowed under as I burn through the pages.

As it’s Wednesday – I thought I’d post this contest from the Utah RWA for writers- Unpubbed and Pubbed both!

****Permission to Forward*****

2010 Great Beginnings Contest Sponsored by the Utah Romance Writers of America

*Contest Fee $10*

Enter the opening five (5) pages of romance novels of all sub-genres (projected length of at least 50,000 words). Contest is open to published and unpublished authors. Unpublished authors are ranked separately from published authors. Published authors may submit only unpublished, uncontracted manuscripts. NOTE: If you have a romance novel published by a non-recognized RWA publisher, Utah RWA Considers you to
be published.

*Contest Timeline:*
March 1, 2010 – Deadline for all submissions
April 1, 2010 – Finalists notified by telephone or email
May 8, 2010 – Winners announced
June 1, 2010 – Score sheets returned to finalist contest entrants

*Categories:*
*Contemporary*: Single title; category; mainstream; young adult; or inspirational in a contemporary setting

*Historical*: Single title; category; Regencies; suspense; mainstream; young adult; or inspirational in an historical setting.

*Paranormal*: Time travel; ghost; futuristic; inspirational in a paranormal setting; or paranormals of all other kinds.

*Mystery/Suspense*: Single title; category; suspense; mainstream; or young adult.

**Published Will Be Judged Collectively**
*URWA reserves the right to combine categories if fewer than eight entries are received.*

*Awards*
An individual may enter more than one manuscript, may enter in more than one category and may enter more than once per category; however, each submission must have its own entry fee and completed entry form. The same entry may not be entered in more than one category. Manuscripts that won in previous Great Beginnings Contests will not be accepted. The first place recipients will be awarded a $10 Barnes and Noble gift card, a bookmark and a certificate. All other finalist will receive certificates.

All finalists will be recognized in the Romance Writers Report.

First round entries will be judged by avid readers as well as published and unpublished authors, who are encouraged to comment on entries.
*Final Round Judges*:
*Paranormal category*: Christine Witthohn, Literary Agent/Book Cents Literary Agency
*Mystery/Suspense*: Faith Black, Editor/Berkley Books
*Historical*: Pam Ahearn, Literary Agent/The Ahearn Agency
*Contemporary*: TBA
*Published*: TBA
For more information email Jennifer Beckstrand jgbeckstrand@gmail.com
or see Great Beginnings Contest details on http://www.utahrwa.com

5 comments to “Non-Nook Contest Type Entry”

  1. Miranda
    December 31st, 2009 at 8:28 am · Link

    Thank you for the heads up. Looks like it is time for me to get writing…



  2. Jennifer Louden
    December 31st, 2009 at 8:57 am · Link

    Fantastic. Thank you for the information.



  3. Jackie Burris
    December 31st, 2009 at 9:10 am · Link

    Thanks for the information and Happy New Year.

    Jackie B Central Texas



  4. Dana
    December 31st, 2009 at 10:24 am · Link

    Squeeeeeeee…doing the Happy Dance! I’ve seen another in the RWA, I’m toying with entering.

    Thank you so MUCH for posting.

    What genre does a paranormal romance pushing the erotica line fall under?

    I always see them listed separately. I’ve always thought to use the Paranormal and mention in the query the erotic.

    I feel embaressed asking.I should probably already know this…but before submitting, want to make certain.

    Thanks again!



  5. laurendane
    December 31st, 2009 at 11:28 am · Link

    Dana – this is something that comes up a lot – because many contests judge them in their own category. I’d say you need to think about which category would suit the book more and go for that – unless the website or rules mention what to do in that case you have to make the judgment call.