Writing Contest

2014 Hot Prospects Contest

2014 Hot Prospects Contest

Sponsor: Valley of the Sun Romance Writers

For full details go to http://valleyofthesunrw.com/hot-prospects-contest/

Looking to sign your first book contract, switch from a small press to a large publisher or simply explore another genre of romantic fiction? Turn up the heat on your writing career with the Hot Prospects Contest.

PRIZES

Grand Prize Winner

• The grand prize winner of the contest will have their entire manuscript (400 pages, Courier, 12pt, Double spaced) reviewed by two professional editors at Novel Needs http://novelneeds.com

Finalists

• All finalists in each category will receive a certificate, a graphic for their website and an acknowledgement in the Romance Writers Report. Approximate date of winner notification is December 15th, 2014.

ENTRY FEE

Valley of the Sun RW Members

• $25

Non-Chapter Members

• $30

Payment Options

• Checks and money Orders must be made out to VOS Hot Prospects Contest
• Paypal via: www.valleyofthesunrw.com
• Cash

Refunds

• Valley of the Sun RW reserves the right to return all entries and fees if the minimum entry number for each category (5) is not received. Entrants will be contracted to see if they wish to place their entry in another category before entries are returned.

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Postmark Deadline: September 1st, 2014
E-Submit Deadline: September 1st, 2014

ELIGIBILITY

The Hot Prospects Contest is open to any work uncontracted and unpublished at the time of entry.

CATEGORIES / JUDGES

Trained judges for preliminary round, Editors for final round.
Single Title Contemporary-
Romantic novels released as individual titles, not usually part of a series. Projected word count: over 70,000 words.

• Editor – Sue Grimshaw, Random House
• Assistant Editor – Cat Clyne, Sourcebooks, Inc

Romantic Suspense-
a suspense/mystery/thriller plot is integrated within a romantic novel. Projected word count: over 70,000 words.

• Editor – Associate Editor- Lauren Plude, Grand Central Publishing
• Editor -Tera Cuskaden, Samhain

Historical/Regency-
Romantic novels set in a time period prior to 1945. Projected word count: over 70,000 words.

• Senior Editor – Esi Sogah, Kensington

Fantasy/Futuristic/Paranormal-
futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal elements are integrated within the love story. Projected word count: over 70,000 words.

• Editor – Editorial Assistant –Kristine Swartz, The Berkley Publishing Group
• Editor – Amy Stapp, Tor /Forge

Those entries that do not final will be returned approximately October 30th, 2014 to help those who plan to enter RWA’s Golden Heart.

ENTRY CONTENTS

Synopsis

• Your synopsis should be between 3-5 pages.

Manuscript

• Up to 25 pages of your manuscript.

Total Submission

• Entry should be 30 pages max.  Entry or synopsis may be shorter, but neither may be longer than specified.