Georgia Romance Writers

Q: Should I enter my first chapter or my first 35 pages? I'm assuming the synopsis is included in the page count. Am I correct?

A: Yes. You may enter a total of 35 pages including your synopsis. If, for example, your synopsis is five pages you may also enter your first thirty pages. However, 35 is the maximum number of pages allowed and not a requirement. Some entrants don't use all 35 pages. As long as you count your synopsis and begin with page one of your manuscript and continue consecutively, you can stop wherever you choose. For example, you might want to end on a hook, or at the end of a scene rather than simply going for the maximum number of pages allowed.

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Q: Is a synopsis required?

A: Yes, the synopsis is a required part of your entry.

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Q: Is there a maximum page count for the synopsis?

A: No. However, it makes sense to go as short as you can on the synopsis and spend as much page count as possible showcasing your writing.

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Q: May I single space my synopsis?

A: No. The synopsis must be double spaced.

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Q: What is the difference between Long Contemporary and Single Title ?

A: Long Contemporary is more than 70,000 words and generally targeted to one of the category houses like Harlequin or Silhouette. A single title manuscript is a minimum of 70,000 words and generally 100,000 words or more. It is often different in tone and feel from a series or category book. The entrant determines which category to enter, and a coordinator is not going to eliminate an entry for being in the 'wrong' category. However, choosing the 'wrong' category could affect the judge's perception of your work and have an impact on your scores. Also, part of the reason for entering a contest is the hope of finaling and being read by an editor in your area of interest. If, for example, your single title ended up in front of a category editor your chances for a sale might be limited.

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Q: I noticed that New Courier 12 is recommended. I don't have Courier on my computer. Is Times New Roman acceptable?

A: We recommend Courier 12 or New Courier 12 because this will give you the approximate 250 words per page that many publishers use in configuring word count and because it is easy on the eyes—something your judges will appreciate. However, Times New Roman is allowed as long as you use 12 pt and the number of lines per page doesn't exceed the maximum of 27. You must also make sure your manuscript lines fall within the specified margins.

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Q: The instructions say not to include your name anywhere on your manuscript. Does the same hold true for the synopsis?

A: Your name should not appear anywhere on your manuscript pages or on your synopsis.

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Q: For the purpose of your contest, what time period qualifies as 'Historical'?

A: Romance novels set in any time period prior to 1945 qualify as Historical.

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Q: Is it permissible to submit an entry from a manuscript that has already been requested by a publisher?

A: As long as you don't have a contract from an RWA eligible publisher as set forth in the Golden Heart contest rules for this or any other manuscript, you are considered unpublished and may enter the Unpublished Maggie Awards.

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Q: There is a stipulation that multiple entries are allowed. If I have three different manuscripts for Historical. Can I enter all three (with separate entry form and payment) or only one?

A: Only one of your manuscripts can be entered in the Historical category. While multiple entries are allowed, each entry may be entered in only one category. Also, you may only enter once in each category.

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Q: What about international entries?

A: Authors wishing to enter from locations outside the U.S. and have access to U.S. postage stamps may determine return postage from the USPS website at http://ircalc.usps.gov/ or may contact the Maggie Chair for further assistance.

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