2012 Maggie Awards For Unpublished Romance Novelists Rules

The purpose of the Maggie Awards is to encourage, recognize, and reward the mastery of romance writing by unpublished authors of romantic fiction.

Categories:
(Entry must have a projected minimum length of 40,000 words and fit into one of the following romance categories)

  • Contemporary Series Romance (40,000 to 70,000 words)
  • Historical (includes Regencies)
  • Contemporary Single Title (over 70,000 words)
  • Paranormal (includes Futuristic, Time Travel, Fantasy, etc.)
  • Inspirational
  • Young Adult

Eligibility:

  • Participation is open to any member of Romance Writers of America who meets current RWA Golden Heart guidelines for eligibility. RWA membership will be verified.
  • Anyone receiving a full-time professional income from any form of fiction is ineligible. The Maggie Awards Chair has final determination on eligibility.
  • All entries are to be submitted electronically, via email.
  • Entries will be limited to the first 70 in each category.
  • Multiple entries are allowed in the same category, with a limit of three (3) per author.
  • An entry may not be entered in more than one category.
  • An entry must not have previously received a Maggie Medallion.
  • Categories with fewer than 10 submissions may be canceled. Entrants will be contacted to either select another category or request a refund.

Judging:

  • Two published authors will judge each entry. Editors in the romance genre will judge the final round.
  • Judges will give each entry a score from 1 to 10 (10 being the highest). Judges will also rank entries for tie-breaking as needed for advancement to the finals.
  • Judges are encouraged to add their comments directly on the manuscripts. Scores WILL NOT be released to the entrants.
  • Decision of the judges is final.
  • Judges’ names will not be released to entrants.

Awards:

  • First place / highest scored manuscript in each category will receive the Maggie Medallion.
  • All finalists will receive certificates.
  • Finalists will be notified by August 20, 2012.
  • Winners will be announced October 6, 2012, at The GRW Moonlight & Magnolias Conference.

Format Requirements:

  • Standard manuscript format; double spaced, one inch margins, no more than 27 lines per page with header (title, contest category in upper left, page number in upper right).
  • Title must match what is listed on your online entry form.
  • A copy of the confirmation sent to you upon payment must be attached.
  • Author name must NOT appear on the manuscript or your entry will be disqualified and entry fee forfeited.
  • Entry to consist of synopsis and prologue (if applicable) and first chapter(s). Total number of pages may not exceed 35 per entry.
  • Entry to be submitted electronically only, in rich text format (.rtf).
  • Entry to be saved by manuscript title.

Fees and Entry Procedures

  • Non GRW Member: $30
  • GRW Member: $25
  • Payment through Paypal only. No personal checks accepted.
  • Entrants who would like to request payment via money order must contact the Maggie Chair for instructions.
  • The entry will not be approved until the coordinator for that category has received official verification payment has been received by the GRW Treasurer. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt of your entry before the deadline, please notify the Maggie Chair immediately.
  • Email your entry to the Category Coordinator. You will receive the address information in your registration confirmation email.
      Include:

    • Email Subject line: Title/Category/Entrant Name
    • Attach both a copy of Confirmation Email and your Entry (saved by manuscript title in .rtf format)

DEADLINE:

  • Appropriate fees must be received by the GRW Treasurer and funds verified before your entry will be accepted.
  • Entries, including completed entry form, must be RECEIVED at the appropriate email address you will be given for your chosen category and accepted by June 10, 2012, 10:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time AND before your category is full.
  • Those received after that date, sent to the incorrect address, or received after the category is declared full will be rejected for entry.

Failure to comply with any of the above rules may disqualify the entry and the entry fee will not be refunded.

RETURN OF ENTRIES
Every effort will be made to return entries before the 2012 Moonlight & Magnolias Conference.

Click the link below to begin the submission process. You will be asked to confirm that you have read and understand the above rules during the submission process.

- Maggie Unpublished Authors Submission Form

QUESTIONS?
Contact Maggie Chair, Darcy Crowder at maggiechair@georgiaromancewriters.org