The Northwest Houston chapter of Romance Writers of America (RWA) has opened its annual Lone Star Writing Competition to entries. This is the eighteenth year for this prestigious competition, and over its history, it has sparked many writing careers. Finalists often receive requests for full manuscripts from final round editor or agent judges, and such requests have led to publishing contracts for many.
The Lone Star is open to published and unpublished authors alike, and both RWA and non-RWA members are invited to enter. As in previous years, unpublished authors may enter any category they wish. Published authors may enter any category in which they are not already published, or in which they have not been contracted for five years.
In the first round, entries will be judged by two published authors and one unpublished author. Finalists in each category will then be sent to both an agent and an editor for final round judging.
Entries this year are all electronic – no paper. Entries received prior to midnight on May 23, 2010 will cost $15 for NWHRWA members and $20 non-NHWRWA members. After that date, the entry fee will rise to $20 NWHRWA members and $25 non-NWHRWA members. All entries must be received by midnight June 6, 2010. Any entries received after the deadline will be deleted unopened.
A new step this year will be the opportunity for finalists to edit their manuscripts before they are submitted to the final round judges. The first round judges’ score sheets and comments may be used as the basis for these edits.
To enter the contest or to find out more information about it, go to www.nwhrwa.com.
Final round judges are:
Inspirational Category:
Editor: Lindsay Guzzardo – Guideposts Books
Agent: Tamela Hancock Murray – Hartline Literary
Young Adult Category:
Editor: Kat O'She – Leap Books
Agent: Tina Wexler – International Creative Management
Romantic Suspense Category:
Editor: Leis Pederson – Penguin
Agent: Tina Tsallas – Great Titles, Inc.
Contemporary Series Category:
Editor : Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin
Agent : Pam Strickler – Pam Strickler Author Management
Single Title Category:
Editor: Deb Werksman – Sourcebooks
Agent: Lois Winston – Ashley Grayson Literary Agency
Historical Category:
Editor: Alicia Condon – Kensington
Agent: Sara Megibow – Nelson Literary Agency
Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Category:
Editor: Tara Gavin – Harlequin Nocturne
Agent: Alexandra Machinist – Linda Chester Literary Agency
Texas authors who have book signings or events are invited to forward their information to terithackston@yahoo.com, for inclusion of future Friday Romance Author Happenings.
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