Gothic Romance Writers, Inc.
2006 Haunted Hearts Contest

• GothRom Members: $15.00
• Non-GothRom Members: $25.00

• Send four copies of your complete first chapter and a one-page, single-spaced synopsis-not to exceed twenty-six (26) pages total. Individually bind submissions with binder clips. (A binder clip is available in office supply stores or discount stores such as Wal-Mart and K-Mart.)
• Place the synopsis behind the chapter. Separate the chapter and synopsis with a sheet of colored paper.
• Prepare entries according to standard manuscript format on 8 ½ by 11 inch paper. International entries are not subject to 8 ½ by 11 inch paper requirement and may be on A4 paper.
• Standard manuscript format: One inch margins, double spaced.  Place the title and category in the upper left hand corner of each page and page number in the upper right hand corner in the form of a header. Do not put your name on the entry. The appearance of the author's name anywhere on the entry will result in disqualification. No particular font is required though Times New Roman, Courier, or Courier New is recommended.  Font size should be 12 pt. Text should not exceed twenty-five (25) lines per page. Recommend beginning the first page of the manuscript 1/3 of the way down the page (about 8-12 single spaced lines).
• Entries should be sent in a large mailing envelope with sufficient postage  (GOTHROM recommends the soft red, white, and blue Tyvek Priority Mail envelopes or the flat-rate priority envelopes provided free by the post office). GOTHROM will not accept any postage due entries nor will entries be signed for.
• All entries should include a large SASE, (again the Tyvek/flat-rate envelope is recommended) to return the entire entry, score sheets, and any certificates or awards. No metered postage. International reply coupons are accepted for returning international entries or special arrangements can be made by contacting the contest coordinator. Contestants please put entry title and category in the bottom, left hand corner of both the forwarding and return envelopes to aid the contest coordinator during the contest.

• Entries, entry form, and registration fee in the form of a check, money order/bank draft, or PayPal* must be postmarked by June 10, 2006.

*CLICK HERE TO PAY VIA PAYPAL. PLEASE NOTE "HAUNTED HEARTS CONTEST." THANK YOU.

• Entrants must be members in good standing with RWA and cannot be published in novel length romantic fiction (40,000 words or more) within the last five years nor contracted at the contest deadline.

• Contemporary
• Historical
• Note: This contest emphasizes the gothic romance sub-genre.  Each contestant should review the score sheet to better determine if his/her entry is well suited for the Haunted Hearts.  There must be gothic elements in the story for the entry to do well.
• Minimum of ten entries per category.
• Contact the contest coordinator if you are unsure of the category to enter.
• Authors may enter as many submissions as they like. Each submission must be in a separate envelope, have a separate entry form, and must be accompanied by a separate registration fee. The same manuscript cannot be entered in more than one category.
• Correct registration fee must be received with signed and dated entry form.  Entry form, fee, and manuscript must be postmarked by June 10, 2006.  GOTHROM is not responsible for lost or misdirected mail.
• Failure to meet contest requirements as set forth above will result in disqualification of entry.

• First round judges will be experienced, trained, published, and non-published.  Entrants must understand that judging is subjective and they may receive scores/comments with which they do not agree.  As regards the final ranking of the entries, entrants must accept and abide by the decision of the judges.  The decision of the judges is final. The contest coordinator will determine finalists based upon first round scores. Judges are required to write positive and helpful comments/suggestions on the comment sheet and are encouraged to annotate the manuscript with specific examples supporting their comments. Entries will be scored by three first-round judges.  The lowest of the three scores will be dropped and the entrant's final score will be computed based on the two highest scores. All three comment sections of the score sheet will be returned to the contestant.  The numerical portion of the score sheet is for the coordinator's use only and will not be returned to the entrant. The three highest scoring entries in each category will be sent to acquiring editors/agents for final scoring and comments.
• In addition to the three finalists, GothRom will honor the entry with the fourth highest point total with an Honorable Mention.  Honorable Mentions will be announced, but will not be forwarded to the final-round editor.

• Contemporary- Rose Hilliard of St. Martin's
• Historical- Chris Keeslar of Dorchester