"Happily Ever After" Contest

    What is the "Happily Ever After" Contest?    

       The "Happily Ever After" Contest is a last chapter contest, the purpose of which is to challenge and inspire authors of romance and to garner feedback on that all-important last chapter and "HEA" before submitting work to an editor or agent.

    Eligibility:   

       You do not have to be a member of Mid-Michigan RWA to enter! The "Happily Ever After" contest is open to all unpublished authors of novel length romantic fiction (40,000 words and over) and to published authors of novel length romantic fiction in genres in which they have not had a new novel released for at least three (3) years.

    Entry Fee for 2007 (subject to change for 2008):   

    Categories & Final Round Judges for 2007 (subject to change for 2008):   

       The categories for entries in the "Happily Ever After" contest are listed below.

       For a combined category, such as Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Time Travel, please specify which of the sub-genres your entry fits in the category (Time Travel, for example), rather than listing all sub-genres in the category.

    Entry Format:   

       Enter the last chapter and epilogue, if applicable (up to twenty-seven pages) of your manuscript and a 1-3 page judged synopsis of the entire novel, for a maximum of thirty pages. The entry must include the final scene in its entirety. All entries must be uncontracted at the time of the contest entry receipt deadline.

       The entry should be presented in proper standard manuscript format (double spaced, approximately 1" margins, size 12 font-Courier New or Times New Roman). The synopsis should use the same margins and font as the chapter, but may be single spaced.

       The header on the manuscript and synopsis should contain title and category in the upper left corner and the page number in the right corner. You may also include your targeted house or line, if desired. Do not put the author's name on the submission.

       The same manuscript may not be entered into more than one category. Pick the category that best fits your manuscript.

       A completely filled out, signed entry form must be submitted with each contest entry. You may write one check or money order for multiple entries. Include one flat-rate, pre-postaged Tyvek envelope (SASE) for return of each of your judged entries. Entries from within the Continental U.S. may not be submitted in electronic format.

       Entrants outside of the Continental United States: A completely filled out entry form should be submitted, along with your entry, in electronic format via email to the category coordinator noted below. Payment for your entry should be made using Paypal. Entries and score sheets will be returned in electronic format. Entries from outside of the Continental U.S. may not be submitted in hard copy format.

Note: If the above rules aren't met, the entry may be disqualified and entry fee may not be refunded.

    Submissions & Category Coordinators:   

       Mail one entry form per manuscript entered, four (4) copies of each manuscript entered, and a check or money order (one for entire package) to be received by contest deadline, to the appropriate category coordinator noted below.

       Mail one (1) electronic entry form per manuscript entered and one (1) electronic copy of each manuscript entered to: contest-electronic@midmichiganrwa.org. In the subject line of your email, note the category you are entering. Upon receipt of your entry, you will be instructed to send your payment via Paypal to MMRWA's treasurer.

    Deadline:   

       All entries must be received by the established deadline. Any entries received after that date will be returned. Finalists will be contacted approximately two months later, and finalist placements as determined by an agent or editor will be announced two months after that.

       Note: Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America reserves the right to return all entries and fees if the minimum entry number of five (5) for each category is not received. Entrants will have the option to place their entries in another category or to have them returned.

    Judging:   

       Please feel free to download a sample "Happily Ever After" Contest score sheet here.

       First Round: The first round will be judged by experienced and trained judges, each entry receiving three (3) judges with at least one (1) being a published author. A fourth judge will be used in the event a discrepancy score is determined necessary. The top three (3) entries from each category will advance to the final round.

       Final Round: The finalists in each category will be ranked by an agent or editor. The agent or editor will be encouraged to answer four questions to help the author improve his/her manuscript.

    Awards:   

       First Place in each category will receive entry into next year’s contest, a certificate representing their placement, and a Michigan-themed prize. Second Place in each category will receive a certificate representing their placement and a Michigan-themed prize. Third place in each category will receive a certificate representing their placement.

For more information, please contact Contest Coordinator Catherine McClain at: contest@midmichiganrwa.org