Welcome to the Charter Oak Romance Writers Oak Leaf Award of Excellence for Unpublished Authors. Our purpose is to encourage, inspire and motivate unpublished authors of novel-length romance fiction.

Participation is open to all authors of novel length romance fiction unpublished by an RWA recognized publisher. All work must be the authors original work that has not been contracted for publication prior to the entry deadline.

Entry Deadline: September 7, 2004.

Categories:
SERIES CONTEMPORARY: Under 90,000 words, targeted toward publishers like Harlequin/Silhouette.

SINGLE TITLE CONTEMPORARY: 90,000+ words. Romantic novels released as individual titles.

HISTORICAL: Novels with settings at least 100 years in the past. Must have a strong romantic element throughout. Word count: over 40,000 words.

FUTURISTIC/FANTASY/SCI-FI/TIME-TRAVEL/PARANORMAL: Romantic novels with any time setting that contain elements such as time-travel, angels, vampires or other new-age/mystical/paranormal themes, or are set in the future, on other planets or in other dimensions. Word count: over 40,000 words.

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE: Romantic novel in which elements of suspense or intrigue are integral to the plot. May have a contemporary OR historical setting. Word count: over 40,000 words.

INSPIRATIONAL: Romantic novel in which faith or religious belief is integral to the plot. May have a contemporary OR historical setting. Word count: over 40,000 words.

Final Round Judges:
Series Contemporary: Hilary Sares - Kensington
Single Title Contemporary: Paige Wheeler - Creative Media
Historical: Jessica Callahan - NAL
F//F/SF/TT/P: Alethea Spiridon - Harlequin
Romantic Suspence: Gina Bernal - Berkley/Jove
Inspirational: TBA

For your convenience all files are viewable in either PDF, Word or HTML. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view the PDF files. Click here to download it for free, if you don’t have it.

For Rules & Information:

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For Entry Form:

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For Score Sheet:

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For Judges Guidlines

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Questions? Contact londonlit@juno.com

Thank you for entering
The Oak Leaf Award of Excellence for Unpublished Authors.