Congratulations to the finalists in the 2012 Marlene Contest!
Series Contemporary
Kelley Brown, DATING MS. WRIGHT
Nancy S. Evertz (Nan Dixon), SOUTHERN COMFORT
Ami Weaver, THE CHRISTMAS BRIDE
Single Title
Kimberly Kincaid*, IT’S NOT YOU
Heather Nickodem, CAT ON A HOT STEEL FLIGHT DECK
Lisa Slabach, ENTER STAGE LEFT
Historical
Mayo Lucas, DEALER’S CHOICE
Jennifer McQuiston, WHAT HAPPENS IN SCOTLAND
Renee Ann Miller, THE WICKED EARL OF WESTFIELD
Erin Satie, SWEET SURRENDER
Romantic Elements
Susan Bickford, SYNCHRONY’S CALL
Lisa Chaplin*, BUTTERFLY ON THE TIDE
Kimberley Troute, EPICENTER
Paranormal
Denny S. Bryce*, GIDEON
Traci Douglass, SEAL OF FATE
Angela Quarles, MUST LOVE BREECHES
Young Adult
Carla Cullen, THE FALLEN PRINCESS
Sera Phyn, SING, SWEET NIGHTINGALE
Kimberly Savage, GRACE AND THE GUARDIAN
* WRW member
The winners will be announced on April 28, 2012 at the annual WRW retreat. Those winners and finalists not attending the retreat will be notified after the event.
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Presented by the
Washington Romance Writers
The Marlene Awards is a contest for unpublished manuscripts sponsored by the Washington Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America. Every entry is evaluated by at least three judges. Finalists are ranked by publishing professionals. The grand prize winner in each category receives a detailed critique from a published author. This year’s list of judges and prize critiquers is as follows.
Series Contemporary
Judge: Johana Raisanen, Harlequin
Critique Author: Liz Talley
Single Title
Judge: Megan Records, Kensington
Critique Author: Jeanne Adams
Paranormal
Judge: Heather Osborn, Samhain Publishing
Critique Author: Kristen Painter
Historical
Judge: Esi Sogah, Avon
Critique Author: Diane Gaston
Romantic Elements
Judge: Latoya Smith, Grand Central
Critique Author: Deanna Raybourn
Young Adult
Judge: Holly Blanck, St. Martin’s
Critique Author: Diana Peterfreund
Washington Romance Writers has been offering the Marlene contest (named in fond remembrance of Marlene Montano) since 1996. Click here and here for some tips on entering contests from some of our winning members.
Previous Marlene Award Winners: 2011,
2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002
ELIGIBILITY: The Marlene Awards are open to unpublished novel-length manuscripts. The entry must have a projected minimum length of 50,000 words. All entries must be submitted electronically.
Please see below for a listing of our category definitions based on the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest.
DEADLINES: The contest opens for entries on December 15, 2011. All entries must be received electronically by 11:59pm EST on January 15, 2012. Entries received after the deadline will be returned. Finalists will be notified the week of April 1, 2012. Winners will be announced at the annual WRW Retreat on April 28, 2012. Those winners and finalists not attending the retreat will be notified after the event.
ENTRY FEE: Entry fees vary based on entry date. From December 15 to midnight December 31, EST, the fee will be $20 for WRW members/$25 for all non-WRW members. From January 1 to midnight January 15, EST, the fee will be $25 for WRW members/$30 for all non-WRW members. All entries must be paid via PayPal on the category entry form below. All entry fees are non-refundable unless your category is cancelled and you do not choose to switch to another.
JUDGING: Three judges will score each entry on a 50 point scale. Judges will be encouraged to comment on the score sheet and/or manuscript, but WRW cannot guarantee that all judges will comply with this suggestion. The lowest of the three scores will be dropped. The top three scoring entries in each category will be ranked by an editor or agent. The decision of the judges is final.
WINNERS: First-place winners receive a Marlene Medallion and a detailed critique of her/his submission by a published author. All other finalists will receive certificates.
ENTRY FORMAT:
Entries:
• One electronic copy of a synopsis (up to 5 pages) and the beginning of the manuscript not to exceed 35 pages total for synopsis and manuscript pages. Important: Your attachment file must be received as one .doc or .rtf file that should include your manuscript pages first and then your synopsis second. Total page count must not exceed 35 pages. Files must be saved as: storyinitials-Marlene-category.doc or storyinitials-Marlene-category.rtf (example: Little Red Ridinghood should be: LRR-Marlene-YA.doc). The categories for purposes of file saving are: YA, RE, Single, Series, Para, and Hist.
• Entries must be presented in proper standard manuscript format: double-spaced on 8 ½” x 11” pages with one inch margins using a standard 12-pt. font such as Courier, Courier New or Times New Roman.
• The title and category of the entry must appear in the top left corner and the page number in the top right corner of every page.
• The author’s name may not appear anywhere on the manuscript or synopsis.
• Each entry must also include the following information:
a.) Entry title
b.) Author’s name
c.) Address
d.) Phone number
e.) Email address
f.) Projected word count
g.) Targeted publisher/line
For the purposes of this contest your typed author’s name and submission of the appropriate category form will be considered your acceptance of the contest terms.
Entrants who do not comply with the above rules will be contacted and given until the contest deadline to make corrections. Failure to comply by the deadline will disqualify the entrant and the entry fee will be forfeited.
NOTE: If fewer than 10 entries are received for a category, that category will be eliminated and the author given the choice of switching the entry to another category or having the entry and fees returned. If 30 entries are received for a category, that category will be closed, regardless of date.
We also reserve the right to extend the submission deadline in order to boost entries if a category is in danger of being canceled due to lack of entries.
Questions? Contact Jean Marie Ward at .
Contemporary Series Romance
Series romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Coordinator:
Contemporary Single Title Romance
Romance novels which focus primarily on the romantic relationship, released as individual titles, not as part of a series. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Coordinator:
Historical Romance
Romance novels set in any time period prior to 1945, and taking place in any location. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Coordinator:
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
A work of fiction in which a romance plays a significant part in the story, but other themes or elements take the plot beyond the traditional romance boundaries. Novels of any tone or style, set in any place or time are eligible for this category. A romance must be an integral part of the plot or subplot, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Coordinator:
Paranormal Romance
Romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world, or paranormal happenings are an integral part of the plot. In this category, a futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal element is blended with the love story, which is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Coordinator:
Young Adult Romance
Novels with a strong romantic theme geared toward young adult readers. In this category, the love story is an important element of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Coordinator:
The contest is now closed for submissions.
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Congratulations to all of the following writers!
Paranormal
Winner - WARRIOR by Linda Williams *
First Runner Up - MY IMMORTAL by Monique M. Insalaco
Second Runner Up - DEAR HEART by Alison Leake
YA
Winner - STRANJE HOUSE by Kathleen Baldwin
First Runner Up - THE CURSE OF THE GREAT MUGHUL by Roberta Darnborough
Second Runner Up - IN DEEP by Robin Weaver
Single Title
Winner - DON’T WANT YOUR FREEDOM by Angelina M. Lopez *
First Runner Up - FATAL TRUST by Donna L. Meier
Second Runner Up - JULIET’S ROGUE by Sharon Wray *
Romantic Elements
Winner - HEAVY WEATHER by Normandie Ward Fischer
First Runner Up - FORTUNE’S FOOL by Jane Sevier *
Second Runner Up - WHAT HAPPENED WHEN HE CAME HOME by
Christa Selnick *
Historical
Winner - SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT by Valerie Bowman *
First Runner Up - A WHISPER TO THE WILD by Eileen Emerson
Second Runner Up - DARK STAR by Callie Burdette
Series
Winner - CINDERELLA FOR SALE by Chris Weston *
First Runner Up - THE SWEET ROAD HOME by Jacqueline Harris
Second Runner Up - STILL THE ONE by Michelle Major
The winners were announced at WRW’s 2011 “In the Company of Writers” retreat, April 29-May 1, 2011, at the Carradoc Hall Holiday Inn in Leesburg, Virginia.
*Indicates WRW member.
Candy Lyons
2011 WRW Marlene Contest Coordinator
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Congratulations to all of the following writers!
The winner in each category will receive a Marlene Medallion and a detailed critique of her or his submission by a published author.
Paranormal/Fantasy/Futuristic Romance – Final Editor Judge: Katherine Pelz, Berkley; Critique Author: Gwyn Cready, 2009 Rita winner for Best Paranormal Romance
Women’s Fiction with Romantic Elements/Chick Lit – Final Editor Judge:Latoya Smith, Grand Central; Critique Author: Lani Diane Rich
Single Title Contemporary Romance – Final Editor Judge: Alicia Condon, Dorchester; Critique Author: Elise Chidley, 2009 Rita finalist for Single Title and Best First Book
Series Contemporary Romance (long and short) – Final Editor Judge: Patience Smith, Harlequin/Silhouette; Critique Author: Dana Marton, 2009 Rita nominee for Best Contemporary Series--Suspense/Adventure
Young Adult – Final Editor Judge: Emilia Rhodes, Simon Pulse; Critique Author: Carrie Jones
Historical Romance – Final Editor Judge: Jen Enderlin, St. Martin’s; Critique Author: Diane Gaston, 2006 Rita winner for Best Regency Romance
The winners were announced at WRW’s 2010 “In the Company of Writers” retreat, April 17-19, 2009, at the Carradoc Hall Holiday Inn in Leesburg, Virginia.
*Indicates WRW member.
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Washington Romance Writers is delighted to announce The 2009 Marlene Awards. Congratulations to all of the following writers!
The winner in each category will receive a Marlene Medallion and a detailed critique of her or his submission by a published author.
Young Adult;Final judge: Kristin Daly, Balzer & Bray/Harper Collins
Author critique: 2008 double Rita finalist Kelly Parra
Series Contemporary;Final judge: Patience Smith, Silhouette
Author critique: The Pink Hearts Society (Donna Alward, Jenna Bayley-Burke, Ally Blake, Nicola Marsh, Natasha Oakley, Trish Wylie (winner to receive at least one critique from PHS depending on type of series she or he is targeting)
Romantic Elements;Final judge: Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s
Author critique: American Title III winner and WRW member Jenny Gardiner
Single Title;Final judge: Latoya Smith, Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books)
Author critique: 2008 Rita winner Kristan Higgins
Paranormal;Final judge: Tracy Farrell, Luna & HQN
Author critique: NY Times Bestseller Gena Showalter
Historical;Final judge: May Chen, Avon
Author critique: 2006 Rita winner and WRW member Diane Gaston
The winners were announced at WRW’s 2009 “In the Company of Writers” retreat, April 17-19, 2009, at the Carradoc Hall Holiday Inn in Leesburg, Virginia.
*Indicates WRW member.
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Washington Romance Writers is delighted to announce The 2008 Marlene Awards.
Congratulations to all of the following writers for a splendid job!
Young Adult—Final judge: Karen Chaplin, Penguin
- Winner: Kickin’ It: A “Chick Jocks” Novel by Liz Eliot
- First runner-up: Ellie and the King by Anita L. Nolan
- Second runner-up: Tangled in the Power Lines by Suzanne Kaufman Kalb*
Historical—Final judge: May Chen, Avon
- Winner: The Lady Falcon by Candy Lyons*
- First runner-up: Lost in Love by Pamela Bolton-Holifield
- Second runner-up: Addie’s Choice by Keli Gwyn
- Third runner-up: Highland Magic by Alexis Walker
Single Title—Final judge: Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s Press
- Winner: Old Flames by Marianna Jameson
- First runner-up: Come Morning by Laura Graham Booth*
- Second runner-up: Race of Her Life by D’Anne Avner
- Third runner-up: Buried Alive by Jean Mason
Series Contemporary—Final judge: Keyren Gerlach, HQN
- Winner: Relic Hearts by Lee Roland
- First runner-up: Her Responsibility by Kathy Altman*
- Second runner-up: Playing the Billionaire’s Game by Greta MacEachern
Paranormal—Final judge: Alicia Condon, Dorchester
- Winner: Rogue Moon by Melinda Leigh
- First runner-up: The Ruby Brooch by Katherine Lowry Logan
- Second runner-up: Magic Heart by Kerry McCleskey
Romantic Elements—Final judge: Kate Duffy, Kensington
- Winner: Five O’Clock Whistle by Nancy Lytle
- First runner-up: Fat Chance by Linda Lovely
- Second runner-up: Where There’s Smoke by Melinda Leigh
The winners were announced at the 2008 WRW Retreat at the Bolger Center in Potomac, Maryland, on April 26, 2008.
*Indicates WRW member.
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Washington Romance Writers is delighted to announce the winners for The 2007 Marlene Awards. Congratulations to all of the following writers for a splendid job!
Fiction with Romantic Elements
Judged by Kate Duffy, Kensington. Winner receives a critique by Diana Peterfreund.
1. Where You Belong — Kaki Warner
2. Between the Lines — Kristina Y. McMorris
3. The Foreign Wives Club — S.P. Sipal
Historical
Judged by Alicia Condon, Dorchester. Winner receives a critique by Diane Perkins/Gaston.
1. Texas Hold Him — Lisa Cooke (Requested manuscript!)
2. Kiss of a Traitor — Gail Foreman
3. The Prince’s Spy — Peggy L. Brown
4. The Angel’s Assassin — Laurel O’Donnell
Paranormal
Judged by Patience Smith, Harlequin. Winner receives a critique by Catherine Spangler.
1. The Shape-Shifter’s Secret — Kelly Moore* (Requested Manuscript!)
2. Angels at Almack’s — Catherine Leming (Requested manuscript!)
3. Her Man in the Moon — Gail Foreman
4. The Curse of the Dragon’s Spell — Robin Haseltine
Series Contemporary
Judged by Keyren Gerlach, HQN Books. Winner receives a critique by Patricia McLinn.
1. A Family After All — Kathy Altman*
2. Meant to Be — Donna Kowalczyk
3. Thirty-Nine — Linday Reynolds-Burkins
Single Title Contemporary Romance
Judged by Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s Press. Winner receives a critique by Linda Lael Miller.
1. The Seduction of Matt Malone — Rachel Robinson
2. The Truth About Dogs, Men and Politicians — L. Faye Hughes
3. The Crush That Ate My Life — Rachel Robinson
*indicates WRW Member
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Washington Romance Writers is delighted to announce the finalists for
The 2006 Marlene Awards. Congratulations to all of the following
writers for a splendid job!
Series Contemporary
Judged by Kathryn Lye, Harlequin. Winner receives a critique by Patricia McLinn.
1. Lethal Medicine — Victoria Wasserman
2. Pirate of the Baltic — Cathryn Perry
3. Confessions of the World’s Oldest Shotgun Bride — Gail Reinhart*
Single Title
Judged by Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martin’s Press. Winner receives a critique by Suzanne Brockman.
1. The Kama Sutra Chronicles — Kathleen Beaver
2. Romeo, Romeo — Robin Kawczynski*
3. There’s Only Been You — Donna M. Kowalczyk
Fiction with Romantic Elements
Judged by Kate Duffy, Kensington. Winner receives a critique by Donna Kauffman.
1. Missing — Mary Gardner
2. Snooping in Stilettos — Kathleen Beaver
- and tied for third -
3. Forsaking Maui Time — Rohn Federbush
3. The Quetzal’s Tale — Jane Sevier*
Paranormal
Judged by Patience Smith, Harlequin. Winner receives a critique by Ann
Lawrence.
1. Dark Moon Huntress — Lee Roland
2. Dead Mom Talking — Kathleen Beaver
3. Skin Deep — Marissa Doyle
Historical
Judged by Alicia Condon, Dorchester. Winner receives a critique by
Linda Lael Miller.
1. Dangerous Magic — Alix Rickloff*
2. Fatal Fortune — Joanne M. Barnaba
3. Never Kissed, Never Conquered — Rosanna Yermolina
*indicates WRW Member
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Washington Romance Writers is delighted to announce the finalists for
The 2005 Marlene Awards. Congratulations to all of the following
writers for a splendid job!
Single Title
Judged by Kate Duffy, Kensington. Winner receives a critique by Suzanne
Brockman.
1. Perfect Pitch Terry McLaughlin
2. Son of the Enemy Joan Goodman*
3. Crybaby Falls Paula Graves
4. Kiss Me Tender Lori A. Borrill
Series Contemporary
Judged by Susan Litman, Harlequin/Silhouette. Winner receives a
critique by Shirley Hailstock.
1. Wild Card Paula Graves
2. Best of Intentions Kathy Altman*
3. Riding for a Fall Katie McGuinness
Historical
Judged by Alicia Condon, Dorchester. Winner receives a critique by
Linda Lael Miller.
1. Fearless Andrea Wilder
2. The Light Keeper Kathryn Albright
3. Moment of Glory Kelly Gottuso Mortimer
Paranormal
Judged by Patience Smith, Harlequin. Winner receives a critique by Ann
Lawrence.
1. Moonlight Serenade Molly Herwood
2. Sapphire Dreams Pam Poulsen*
3. Through the Leaded Glass Judi Fennell
*indicates WRW Member
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* indicates WRW Member
SINGLE TITLE
Judged by Jennifer Enderlin, St. Martins Press Winner receives a critique by Suzanne Brockman
1. A SOFT DRY RAIN - Robin LaFevers
2. OUT OF CHARACTER - Donna L. Meier
3. A LITTLE BIT OF DÉJÀ VU - Laurie Kellogg
SERIES CONTEMPORARY
Judged by Stephanie Maurer, Harlequin Winner receives a critique by Shirley Hailstock
1. SLOW BURN - Gail Barrett*
2. FOR LOVE OR MONEY - Robin Lanier*
3. CHERRY ON TOP - Kathleen Long
HISTORICAL
Judged by Alicia Condon, Dorchester Winner receives a critique by Linda Lael Miller
1. CELTIC FIRE - Joy Nash
2. THE WAR BRIDE - Maria Geraci
3. RUINED - Victoria Grondahl
4. HINT OF A DREAM - Lavinia Klein*
PARANORMAL
Judged by Erika Tsang, Avon Winner receives a critique by Ann Lawrence.
1. BEYOND THE MOONLIGHT - Cynthia Homberger
2. AN UNEXPECTED HERO - Barbara Romo
3. THE GEISTWANDERER - Morgan Nicholas
Winners | Permalink
