All unpublished entries must be no more than 25 pages and include a 1 page synopsis. (except Cat. 16 which should be no more than 5000 words and does not need a synopsis since it is a complete story.)

Formatting: First page of entry(except category 16) should be a complete 1-page synopsis that is single line spaced, 1in(3cm) margins, and 12pt Times Roman or Courier font. Other 24 submitted pages after synopsis should be the first 24 pages of your story and have 1in(3cm) margins, be double spaced, and use 12pt Times New Roman font or Courier font. Include a heading in the top right corner of the first page of your entry that includes: 1st line: Category Number & Category Name, 2nd line: # of pages if novel OR # of lines for poetry, 3rd line: Title of entry. Starting with page 2 of your entry, all other pages should have only the title and page number. (Category 16 should have # of words on 2nd line.)

Accepted submission files are .doc or .docx (Word). They should be saved WITHOUT AUTHOR NAME in this format: Category number entering + title of entry (example: cat6twilight.doc)

​

NOTE: Your entry will be AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED if you submit it with your name in the file name OR in the header of the entry. Your name should only be on the registration form you fill out, not anywhere on your actual entry pages.

​

Category 8: Unpublished Erotic Romance

Heat Level: 5 Flames

As opposed to straight erotica, which focuses primarily on the sex rather than on the plot or characterization, erotic romance is about the emotional journey lived through sexual experience. This sub-genre pushes boundaries, uses graphic language(including F-bomb), contains multiple sex scenes explicitly described…and because it’s romance, it has a happily ever after. Erotic romance can bring in BDSM, sex toys, anal sex, menages, and multiple partners. These are stories that cannot be told if you take sex out of the equation. UNLIMITED SEX SCENES.

Examples: EL James or Sylvia Day Novels

​

Category 9: Unpublished Scorcher Romance

Heat Level: 4 Flames

The equivalent of NC-17 in the movie world. Sometimes described as one level shy of erotic romance. At this heat level, there’s explicit sex, indelicate language(including F-bomb), and graphic depictions of a sexual nature used to further the story. Scorcher might also include sex toys, mild BDSM, and other light forms of kink. UNLIMITED SEX SCENES.

Example: Nalini Singh or JR Ward novels

​

Category 10: Unpublished Steamy Romance

Heat Level: 3 Flames

The equivalent of an R-rated movie. The majority of romance novels fall into this heat category. With steamy romance, you can expect action-packed love scenes where the reader goes along for the ride. There is graphic sex on the page, and what is happening between the couple is described with specific language, but emphasis is more on the emotional than physical. Swearing, but no F-bomb. Steamy romance doesn’t fade to black. Instead, it follows the participants right through the door and climbs into the bed along with them. NO MORE THAN 3 or 4 SEX SCENES

Example: Linda Howard or Linda Lael Miller novels

​

Category 11: Unpublished Sensual Romance

Heat Level: 2 Flames

The equivalent of a PG13-rated movie. Kissing, touching, and intimate scenes are shared usually with focus on feelings and emotions rather than body parts. Sexual tension and love scenes might be included in the story, but most descriptions of physical intimacy still happen “behind closed doors.” NO EXPLICIT SEX SCENES

Ex. Nora Roberts novels

​

Category 12: Unpublished Sweet Romance

Heat Level: 1 Flame

The equivalent of a PG-rated movie. There might be no contact at all except for some hand-holding or a chaste kiss at the end when the couple gets together. Mild sensuality might contain intimate scenes and sexual situations, but they’re not described in the book. You know it happens, but you don’t read about it because it happens off the page or fades to black. NO SEX SCENES.

Example: Hallmark Movies

​

Category 13: Unpublished Young Adult Romance

Heat Level: 1 Flame

The equivalent of PG13-rated movie. The characters are in their teens, sometimes early twenties. Like a sensual romance, there may be kissing, touching, and intimate scenes, but the focus is on feelings and emotions rather than body parts. Sexual tension and love scenes might be included in the story, but most descriptions of physical intimacy still happen “behind closed doors.” NO EXPLICIT SEX SCENES

Examples: Rainbow Rowell and Stephenie Meyer

​

Category 14: Unpublished Poetry with Romantic Theme

Heat Level: Any

Any Length or Style.

Any single unpublished poem in any style focused on any romantic theme including falling in love, staying in love, angst between lovers, and heartbreak.

Single poems only, no poetry books.

Fee: $25 pays for up to 2 entries, $5 for each additional entry

Do not include your name anywhere on the PDF of your poem.

Examples: Emily Dickinson, Mary Oliver, Joy Harjo, Allison Joseph, and Shakespeare

Category 15: Unpublished Non-Romance

Heat Level: Any

This category is for any genre that contains a significant romantic subplot. The romantic subplot can contain any heat level, but it must be appropriate to the age level to which the books were written. I.E. No erotic scenes in a YA book, etc.

Examples: Brandon Sanderson and Sarah J. Maas

​

Category 16: Unpublished Short Story

Heat Level: Any

Limit: 5000 words

This category is for complete romances of any heat level that are no more than 5000 words in length. Stories do not need a synopsis since they are complete. Otherwise follow submission and formatting guidelines for unpublished entries above. 

​