Welcome to the Charter Oak Romance Writers Oak Leaf Award of Excellence for Unpublished Authors. Our purpose is to encourage, inspire and motivate unpublished authors of novel-length romance fiction.

Eligibility:

• Participation is open to all authors of novel length romance fiction unpublished by an RWA recognized publisher.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

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.

Entry Deadline:

• Entries must be received by September 7, 2004.
   
• Each entry will be judged by two qualified/trained judges. If there is a 30+ point difference in an entry’s scores, the entry will go on to a discrepancy judge and the lowest score discarded.
   
• Finalists will be announced November 1, 2004. There will be five finalists announced for each category. Finalists will be contacted either by phone or e-mail. Winners will be announced December 15, 2004. Final round judges are editors from major publishing houses appropriate to each category. CORW reserves the right to return all entries and fees if the minimum number of entries (10) is not received. Entrants will be contacted and given the option to place their entry in another category before entries are returned.

Entry Fee:

• $25.00 check or money order in U.S. funds, made payable to CORW.

Awards:

Five finalists in each round will receive certificates. The first place winner of each category will receive THE OAK LEAF AWARD, a beautiful, gold-dipped filigreed oak leaf on a satin ribbon, and a certificate. Results will be publicized.

Checklist:

_____           Three (3) copies of the beginning of your manuscript (maximum 25 pages)

_____           Three (3) copies of a synopsis that will NOT be judged (only for judge’s
                     reference), max. 5 pages.

_____           One (1) completed and signed official entry form and agreement and entry fee
                     for each entry.

_____           One (1) check or money order made out to CORW.

_____           SAS postcard if you wish to be notified when entry is received.

_____           A self-addressed Tyvek Priority Mail or Flat Rate Priority envelope for return of
                     manuscript with sufficient return postage affixed.
                                       Mail to: Charter Oak Romance Writers
                                           Contest Coordinator
                                                     P.O. Box 330250
                                                     West Hartford, CT 06110

FORMATTING CHECKLIST:

Entry must be presented in proper standard manuscript format

_____           Double-spaced. One-inch margins
_____           AUTHOR’S NAME MUST NOT APPEAR ANYWHERE ON THE ENTRY.
_____           Size 12 font (Courier or Times New Roman)
_____           White paper printed on one side only
_____           Chapter headers (i.e., Chapter One) start 1/2 - 1/3 of the way down the
                     page
_____           Header on manuscript and synopsis pages must contain title and category in
                     the upper left corner and the page number in the upper right. A category
                     subgenre or targeted line (i.e., “inspirational”, “regency”, “Blaze”, “Special
                     Edition”) is recommended but not required, and should follow the title and
                     category in the upper left corner.
                           Example: I Love You • Series Contemporary • Silhouette Desire
_____           Each set of copies must be bound by a binder clip. Please do not use paper clips,
                     staples or rubber bands and do not bend or fold pages.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE RULES MAY
DISQUALIFY THE ENTRY AND THE ENTRY FEE MAY NOT BE REFUNDED.