Inland Empire Chapter - Romance Writers of America

To make it simpler to enter, we've slightly revised the submission format. See below.

Picture This is open to RWA members not published or contracted in book-length romantic fiction in the past three years. The scene must be from an unpublished manuscript.

Enter the best scene from your book, 5-12 pages. Choose one that highlights your setting, your character(s) and the central conflict.

Show us your most vivid, most sensual, most exciting or most emotional scene in your book. Paint a picture with your words!

Since the scene can be from any part of your book, a one page, double-spaced set up page must be included to ensure less confusion for the judges. The set-up will not be judged.

Published authors will select the best three entries, that will then be judged by Harlequin editor Patience Smith.

• All entries will receive at least three score sheets: First and second round Picture This judges will score your entry on an electronic form, which will be returned to you with their scores and optional comments.

  Please see the Contest Score Sheet for a preview of the questions.

• All winners will be mentioned in the RWR contest section.
• The first place winner will receive the prize of $100.00.
• The second place winner will receive the prize of $50.00.
• The third place winner will receive the prize of $30.00.
• Finalists will be notified by email.

Incomplete or late entries will be disqualified. You will be notified by email and your entry fee returned less a small processing fee.

Deadline: Midnight, February 28, 2008

We will accept only electronic entries. Your entry will consist of two parts:

1. an email with attached manuscript pages in RTF format
2. entry fee. An electronic payment by Pay Pal is preferred, but you may also pay by check

Please follow the rules exactly:

1. Formatting requirements:
   • 8½ x 11 paper size, 1 inch margins, double spaced. Use a standard font (Courier 12pt or Times New Roman 14), 25-27 manuscript lines per page, unjustified right margins.
   • Header on each page should have the manuscript title on the left, followed by a forward slash (/) and the genre category. The page number should appear on the right. Double space between header and text.
   • Do not put your name on any page of your entry.
   • Setup page must begin with a centered title that says "Setup".
   • The entry itself must begin with your centered title.
   • All chapter headers should begin 1/3 down the page.

2. In the body of the email, send the following information:
   • Your name
   • Your writing name, if applicable
   • Your address
   • Your telephone numbers, home, office and cell phone, optional
   • Your email address
   • Your RWA membership number
   • Your entry name
   • Your entry category: Contemporary, Historical or Paranormal

   Copy the following exactly:

   I understand that judging is subjective, and I will accept the judges' decisions, which are final. I understand and accept that ideas and titles cannot be copyrighted. I shall hold Inland Empire RWA, its officers and members, the contest judges and coordinator, harmless. I also verify that I am the author of the enclosed entry, that it was not accepted for publication at the time of submission, and that I have not been published in romance fiction for three or more years. I shall waive any and all claims I may have for damages or losses of any kind arising from my submission of an entry into this contest. My entry submission will be regarded as my official signature

3. Attach your manuscript pages as an attachment in RTF format.
4. Write Picture This Entry in the subject line, followed by a forward slant, (/) the category entered, a forward slant and your manuscript name.
   Example:
   

   Picture This Contest / Historical / My Best Scene

5. Do not use your name in the subject line.
6. Send your email to the Contest Coordinator at contest@iecrwa.com
7. Submit your payment.