This contest helped me get my three book deal with Dafina. The doors are now opened for your chance. Learn more below…

RSJ 2011 Aspiring Author Contest

(Contest Registration Opens 1 Aug)

Each year aspiring fiction authors take a step closer to having their dreams come true by entering the Romance Slam Jam Aspiring Author Contest. The winners' manuscripts are read by an editor or agent with a chance at publication or representation.

Previous winners and prizes. ( I won 3rd)

Genre: Black Romance/Women's Fiction

Prizes:

1st Place: Manuscript reviewed by Editor Latoya Smith from Grand Central Publishing for possible publication.

2nd Place: Manuscript reviewed by Editor Selena James from Kensington Books for possible publication.

3rd Place: TBA

Submission Package:
To help prepare contestants for submitting to publishing houses and agents, the entries will resemble a submission package sent to agents and publishers except remove your name from the query, synopsis and sample pages. You can call yourself Contestant. Submissions are electronic (sent via email). The file should be a Microsoft Word document. In the body of the email, be sure to give the name you registered in the contest under and the title of your novel.
Format:
• 1 inch margins all around
• Font Times New Roman, 12pt

Include (one email, 3-4 attachments):
• 1 page query letter single spaced addressed to:

Ms. C. Judge

2 Busy St.

New York, NY, 10101

Sign it Contestant.

Your query letter may be in the body of the email.

• Synopsis double spaced (3 page max).

• 15 sample pages double spaced.

• Cover page (this page does not count toward your 15 sample pages)
• In the manuscript header, place the Novel Title / Author and Page Number
• If you need an extra page or two to complete a scene, that’s okay.

• Contest registration form if you have not already submitted it.

Note on Eligibility: If you have not had a full-length novel published by a traditional publisher, you are eligible for this contest. Therefore, if your publishing credits are, short stories, novellas, poetry, non-fiction and or you are self-published, you are eligible.

Important Dates: All submissions must be received by 28 February 2011. The winners will be announced at the Emma Awards Banquet during RSJ 2011. Winners not in attendance at the the Emma Awards will be notified by email the first week of May 2011.
Contest Fee:
Please make a $30 money order or cashiers check payable to: Romance Slam Jam
Mail payment and Contest Registration Form to:
Romance Slam Jam
c/o Deatri King-Bey
P.O. Box 822
Tolleson, AZ 85353
If you'd like to pay using PayPal, the fee is $35. Email payment and registration form to deatri@romanceslamjam.org

Once payment and the Contest Registration Form have been received, instructions will be emailed to you on where to send the submission. Please note, registration fee is non-refundable.
Refer any questions regarding the Romance Slam Jam Aspiring Authors contest todeatri@romanceslamjam.org

Good Luck!

Last month I began brainstorming Book 2 of my series* tonight.  Unlike my first book, whereby I had all the time in the world to build a book, I have a deadline July 15 to turn in an outline. So how do a newbie published author transition from hobbyist to professional writer? er um… how do you write under a deadline?

For me, all I need is One Note. Microsoft’s One Note.