Stroke of Midnight Contest

Passionate Ink's Third Annual Stroke of Midnight Contest

Deadline: 2/4/08

**ALL ENTRANTS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO RECEIVE ONE OF FIVE FREE REGISTRATIONS TO A PASSIONATE INK WORKSHOP OF THEIR CHOICE.

Remember The Stroke of Midnight is a contest for unpublished erotic manuscripts. BOTH PUBLISHED AND UNPUBLISHED AUTHORS MAY ENTER. However, if published, this must be a new genre for the author (For example, if the author has published in paranormal erotic romance, she can enter in one of the other categories) **

Five Sizzling Finalists in Five Categories:

Contemporary - novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in a contemporary setting. Includes series and single-title length romances. Can also include elements of romantic suspense/intrigue.

Historical - novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in a historical setting.

Futuristic/Fantasy/ Sci-fi - novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in any setting in the future, an alternate world/reality, or another planet. Includes elements such as elves/faerie, sword and sorcery, aliens, etc.

Paranormal/Time Travel - novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in any setting that includes elements of time travel, angels, vampires, werewolves or other paranormal themes.

Novellas - novellas of 25,000 words or less with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in any setting.

1. All novels entered must be at least 25,000 words in length. Novellas are considered 10,000 to 25,000 words.
2. All categories are open to alternative lifestyle entries–and any entry that reflects an erotic romance between two or more people, straight, gay, bi, or any romantic combination.

Judging and Prizes:

Preliminary- round judging will be completed by three qualified judges - Passionate Ink and other RWA members experienced in critiquing and/or published authors familiar with our genre. All scores will be added and averaged to determine the entrant's ranking. Every attempt will be made to provide entrants with detailed score sheets and judges' comments from this preliminary round. Top five entries in each category will move to final round.

The top five finalists in each category will be ranked by the following industry professionals:

Contemporary: Kate Seaver, Berkley
Historical: Hilary Sares, Kensington Aphrodisia
Futuristic/Fantasy/ Sci-fi: Angela James, Samhain Publishing
Paranormal/Time Travel: Roberta Brown, Brown Literary Agency
Novella: Raelene Gorlinsky, Ellora's Cave

First place winners in each category will receive a free one year membership in Passionate Ink ($25 value), a certificate, and an award graphic for their website. (Writing teams will split the membership.) All other finalists will receive certificates and and a finalist graphic for their website. All entries will be returned after finalists are determined and statistical information is complete. Winners will be announced at the Passionate Ink gathering at the Romance Writers' of America National Conference in Dallas. Results will be listed on the Passionate Ink website and in the chapter's newsletter.

The decisions of judges are final.

Rules for Entry

Eligibility:

Contest is open to all authors with unpublished, uncontracted full-length erotic romance manuscripts (at least 10,000 words) in the category they wish to enter.

Entry Deadline and Mailing:
Deadline for entry is February 4, 2008. All materials must be received by then.

Three easy steps to enter!
# 1 - Email all information from the entry form (click here) to som3@passionateink. org with the title "SOM Entry". All entries will be confirmed.
# 2 - Attach your entry to your email in PDF or a Word 2003 compatible format.
# 3 - Send your entry fee, either via Paypal to Treasurer@passionateink.org or by check to

Passionate Ink
Stroke of Midnight Contest
c/o Crystal Jordan
PO Box 249
406 E. Broadway
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

1. Entry form and payment must be received by the Contest Coordinator by February 4, 2008. Any entries received without corresponding entry form and fee by the deadline will be disqualified.
2. Submit entries (or questions) via email to SOM3@passionateink.org. It is the author's responsibility to enter the manuscript in the correct category. All clarifications as to category should be made prior to submission.
3. Entrants may enter as many categories as they wish with DIFFERENT submissions, but cannot enter the same manuscript in two categories. Each entry must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee and a separate signed Contestant's Agreement and Entry form.
4. There is a minimum requirement of 10 entries per category. If a category does not receive a sufficient number of submissions to make the category viable, the category will be canceled. The entrant will be asked to provide a second choice of categories. If the entrant does not wish to place the entry in another category, the entry and associated fees will be returned.

Entry Fees:

Passionate Ink members: $15
Others: $25

Email payments via Paypal to: Treasurer@passionat eink.org

or mail payments to:

Passionate Ink
Stroke of Midnight Contest
c/o Crystal Jordan
PO Box 249
406 E. Broadway
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Make checks payable to: Passionate Ink

1. Entry fees must be received prior to the entry deadline.
2. Include your name in the subject line and the titles of your entry(ies) in the Paypal comments box.

Entry Format:

1. All entries must be electronic in PDF or a Word 2003 compatible format.
2. Send a maximum of the first 35 pages of your manuscript, 20 pages for novella entries.
3. Entries must be in proper manuscript format: One sided, double-spaced with one inch margins all around, size 12 font (like Times New
Roman or Courier) is recommended.
4. On the first page only, title and category on top left; page number on top right. Subsequent pages should include only title and page number.
5. Name of author should not appear anywhere on manuscript; the entry will be disqualified if name is on submission.
6. A synopsis of up to 5 single-spaced pages (which will not be judged) must also be included. No cover page is necessary.

Email questions to Janice at som3@passionateink. org.

Entry if via email - Entry form to be copied into your email can be found at Stroke of Midnight Entry Form

**If you have any problems or questions, email som3@passionateink. org