The Aspen Gold Information Sheet 2008

2008 Aspen Gold

 Purpose

The purpose of the ASPEN GOLD is to inspire, motivate and reward published authors of romance fiction.

Eligibility

Participation is open to all published authors of novel length romance fiction. The official entry form and entry fee must accompany each submission. Entries must have an original copyright or first printing date of January, 2007 through December, 2007.

Categories

Young Adult  - Novels with a romantic element aimed at teen and young adult readers. Word Count: More than 40,000 words.

Contemporary - Romance novels of a present day setting, including long and short series romance novels in which sensuality may constitute a strong element in the romance. Projected word count: More than 40,000 words

Single Title - Romantic novels released as individual titles. Word count: over 70,000 words.

Historical - Novels that have a strong romantic element throughout. This includes regency romances. Settings must be at least one hundred years in the past. Word count: over 40,000 words.

Paranormal/Time-Travel/Futuristic - Romantic novels with any time setting that contain elements such as time-travel, other mystical/paranormal themes or set in the future. Word count: over 40,000 words.

Romantic Suspense – Romance novels in which suspense may constitute a strong element in the romance plot. Projected word count: over 70,000 words.

Erotica - Romantic novels with an intensely sensual focus to the story. Projected word length: over 40,000 words

HODRW reserves the right to return all entries and fees if the minimum entry number for each category (5) is not received. Entrants will be contacted to see if they wish to place their entry in another category before entries are returned.

Entry Deadline

All entries must be received by May 15, 2008. Any entries received after this date will be returned unopened.

Entry Fees

HODRW member $20, RWA member $25, others $30.    

E-Published Entry Format

Electronically published book entries must include three (3) copies of the book in galley form on 8 ½ X 11 paper. Entrants must include one (1) publisher diskette or CD-ROM.

For other questions, please check out the Aspen Gold Frequently Asked Questions.

Entry Composition/Checklist

Each entry will include the following:
_____ Three (3) copies of book.
_____ One (1) completed official entry form
_____ One (1) check or money order made out to "HODRW" for the applicable entry fee. (One check for multiple entries is acceptable, but a separate entry form for each entry must be completed. Multiple entries may be sent in the same package.)

_____ OPTIONAL: SASE, business size envelope with one (1) first-class USPS stamp for snail mail return of score sheet.

Entrants will be notified by email when entries are received.

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

Judging:

First Round: The first round will be judged and ranked by romance readers. The top three books in each category will advance to the final round.

Final Round: The finalists in each category will be judged and ranked by booksellers.

Notification

Finalists will be notified  July 18, 2008. All Finalists will be required to send an additional two copies of book to the Aspen Gold Coordinator. These two copies must be received by August 5, 2008. Winners will be notified of contest results by October 28, 2008.

Awards

The first place winner in each category will receive the Aspen Gold Award. All other finalists will receive suitable recognition.

Submission

Entries must be mailed to:

Kim Wooldridge
Aspen Gold Coordinator
 6574 S. Zeno Court

Click here to print out an Aspen Gold Entry Form.

Entry in the 2008 Aspen Gold Competition constitutes agreement by the author to abide by all rules of the competition and hold blameless HODRW, the contest coordinators, and all judges.