2013 Aspen Gold Readers Choice Contest

Welcome to the 2013 Aspen Gold
Reader’s Choice Awards for Published Writers

Participation in the 2013 contest will be open to all published authors of novel length romance fiction. Entries must have an original copyright or first printing date of January 2012 through December 2012.

Printed AG Entry Form (2013) Must be received by June 1, 2013

Electronic Submission AG Entry  (2013) Must be received by June 1, 2013

Categories:

Young Adult – Novels of any genre aimed at the teen and young adult readers.  There can be a romantic element but romance does not need to be the focus of the work. Word Count: over 40,000.

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. 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 fifty 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 or mystery may constitute a strong element in the romance plot. Word count: over 70,000 words.

Erotica – Romantic novels with an intensely sensual focus to the story. Word length: over 40,000 words.

Novella – Short novels of any genre at least containing romantic elements . Word length: 20,000 – 40,000 words.

Entry Deadline: All entries must be received by June 1, 2013. Any entries received after this date will be returned unopened.  Entrants send three bound copies in printed format for the first round.  Finalists will need to send two more copies upon notification.

Entry Fees: HODRW member $20, RWA member $25, others $30.  Entry fees may be paid via Paypal.  If using Paypal, please note what the payment is for, the novel and contest to ensure proper credit.  Send to treasurer@hodrw.com.

NEW for 2013: E-Published Entries may be uploaded to the website instead of in print. More questions?  E-mail coordinator at AG@hodrw.com

Aspen Gold 2013 Information Sheet

Purpose

The purpose of the ASPEN GOLD is to inspire, motivate and reward published authors of romance fiction and to expose their books to additional readers and librarians.

Eligibility

Participation is open to all published authors of novel or novella 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 2012through December 2012.

Categories

Young Adult – Novels of any genre aimed at the teen and young adult readers.  There can be a romantic element but romance does not need to be the focus of the work. Word Count: More than 40,000.

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. Word count: More than 40,000 words.

Single Title – Romantic novels released as individual titles. Word count: More than 70,000 words.

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

Romantic Suspense – Romance novels in which suspense or mystery may constitute a strong element in the romance plot. Word count: More than 70,000 words.

Erotica – Romantic novels with an intensely sensual focus to the story. Word length: More than 40,000 words.

Novella – Short novels of any genre at least containing romantic elements. Word length: 20,000 – 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 June 1, 2013. Any entries received after this date will be returned unopened.

Entry Fees

HODRW member $20, RWA member $25, others $30.  Paypal accepted. Send to treasurer@hodrw.com.  Note Aspen Gold on the payment.

E-Published Entry Format

Electronically published book may be uploaded to website.

Entry Composition/Checklist

Each entry will include the following:
_____ Three (3) copies of printed book or one (1) electronic ebook.
_____ One (1) completed official entry form – printed and mailed with books 0r electronic on website.
_____ 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.)

or check here ______if being paid by PayPal.

Score sheets will not be returned, but you may request your scores by e-mail from the coordinator.

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 librarians or booksellers.

Notification

Finalists will be notified approx. July 23, 2013. 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 2, 2013. Winners will be notified of contest results at or after the awards luncheon in October 2013.

Awards

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

Submission

Entries must be mailed to:

 If you have questions, email Janet at AG@hodrw.com

Click here to print out an Aspen Gold Entry Form.

Click here to go to electronic submission page: Aspen Gold Upload Entry.

Entry in the 2013 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.