2018 Emily Contest Open Now

Writers, get excited! Most of all, get your entries ready because the 2018 Emily Contest for unpublished romance manuscripts opens today!

The prestigious Emily Contest, sponsored by the West Houston Chapter of Romance Writers of America is open only 2 months.

The contest closes at midnight on November 2, 2017 so don't wait. Get your entry in this week.

The Emily has always had strong final judges and a history of the finalists receiving frequent requests for the full manuscript by the agents and editors who are the final judges.

West Houston RWA is justifiably proud of their first-round feedback for entrants in all of the 6 categories.

If you're looking for a first-rate contest--this is it!

Details for 2018 Emily Contest


Who: Sponsored by West Houston Chapter of Romance Writers of America (WHRWA)

How Much: $25.00 for WHRWA members / $35.00 for all others

When: October 1, 2017 through November 2, 2017.

Entry Requirements: The first 5,600 words of your unpublished manuscript (no synopsis!) in any of the 6 categories.

What You Get: Excellent first-round feedback and top final round editor and agent judges.

Categories and Final Judges:

Contemporary Romance-Long: Editor Norma Perez-Hernandez, Kensington Publishing Corp, and Agent Patricia Nelson, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency

Contemporary Romance-Short: Editor Brenda Chin, Entangled Publishing LLC, and Agent Elaine Spencer, The Knight Agency

Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance: Editor Kristine Swartz, The Berkley Publishing Group, and Agent Rebecca Strauss, DeFiore and Company

Historical Romance: Editor Tara Gelsomino, Crimson Romance, and Agent Courtney Miller-Callihan, Handspun Literary

Romantic Suspense: Editor Laura Costello, Sourcebooks, and Agent Cori Deyoe, 3 Seas Literary Agency

Young Adult Romance: Editor Alyssa Miele, Harper Collins, and Agent Becca Stumpf, Prospect Agency Category

Prizes: Winners receive (1) a certificate, (2) the coveted silver Emily pin. In addition, they are eligible for $100 Best of the Best Prize.

Bonus: All finalists may attend, free of charge, the March 10, 2018, Emily Awards Luncheon and All-Day Workshop.

More Information: Visit The Emily Page

Takeaway Truth

Of all the contests out there, this one has a great reputation. It's been around a long time and has helped launch the careers of many authors. Take a chance and enter! Someone will win--it might be you.