IRCC RULES FOR 2010 CONTEST


Deadline: Midnight, March 1, 1010.

The contest is open to all published inspirational writers whether they are members of RWA or not. These authors must be published by RWA approved publishing houses. We will not be accepting POD or self published books. Novels/novellas entered shall be inspirational romances or inspirational novels with romantic elements and published in standard book form (no e-books at this time). An author may enter as many inspirational novels as she/he desires; however, they must have a 2009 copyright. In order to maintain the professionalism of the IRCC all entrants are required to enter new unread copies of their books to be sent to the reader judges.

As defined in our chapter’s bylaws, the purpose of Faith, Hope & Love, Inc., is to promote excellence in romantic and women's fiction that glorifies God and promotes biblical principles; to provide continuing support for writers within the publishing industry; and to preserve a spirit of unity within FHL and RWA®. For the purposes of our contests, FHL defines “inspirational fiction” as follows: Stories written by writers whose worldview, influenced by their faith in the God of the Bible, is woven into the fabric of the book or manuscript. Entries in FHL's contest should not include inappropriate or gratuitous demonstration of sin, whether in language, violence, or sexual situations.

Categories: 

  • Short Contemporary (40,000-75,000 words)  Inspirational fiction where the love story is the main focus of the novel.
  • Long Contemporary (more than 75,000 words)  Inspirational fiction where the love story is the main focus of the novel.
  • Short Historical (40,000-75,000)  Inspirational novels or sagas set in an historical time period in which the love story is the main focus of the novel.
  • Long Historical (more than 75,000)  Inspirational novels or sagas set in an historical time period in which the love story is the main focus of the novel.
  • Romantic Suspense (over 40,000 words)  Inspirational fiction where a suspense plot is blended with a love story.
  • Women's Fiction (over 40,000 words)  Inspirational fiction not belonging in another category that contains a strong romantic element, such that one or more romances contained in the story form an integral part of the story's structure, but in which other themes or stories may also be significantly developed. The romantic elements, while not the primary focus of the story, should be an integral and dynamic part of the plot or subplot.
  • Novella (18,000 to 40,000 words)  Short pieces of Inspirational fiction that have a strong romantic theme throughout.

Entry Fee: $20 for FHL chapter members, and $25 for non-members per entry. Entry fees must be paid in U.S. funds by either check or money order, made payable to “Faith, Hope, and Love Chapter,” or on the internet using PayPal.

After entry fee is received, you will submit four (4) autographed copies of your inspirational romance/novella. Books entered must have a year 2009 copyright date, first printing date, or first North American printing date. Should there be a tie, finalists will be asked to submit an additional three (3) copies for final round judging. All books entered will be donated as a gift to the judge/readers.

Judges: Inspirational Readers nationwide.

Prizes: Finalists in all categories will receive certificates. The winner in each category will receive an engraved box. Winners will be announced at the 2010 National RWA Meeting.

Deadline: Entries must be received no later than midnight, March 1, 2010. Books must be received by March 15, 2010. You will be notified by e-mail where to send your books, depending on which category you enter. We recommend mailing books first class or priority mail. Media mail is very unreliable.

Submission: Each entry must include the following:

Please DO NOT INCLUDE BOOKS WITH THE ENTRY FORM.

Mail forms to:

Nancy Farrier, contest coordinator, 15716 Pohez Road, Apple Valley, CA 92307

To enter via Internet using PayPal, click here.