#OCCRWA #contests #romance by getting your manuscript in front of top of the line agents and editors

What are the benefits of entering a writing contest?  Have you not made a thousand dollars on a single book? Why not submit your new manuscript to a writers' contest? If it's the Orange Rose Contest (Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of American) for emerging writers, you will receive three critiques that will make your entry shine. These tips serve authors well and are more to the point than most tips from a critique group. If you are a finalist, your entry will be sent to top agents and editors in the romance industry.
Prestige. Having your name attached to well-known contest will boost your manuscript in a query letter. Editors and agents will read your entry.
Publication. That's correct.  This is the goal.
Besides these two benefits, entering a contest gives you a deadline. You will finish the story and move on to your next one.

The 2018 Orange Rose Contest For Emerging Writers

The Orange Rose Contest for emerging writers is in its 35th year! This storied contest has in its roster many finalists who are now published, such as Rita Winners Laura Drake and Tessa Dare and New York Times best-selling authors Allison Brennan, Judy Duarte, Susan Squires and Debra Holland to name just a few. Why has the ORC enjoyed this level of success? It’s in large part due to the exceptional judges, both first-round published author and final editor/agent judges, and our comprehensive score sheets. Our top prize, the coveted Charlotte Award, is given in honor of long-time OCC member Charlotte Lobb, who passed away in 2013. Charlotte was a tireless volunteer and supporter of this chapter and its members, as well as a multi-published author of over 60 books. She was known for her generosity of spirit and a great sense of humor. It is fitting that we present this top award to an unpublished writer in honor of Charlotte’s mentorship and encouragement of fledgling writers. One more thing, Charlotte herself was an Orange Rose finalist back in the day.

Please take a look at the ORC Rules & Guidelines and enter in the following genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Inspirational Romance, Mainstream Fiction with a central romance, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Young Adult Romance.

These final round agents and editors are standing by to read finalists:

Andrea Somberg,  Harvey Klinger Agency
Andrea Somberg,  Harvey Klinger Agency
Nicole Resciniti, The Seymour Agency
Scott Eagan, Greyhaus Agency
Danielle Egan-Miller, Brown & Miller Agency
Kristy Hunter, Knight Agency
Janna Bonikowski, Knight Agency
Laura Costello, Sourcebooks
Caroline Tolley, Soul Mate Publishing
Kate Richards, Decadent Publishing
Lynn West, Dreamspinner Press
Sharon Roe, Soul Mate Publishing
Meghan Farrell, Tule Publishing
Lia Davis, After Glow Publishing
Marla Daniels, Simon & Schuster Publishing
Sue Grimshaw, Random House
Raela Schoenherr, Bethany House
David Long, Bethany House
Alycia Tornetta, Entangled Publishing
Bess Cozby, TOR Publishing
Michelle Klayman, Boroughs Publishing Group
Diana Carlile, The Wild Rose Press
Sara Lyons, Riptide Publishing
Anne Regan, Harmony Ink Press
Christine Klochek-Lim, Evernight Publishing
Mary Altman, Sourcebooks
Tara Cuskaden, Entangled Publishing
Sandy Harding, Spencerhill Associates

Kathleen Rowland, Chair, orangerose@occrwa.org