JUDGE APPLICATION FOR THE
2016 BOOKSELLERS’ BEST AWARD
A Published Authors’ Contest for Books Published in 2015
Sponsored by Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America
Judge Name:
I am a: (circle one)
Librarian
Bookseller
Other:
Send my books to the following STORE/LIBRARY:
Street, Ste., etc.:
City:
State:
Phone:
Zip:
Email:
Alternative Email:
Please check the categories you’d be willing to judge.
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SHORT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE (Books range from 160-280 pages) A novel
where the primary focus highlights the romantic relationship as the central part of the
story. Romantic suspense, mystery or thriller elements can blend with the plot to form a
part of the love story. Excludes Inspirational.
LONG CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE (More than 280 pages) A novel where the
primary focus highlights the romantic relationship as the central part of the story.
Romantic suspense, mystery or thriller elements can blend with the plot to form a part of
the love story. Excludes inspirational.
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE (More than 160 pages) Novels in which suspense, mystery, or
thriller elements constitute an INTEGRAL part of the plot and are blended with the love
story.
SINGLE TITLE WITH STRONG ROMANTIC ELEMENTS (More than 160 pages)
While there is a romance – or multiple romances, it is not a driving force to the plotline
or central to the storyline. Novels written in varying tone, styles, and time periods can be
considered eligible for this category. Commercial fiction, literary fiction,
suspense/mystery/thriller fiction, or novels with thematic or emotional elements,
including women’s self-discovery or emotional life journey where romance is present in
the story but not the central focus, can be considered in this category.
INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE (More than 160 pages) A novel where spiritual or
religious beliefs blend with the plot to form a significant part of the love story. The
character’s journey should include not only inward and outward character growth, but
also spiritual growth. The romance should be central to the story development and can
include historical, suspense/mystery, or contemporary elements.
HISTORICAL ROMANCE (More than 160 pages) A novel set in any time period and
any location prior to 1945. The romance should be central to the story development.
Suspense or mystery elements can be included within the plot as long as the historical
setting remains uncompromised and the love story remains the central focus of the plot.
EROTIC ROMANCE (More than 160 pages) A novel where a romantic relationship –
or relationships – is developed through sexual interactions. The sex is an inherent part of
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the story, character growth, and relationship development, and can’t be removed without
damaging the storyline.
PARANORMAL ROMANCE (More than 160 pages) A novel in which
paranormal/fantasy elements are integral parts of the plot. The paranormal/fantasy
elements should blend with the love story. Paranormal, Science Fiction, Futuristic,
Fantasy, Time Travel, and Urban Fantasy Romances also fit into this category. Urban
Fantasies might not have a Happily-Ever-After at the end but must elude to a potential
one at the end of the series.
YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE (More than 160 pages) A novel with romantic themes
interwoven with young adult issues and concerns to form the central part of the story.
Young adults between the ages of 12-19 should be the targeted audience. Plots can
include, but are not limited to, elements such as historical, paranormal, suspense/thriller,
or mystery.
NOVELLA (60-160 pages) Focuses on the romantic relationship. Accepted categories of
novellas include contemporary, erotic, inspirational, romantic suspense, young adult,
historical, and paranormal.
HOW MANY BOOKS ARE YOU WILLING TO JUDGE?
o 1-3
o 4-6
o 7-8
o 9-10
Books will be mailed to the judges in the middle of February.
Scores must be returned by April 15th.
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, but not later than 1/15/2016, please mail or email this form to:
Barbara Wilder
7786 Goldenrod Ct.
Brighton, MI 48116
wilder.barbara24@gmail.com