Categories

Category Definitions

 

Contemporary Series Romance
Series romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. (Note: Books entered in this category would be appropriate for the series/imprints at Entangled or Harlequin.)

Contemporary Single Title Romance
Romance novels which focus primarily on the romantic relationship, released as individual titles, not as part of a series/imprint. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.

Erotic Romance
A romance novel where the sexuality goes beyond that of most romance novels and may use sexually explicit language and include polyamorous relationships. The romance plays a significant part in the story and the resolution is emotionally satisfying and may include a “happily for now” ending. The novel may be in contemporary, historical or paranormal settings.

Historical Romance
Romance novels set in any time period prior to 1945, and taking place in any location. The love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.

Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
A work of fiction in which a romance plays a significant part in the story, but other themes or elements take the plot beyond the traditional romance boundaries. Novels of any tone or style, set in any place or time are eligible for this category. A romance must be an integral part of the plot or subplot, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.

Paranormal Romance
Romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world, or paranormal happenings are an integral part of the plot. In this category, a futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal element is blended with the love story, which is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.  (Note: Steampunk, Diesel Punk and other non-magical alternate worlds qualify as fantasy elements. The determining factor in categorizing a romance as a Paranormal, as opposed to a fantasy or science fiction story with romantic elements, is the romance is the main focus of the story.)

Romantic Suspense
Novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot. The romance plays a significant part in the story and the resolution is emotionally satisfying and may include a “happily for now” ending.

Young Adult Romance
Novels with a strong romantic theme geared toward young adult readers. In this category, the love story is an important element of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.

 

Questions?  Contact Robin Covington at wrwmarlene.contest@gmail.com