Frequently Asked Questions

How do I do the page numbering that you require? I can make my synopsis start on page 1, but how do I get the entry — which is pasted after the synopsis into the same file — to also start with page 1? It really starts on page 10, and I don’t know how to trick my software into thinking otherwise.
The exact method varies with each word processing program, but in general, you need to figure out how to separate your file into “sections.” It’s often accomplished by inserting a “section break” between the elements of the file that you need to separate. Once you do that, you’ll usually need to adjust your page numbering format such that it no longer numbers all sections of the document as one continuous document. Go to the first page of your partial, and navigate to the header. You’ll often see an option in the header dialogue box for making the header the ”same as previous.” That means the header would be identical to — and continue the page numbering of — the previous section. The option for “same as previous” is often checked by default, but you want to UNCHECK that box when you need the page numbering to differ from one section to the next. You’ll often then get the option of telling the software where to begin numbering that new section, and for this purpose, you’ll want to enter “1.”

Watch this awesome and easy-to-follow video tutorial from Microsoft to see how it’s done in a recent version of Word. Even if you don’t use Word, or this version of Word, I bet you’ll find it to be a useful lesson. If you want to find a tutorial for your specific word processor, try searching the web for something like “different page numbers in different sections Apple iWork,” only replace “Apple iWork” with whatever word processor you’re using.

I received an error message when I tried to register as a judge. Am I registered? I want to get my $5 discount on my entry fee for judging!
Almost certainly, and I’m sorry that you hit this snag. Feel free to email Jamie at goldenpencontest@gmail.com to double-check. If you enter the contest under our reduced judge’s fee and you aren’t on our judging roster, I’ll contact you.

My entry doesn’t perfectly fit into any one category. Which category should I pick?
Tough question, but you can answer it. Consider the section of your manuscript that these judges will actually be reading. Does it emphasize one element over another in that partial? Also consider shelf placement. If published, where would your book sit in a bookstore? In the Christian Fiction section, or in General Romance? Maybe in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy aisle? If you get to the final round, think about which editor-judge you’d most like to get a read from — and who might be most likely to buy a book like yours. That might answer your question as well as anything!

Did you change “contemporary series romance” to “series romance”?
Yes. That category is now open to any series-targeted manuscript. You may still choose to enter your series-targeted manuscript in a non-series category, however. For example, a manuscript targeting Love Inspired Romantic Suspense could be entered in either Inspirational, Romantic Suspense, or Series, depending on the balance of the romance, inspirational, and suspense elements in the story.

Does a published author still judge each entry, as well as a Golden Heart finalist?
NO. This year, we’re only guaranteeing that a Golden Heart finalist will judge each entry. We’ve decided to focus on what we’re known for–and that’s being Golden Heart finalists.

Can I see a copy of the scoresheet that the first-round judges will use?
We don’t use one. We’re a bit like the Golden Heart in that we simply ask our judges to assign a single score to each entry (between 1 and 9). We also ask them to comment liberally within the entry itself, as well as indicate the entry’s strengths and areas that need improvement, so trust that entrants receive excellent feedback. We find that this method is more enjoyable for our judges, and it allows manuscripts that don’t necessarily fit a genre’s established mold to more fairly compete with those entries that might have ticked off all the boxes on a traditional scoresheet. In other words, if an entry is good, it gets a good score, even if it’s a little unusual. Likewise, an excellent but more traditional entry will still be given an excellent score. In the Golden Pen, the cream rises to the top, one way or another.

Do I have to be a member of RWA in order to enter the contest?
No.

Can I enter the contest if I’m a published author?
If you haven’t sold a work of original fictional narrative prose equal to or longer than 20,000 words in the past five years, then yes! You’re eligible, though you can only enter those works to which you’ve retained all rights. Sales of non-fiction or of works less than 20,000 words do not effect Golden Pen eligibility.

Can I enter the contest if I’m a self-published author?
In most cases, yes, providing that you meet our other eligibility requirements. Most self-published authors retain all rights to their work when they self-publish, but you must read your legal documentation carefully to be sure that this is the case. If you haven’t sold or otherwise signed over rights to any work of original fictional narrative prose was equal to or longer than 20,000 words in the past five years, then you may enter the Golden Pen.

Can I enter my self-published book into the Golden Pen?
In most cases, yes, providing that you meet our other eligibility requirements. Most self-published authors retain all rights to their work when they self-publish, but you must read your legal documentation carefully to be sure that this is the case. If you haven’t sold or otherwise signed over rights to your self-published work of original fictional narrative prose, then you may enter it into the Golden Pen.

Can I email or snail-mail you my entry?
No. You must use the online form. Sorry.

Does a YA entry have to include a romantic plot or subplot?
Yes, but the romance does not have to be the central theme of the story.

Are gay/lesbian romances eligible?
Yes. Enter your LGBTIQ work into the category that most closely fits your setting/subject matter.

Are erotic romances eligible?
Yes. Enter your erotic romance into the category that most closely fits your setting/subject matter.

Do you require the submission of a full-length manuscript in addition to the synopsis and partial, like the Golden Heart?
No! Only a synopsis and a partial of your manuscript are required for entry.

I’ve entered my manuscript in the Golden Pen before. May I enter it again?
Winning manuscripts may not be re-entered, even if they have been revised and/or retitled. Any manuscript that did not win in a previous year may be re-entered, including entries that were finalists.

If I am a finalist, will I be given the opportunity to revise my manuscript for the final round of judging?
Yes. Finalists will be given their first-round entries with judges’ commentaries so that they may revise if they choose. Roughly one week will be given for revisions. Finalists may also elect to send their first-round entries to final-round judges without revision.

I’ve signed up to judge. Can I still enter the contest?
Yes, and you’re encouraged to do so, providing that you meet our other eligibility requirements. However, judges may not submit an entry into a category that they have volunteered to judge.

I’ve signed up to judge, but I hate reading electronic entries. Can you mail me hard copies of my entries to judge?
No, but you may print them yourself once you receive them. You can even put them on your e-reader, but please don’t ask me how; your e-reader manual can walk you through that process better than I can. Note that however you chose to read your entries, you will have to return them electronically, so if you do print them out, you’ll need to transfer your written comments to the electronic document.

I’m judging your contest, and I’ve received an entry that, for reasons I don’t care to expand upon, I do not want to read. I’m worried that I can’t be fair. What should I do?
Any preliminary-round judge who finds herself unable to fairly, professionally, and compassionately evaluate an entry may request a switch. Such a request is rarely made, but always complied with.

Will there be a minimum and maximum number of entries for each category?
Each category must have a minimum of ten entries or the category will be canceled and payments returned. Entrants in cancelled categories will be given the option of entering their entry into another category or having their entry fee refunded. A maximum of 50 entries per category will be accepted; more may be accepted if the Overall Coordinator deems it feasible. Any excess entries will first be returned to those entrants who did not volunteer to judge, and second in reverse order of receipt.

May I enter more than one manuscript in a given category?
Yes! Our entry form allows you to enter up to five manuscripts at once, but you can enter more by simply filling out the entry form again.

May I enter a manuscript in more than one category?
No.

What is the entry fee?
$35 per entry received on or before midnight EDT July 15. $40 per entry received on or before midnight EDT August 15. Additional $5 judging discount for any entrant who is also a first-round judge in a different category.

Please contact the Overall Coordinator with any additional questions.



We are the finalists and winners of Romance Writers of America's ® prestigious Golden Heart ® Competition. We strive to encourage and promote awareness of and excellence in romantic fiction. About TGN About Us Our Board Our Authors TGN Hall of Gold Join or Renew Membership Membership Benefits Join or Renew The Golden Pen About The Golden Pen Rules & Guidelines Enter the Contest Register to Judge Contest FAQs Contact the Coordinators Past Winners 2011 Winners 2010 Winners 2009 Winners 2008 Winners 2007 Winners 2006 Winners 2005 Winners Reception/Retreat About the Retreat Register for the Retreat Log In Username Password Remember Me Lost Password	Frequently Asked Questions How do I do the page numbering that you require? I can make my synopsis start on page 1, but how do I get the entry — which is pasted after the synopsis into the same file — to also start with page 1? It really starts on page 10, and I don’t know how to trick my software into thinking otherwise. The exact method varies with each word processing program, but in general, you need to figure out how to separate your file into “sections.” It’s often accomplished by inserting a “section break” between the elements of the file that you need to separate. Once you do that, you’ll usually need to adjust your page numbering format such that it no longer numbers all sections of the document as one continuous document. Go to the first page of your partial, and navigate to the header. You’ll often see an option in the header dialogue box for making the header the ”same as previous.” That means the header would be identical to — and continue the page numbering of — the previous section. The option for “same as previous” is often checked by default, but you want to UNCHECK that box when you need the page numbering to differ from one section to the next. You’ll often then get the option of telling the software where to begin numbering that new section, and for this purpose, you’ll want to enter “1.” Watch this awesome and easy-to-follow video tutorial from Microsoft to see how it’s done in a recent version of Word. Even if you don’t use Word, or this version of Word, I bet you’ll find it to be a useful lesson. If you want to find a tutorial for your specific word processor, try searching the web for something like “different page numbers in different sections Apple iWork,” only replace “Apple iWork” with whatever word processor you’re using. I received an error message when I tried to register as a judge. Am I registered? I want to get my $5 discount on my entry fee for judging! Almost certainly, and I’m sorry that you hit this snag. Feel free to email Jamie at goldenpencontest@gmail.com to double-check. If you enter the contest under our reduced judge’s fee and you aren’t on our judging roster, I’ll contact you. My entry doesn’t perfectly fit into any one category. Which category should I pick? Tough question, but you can answer it. Consider the section of your manuscript that these judges will actually be reading. Does it emphasize one element over another in that partial? Also consider shelf placement. If published, where would your book sit in a bookstore? In the Christian Fiction section, or in General Romance? Maybe in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy aisle? If you get to the final round, think about which editor-judge you’d most like to get a read from — and who might be most likely to buy a book like yours. That might answer your question as well as anything! Did you change “contemporary series romance” to “series romance”? Yes. That category is now open to any series-targeted manuscript. You may still choose to enter your series-targeted manuscript in a non-series category, however. For example, a manuscript targeting Love Inspired Romantic Suspense could be entered in either Inspirational, Romantic Suspense, or Series, depending on the balance of the romance, inspirational, and suspense elements in the story. Does a published author still judge each entry, as well as a Golden Heart finalist? NO. This year, we’re only guaranteeing that a Golden Heart finalist will judge each entry. We’ve decided to focus on what we’re known for–and that’s being Golden Heart finalists. Can I see a copy of the scoresheet that the first-round judges will use? We don’t use one. We’re a bit like the Golden Heart in that we simply ask our judges to assign a single score to each entry (between 1 and 9). We also ask them to comment liberally within the entry itself, as well as indicate the entry’s strengths and areas that need improvement, so trust that entrants receive excellent feedback. We find that this method is more enjoyable for our judges, and it allows manuscripts that don’t necessarily fit a genre’s established mold to more fairly compete with those entries that might have ticked off all the boxes on a traditional scoresheet. In other words, if an entry is good, it gets a good score, even if it’s a little unusual. Likewise, an excellent but more traditional entry will still be given an excellent score. In the Golden Pen, the cream rises to the top, one way or another. Do I have to be a member of RWA in order to enter the contest? No. Can I enter the contest if I’m a published author? If you haven’t sold a work of original fictional narrative prose equal to or longer than 20,000 words in the past five years, then yes! You’re eligible, though you can only enter those works to which you’ve retained all rights. Sales of non-fiction or of works less than 20,000 words do not effect Golden Pen eligibility. Can I enter the contest if I’m a self-published author? In most cases, yes, providing that you meet our other eligibility requirements. Most self-published authors retain all rights to their work when they self-publish, but you must read your legal documentation carefully to be sure that this is the case. If you haven’t sold or otherwise signed over rights to any work of original fictional narrative prose was equal to or longer than 20,000 words in the past five years, then you may enter the Golden Pen. Can I enter my self-published book into the Golden Pen? In most cases, yes, providing that you meet our other eligibility requirements. Most self-published authors retain all rights to their work when they self-publish, but you must read your legal documentation carefully to be sure that this is the case. If you haven’t sold or otherwise signed over rights to your self-published work of original fictional narrative prose, then you may enter it into the Golden Pen. Can I email or snail-mail you my entry? No. You must use the online form. Sorry. Does a YA entry have to include a romantic plot or subplot? Yes, but the romance does not have to be the central theme of the story. Are gay/lesbian romances eligible? Yes. Enter your LGBTIQ work into the category that most closely fits your setting/subject matter. Are erotic romances eligible? Yes. Enter your erotic romance into the category that most closely fits your setting/subject matter. Do you require the submission of a full-length manuscript in addition to the synopsis and partial, like the Golden Heart? No! Only a synopsis and a partial of your manuscript are required for entry. I’ve entered my manuscript in the Golden Pen before. May I enter it again? Winning manuscripts may not be re-entered, even if they have been revised and/or retitled. Any manuscript that did not win in a previous year may be re-entered, including entries that were finalists. If I am a finalist, will I be given the opportunity to revise my manuscript for the final round of judging? Yes. Finalists will be given their first-round entries with judges’ commentaries so that they may revise if they choose. Roughly one week will be given for revisions. Finalists may also elect to send their first-round entries to final-round judges without revision. I’ve signed up to judge. Can I still enter the contest? Yes, and you’re encouraged to do so, providing that you meet our other eligibility requirements. However, judges may not submit an entry into a category that they have volunteered to judge. I’ve signed up to judge, but I hate reading electronic entries. Can you mail me hard copies of my entries to judge? No, but you may print them yourself once you receive them. You can even put them on your e-reader, but please don’t ask me how; your e-reader manual can walk you through that process better than I can. Note that however you chose to read your entries, you will have to return them electronically, so if you do print them out, you’ll need to transfer your written comments to the electronic document. I’m judging your contest, and I’ve received an entry that, for reasons I don’t care to expand upon, I do not want to read. I’m worried that I can’t be fair. What should I do? Any preliminary-round judge who finds herself unable to fairly, professionally, and compassionately evaluate an entry may request a switch. Such a request is rarely made, but always complied with. Will there be a minimum and maximum number of entries for each category? Each category must have a minimum of ten entries or the category will be canceled and payments returned. Entrants in cancelled categories will be given the option of entering their entry into another category or having their entry fee refunded. A maximum of 50 entries per category will be accepted; more may be accepted if the Overall Coordinator deems it feasible. Any excess entries will first be returned to those entrants who did not volunteer to judge, and second in reverse order of receipt. May I enter more than one manuscript in a given category? Yes! Our entry form allows you to enter up to five manuscripts at once, but you can enter more by simply filling out the entry form again. May I enter a manuscript in more than one category? No. What is the entry fee? $35 per entry received on or before midnight EDT July 15. $40 per entry received on or before midnight EDT August 15. Additional $5 judging discount for any entrant who is also a first-round judge in a different category. Please contact the Overall Coordinator with any additional questions.

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Frequently Asked Questions