Final Judges & Categories
Romance novels have two guiding principles: A central love story and an optimistic ending.
The following are The Emily Contest categories, as defined by the story’s time frame, plot elements and location. Please note, determining the best category for an entry is left to the individual author, as some manuscripts can fit in multiple categories. Each of our editors/agents are hyperlinked for more information about them.
Contemporary Long Romance
Novels over 65,000 words. Takes place after 1945, set in the time it is written, and reflects social behaviors of the time. Contemporary romances are usually set between the end of World War II to the present time.
♥Agent: Nikki Terpilowski, Holloway Literary Agency
♥Editor: Kathryn Lye, Harlequin
Contemporary Short Romance
Novels under 65,000 words. Takes place after 1945, set in the time it is written, and reflects social behaviors of the time. Contemporary romances are usually set between the end of World War II to the present time.
♥Agent: Scott Eagan, Greyhaus Literary Agency
♥Editor: Sinclair Sawhney, Tule Publishing
Novel with Romantic Elements
Set in any time period, in any sub-genre, with the primary focus on story, characterization, and with strong hints of a romantic potential within the entry word count. Women’s fiction can fit in this category.
♥Agent: Nicky Lovick, WMG Atlantic
♥Editor: Kalyani Gandhi, Harlequin
Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal
Combines reality with fantasy, and may take place in an alternate world. FF&P romances include but are not limited to vampires, ghosts, werewolves, & other paranormal elements. Romantasy can fit into this category.
♥Agent: Rebecca Strauss, DiFiore & Company
♥Editor: Emma Cole, MIRA Books
Historical Romance
Set any time prior to 1945, before the conclusion of World War II, the setting, action, and characters’ worldview should be appropriate for the time period chosen.
♥Agent: Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary Agency
♥Editor: Kathryn Le Veque, Dragonblade Publishing
Romantic Suspense
This category combines romance with elements of mystery or suspense as the story starts with suspenseful or mysterious elements and has at least hints of a romantic potential. Everything from cozy mysteries to thrillers can fit in this category.
♥Agent: Nicole Resciniti, The Seymour Agency
♥Editor: Lindsay Warren, Harlequin
Young Adult
Focus is on the lives of young people and contains strong romantic themes. For this category, the voice and subject should be age appropriate, with a protagonist strong enough to handle her/his/their own issues.
♥Agent: Michelle Jackson & Sobi Burbano, Jackson Literary Agency
♥Editor: Cindy Ray Hale, Keele Publishing
Best of the Best
A competition between the first place winners of each category. The winner will receive $100.