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[mechelearmstrong]

**permission to forward granted**

The Virginia Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America® is proud to announce our 15th Annual HOLT Medallion Contest for published authors. We would be honored to have you join our efforts to recognize and promote excellence in romantic fiction by entering your 2009 copyright romance book(s) in our competition.

The HOLT Medallion Award was named for VRW's first elected president, Cynthia Holt, and serves as the acronym for Honoring Outstanding Literary Talent. Pewter medallions are awarded to the authors whose books are selected by a panel of romance readers as the best in each of twelve categories. What makes the HOLT unique is our purpose of reflecting the actual marketplace. Judging panels are comprised only of avid romance readers who participate with enthusiasm and sincerity. They're looking for a good read, a book they would buy and an author they would follow. Their judging decisions reflect these inclinations. No editors, agents or writers are eligible to judge.

Eligible titles are romance novels, or novels with a strong element of romance, with a copyright date within the year preceding the competition (i..e., for the 2010 contest, books must have a 2009 copyright).

The twelve categories in which authors may enter are:
Historical
Mainstream/Single Title Contemporary
Long Contemporary
Short Contemporary
Long Inspirational
Short Inspirational
Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic/Fantasy
Romantic Comedy
Romantic Suspense
Extra Spicy/Erotic
Best First Book
Southern Theme

!!!!!!! We have nearly 200 readers signed up and eager to judge. Many of them have selected the Extra Spicy/Erotic category as their first choice. Please be sure to enter your 2009 spicy or erotic romance !!!!!!!

Winners and Awards of Merit recipients are published in a full page ad in RWR and Romantic Times magazine. In addition to the medallion (winners only), the winner and finalists receive a certificate.

The 2010 HOLT Medallion Contest is accepting entries from January 18th through February 27th, 2010. Please visit www.virginiaromancewriters.com for rules and entry form.

Lori Stacy
2010 HOLT Medallion Contest Coordinator