Mary Reade Award

Our thanks to Laura Barone, Contest Coordinator

Since the Anne Bonney Readers' Choice Award (ACRA's contest for published authors) is the companion to our contest for unpublished authors, it is only right that we named it after Anne Bonney's companion, Mary Reade. Mary was a woman of strength and daring, who was imbued with the courage to step outside the rules. It is ACRA's hope that aspiring authors will take that step also and write something so new and fresh that an agent will jump at representation.

The Mary Reade is a second change contest. The 3 top entrants will be chosen from among the highest scoring finalists. They will be classified as 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, according to their scores. They will then chose their "prize" from the list of agents in The Literary Cartel to send their work to they've been given time to revise according to the judges' comments.

This contest is open to any author unpublished in book-length fiction within the last five years. You may submit as many entries as you wish, but each entry may be entered in only one category. A separate entry form and fee along with an original signature must accompany each entry. No entrant can enter a category he or she has agreed to judge.

Calender:

All entries must be postmarked by July 5, 2008.
Finalists announced: October 2008
Winners announced: February 2009

Fee

* $25.00 for RWA members * $20.00 ACRA members

What to send:

* Four (4) copies of first 20 pages of manuscript, bound with binder clips. (No staples or paper clips) This may be the first chapter plus part of your second chapter.

* Standard manuscript format, double-spaced, 12pt. Courier New type or Times New Roman, 1 inch margins. Header on manuscript should contain title, contest category, targeted publisher and line (if appropriate) and page number. Manuscripts with author's name on judges' copies will be disqualified.

* One (1) title page with author's name, address, phone number, email address, manuscript title, targeted publisher and category entered. If you do not want your manuscript returned, write 'Return score sheets only' on title page and enclose a SASE with sufficient postage for return of the score sheets.

* Include a SASE large enough and with enough postage for the return of all 4 copies of the manuscript plus three judges' score sheets. (Score sheets are 4 pages each per judge) Entrants living outside the U. S. should check with their local postal service to determine the sufficient amount of return postage. Please us US postage only, no IRC for return of entry.

* Write the title of your manuscript on the return envelope. If you'd like confirmation that your entry was received, include a note requesting your category coordinator email you, or you may include a self-addressed, stamped postcard.

* If you are entering multiple manuscripts, include a separate $25 check or money order for each entry and make payable to ACRA. (Please do not send cash)

Judging

Each entry will be assigned three (3) qualified and/or certified judges, including published and non-published authors. The two highest scores are added together to obtain that entry's total score, while the lowest score is dropped to eliminate discrepancy judging.

Winners will receive the opportunity to submit to an agent(s) from the list of agents that make up The Literary Cartel. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

*1st place: submit to choice of 3 agents.
*2nd place: submit to choice of 2 agents.
*3rd place: submit to choice of 1 agent.