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- The contest is open to published ACFW members in good standing. An author can join ACFW at the time of entry by filling out a membership application and submitting the application along with the membership dues.
- The author shall select the appropriate category for entering the work. However, the work shall be disqualified if the word count does not match the category requirement (see "Categories" below for established word count requirements).
- No single entry shall be entered in more than one category.
There is no limit to the number of eligible books an author may enter in each category. However, only one title per author may place (first, second, or third).
- In any category, if fewer than seven (7) entries are received, the category shall not be judged as a standalone category. If this happens, the entry/entries shall be entered into the GENERAL FICTION category of the contest and judged therein. Exceptions:
- If fewer than seven (7) entries are received in the Short Contemporary Suspense category, the category will dissolve, and these shall be entered into the Short Contemporary category of the contest and judged therein.
- If fewer than seven (7) entries are received for the Mystery category, this category will dissolve, and these shall be entered into the Suspense category of the contest and judged therein.
- All contest entry information and appropriate fees must be received by the contest coordinator no later than March 31, 2008. Failure to meet the appropriate deadline shall result in disqualification, and the entry fee shall be forfeited. The person who submits the entry and pays the fee shall be responsible for mailing the books to the contest coordinator.
- All deadlines are final.
- Books must be published by a CBA-recognized publisher, defined as a royalty-paying publishing house that: (1) does not offer subsidy or vanity contracts to members, (2) has been releasing books on a regular basis via national distribution for a minimum of one year, and (3) has sold a minimum of 1,500 hardcover or trade paperback copies, or 5,000 copies in any other format, including print-on-demand, of a single Fiction book or novella or collection of novellas in book form.
- Books entered shall not be returned.
- Fee of $35.00 per title entered must be paid
- Entrant shall understand and agree that all scores are final once returned from the judge and entered into the database. Scores are assessed by individual judges who score according to an established guideline/score sheet. There will be no discrepancy judging or altering of scores submitted (unless that has been a computational error in determining the final score).
- Entry must be a work of original fictional narrative prose that is offered for sale to the general public through print media. The author must not participate financially in the production or distribution of the work.
- Entry must have an original copyright date (printed on copyright page) between January 2007 and December 2007.
- Entry may NOT have previously been entered in the Book of the Year contest.
- Entry must be an English-language edition.
- Electronic and audio books may not be entered
- THREE copies of the book must be submitted (unless entrant is a first-time author and eligible for the Debut Novel category, then SIX are needed)
- All entrants are required to sign the Contestant's Agreement located on the entry form indicating their acceptance of terms.
- Books must be published by a CBA-recognized publisher, defined as a royalty-paying publishing house that: (1) does not offer subsidy or vanity contracts to members, (2) has been releasing books on a regular basis via national distribution for a minimum of one year, and (3) has sold a minimum of 1,500 hardcover or trade paperback copies, or 5,000 copies in any other format, including print-on-demand, of a single Fiction book or novella or collection of novellas in book form.
- Contemporary Novella (between 15K and 35K)
- Debut Author (at least 50k)
- General Fiction
- Historical Novella (between 15K and 35K)
- Lits (includes chick-lit, mom-lit, lady-lit, lad-lit, etc.)
- Long Contemporary (70K+)
- Long Contemporary Romance (70K+)
- Long Historical (including all sub-genres)
- Mystery** (65K+; judged in Suspense if fewer than 7 entries)
- Short Contemporary (Includes series/category, 45K-65K)
- Short Contemporary Suspense (Includes series/category & cozies, 45K-65K)
- Short Historical (45K-65K)
- Speculative (includes science fiction, fantasy, allegory, etc.)
- Suspense (includes thriller and romantic suspense *excluding series/category suspense unless series word count exceeds 65K**)
- Women's Fiction (includes long contemporary)
- Young Adult
- JANUARY 7, 2008 - Contest officially opens
- MARCH 31, 2008 - ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED (not post-marked) by the contest coordinator. Entries must include the entry form, check or money order, and three copies (or six if entering in the Debut Novel category) of the entered book.
- April 15, 2008 - Books sent to judges
- July 15, 2008 - Score sheets due back to contest coordinator (via email)
- September 2008 - Winners announced at the ACFW Conference Minneapolis, MN
- 2nd-3rd place in each category receives a certificate
- 1st place in each category receives a plaque
- Debut Author winner will receive a plaque
- Editors of all placing entries receive a certificate
E-mail Coordinator Ronie Kendig at boty@acfw.com.
Please fill out one form for each book that you enter. Thank you!
Selections for Book of the Year are judged by ACFW members in each of the categories listed below and awarded in the fall at a ceremony during our Annual Conference.
BOTY TEMPLATE 1
| | First | Home for the Holidays | Christine Lynxwiler…Barbour Publishing, Rebecca Germany, editor. |
| | Second | A Carol for Christmas | Robin Lee Hatcher |
| | Third | Diamond Place | Robin Lee Hatcher |
| | First | DragonKnight | Donita K. Paul….WaterBrook Press, Shannon Hill, editor |
| | Second | A Bigger Life | Annette Smith |
| | Third | Feather | Susan Page Davis |
| | First | Joie de Vivre | Lynette Sowell…Barbour Publishing, Rebecca Germany, editor |
| | Second | To Do Justice | Cathy Marie Hake |
| | Third | Reuben's Atonement | Lynette Sowell |
| | First | Hot Tropics and Cold Feet | Diann Hunt.…Westbow Press, Ami McConnell, editor |
| | Second | The Secret Life of Becky Miller | Sharon Hinck |
| | Third | Front Porch Princess | Kathryn Springer |
| | First | Waiting for Summer's Return | Kim Vogel Sawyer, Bethany House, Charlene Patterson, editor |
| | Second | William Henry is a Fine Name | Cathy Gohlke |
| | Third | The Measure of a Lady | Deeanne Gist |
| | First | Hearts on the Line | Margaret Daley, Steeple Hill, Diane Dietz, editor |
| | Second | Stormcatcher | Colleen Coble, writing as Colleen Rhoads |
| | Third | Strictly Confidential | Terri Reed |
| | First | A Season for Grace | Linda Goodnight, Steeple Hill, Allison Lyons, editor |
| | Second | My So-Called Love Life | Allie Pleiter |
| | Third | That Wilder Boy | Kim Vogel Sawyer |
| | First | The Prisoner's Wife | Susan Page Davis, Heartsong Presents, Tracie Peterson, editor. |
| | Second | Spoke of Love | Cathy Marie Hake |
| | Third | Bayou Dreams | Kathleen Miller Y'Barbo |
| | First | Dangerous Depths | Colleen Coble, Westbow Press, Ami McConnell, editor |
| | Second | Widows and Orphans | Susan Meissner |
| | Third | Hazardous Duty and Fire Dancer and Alaska Twilight | Christy Barritt and Colleen Coble and Colleen Coble |
| | First | The Fragrance of Roses | Nikki Arana, Revell/Baker Books, Jennifer Leep, editor |
| | Second | Watching the Tree Limbs | Mary DeMuth |
| | Third | Reclaiming Nick | Susan May Warren |
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