What people are saying . . .

"In 2005 my short contemporary manuscript, MAGGIE'S MAKEOVERS, placed second in the Great Expectations contest. From the editor's request, I went on to sell that book to Harlequin American Romance and THE MAN FOR MAGGIE was a June 2007 release. That book earned a four and a half star review from Romantic Times, and was a double nominee for a 2007 Reviewers' Choice Award. Thanks NTRWA for running such a great contest. It changed my life!"

Lee McKenzie

FIREFIGHTER DADDY, Harlequin American, July 2010

THE MAN FOR MAGGIE, Harlequin American, June 2007

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From the time Lee McKenzie was ten years old and read Anne of Green Gables and Little Women, she knew she wanted to be a writer, just like Anne and Jo. In the intervening years she has written advertising copy, magazine articles and an honors thesis in paleontology, and edited conference proceedings, educational material and technical publications. Along the way, her imagination demanded a more creative outlet, and she soon discovered the world of romance. Becoming a four-time Golden Heart finalist and a Harlequin author are her proudest accomplishments yet.

Lee and her artist/teacher husband live on an island in the Pacific Northwest, and she loves to spend time with two of her best friends--her grown-up children. To find out more about Lee and her books, readers are invited to visit her at www.leemckenzie.com.

What people are saying . . .

"My manuscript which placed first in the Long Contemporary category in 2005 will be published in June 2007. Laura Shin, who was the contest judge, requested the full, and then after I revised it and resubmitted, she bought the book in October 2006 for Harlequin SuperRomance.

"I gave the Great Expectations contest a plug in my chapter loop. I thought the personal touch with your communication was amazing. The feedback was wonderfully thoughtful and right on target! I thoroughly enjoyed my GE contest experience, even before I sold the book.

"Thanks for all you do for the romance writing community!"

Ellen Hartman

WANTED MAN, Harlequin SuperRomance, June 2007

HIS SECRET PAST, Harlequin SuperRomance, May 2008

THE BOYFRIEND'S BACK, Harlequin SuperRomance, December 2009

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I've been making a living as a writer since I got my creative writing degree from Carnegie Mellon University and went to work for Microsoft. I spent fifteen years writing technical manuals no one ever read until I finally decided to take a shot at writing what I really
love...romance. 
http://www.ellenhartman.com/

What people are saying . . .

"Even though I didn't sell through a contest, I received some great feedback, especially from Great Expectations, but the way contests helped me the most is by being a judge. I had way too much back story in my book and even though people told me, it didn’t sink in. As a judge I saw other people making the same mistake I had over and over. That’s what gave me the kick in the pants to go in and cut all of my back story. So, don’t be shy about judging. It can be as good for your career as entering."

Lori Devoti

LOVE IS ALL AROUND, Zebra May 2005

Lori Devoti worked for three different newspapers in two different states before deciding to stay home with her children and begin writing fiction. The author of urban fantasy, contemporary romance and paranormal romance, Lori has been a finalist for many awards including the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award. She lives near Madison, Wisconsin with her husband and children as well as two dogs.

http://www.loridevoti.com/

What people are saying . . .

"Thanks to everyone behind the Great Expectations contest for your helpful critiques and comments on my 2005 entry. I received a two-book publishing contract shortly thereafter, and my entry, Blue Collar Guys (retitled GOOD WITH HIS HANDS), was a 2006 release."

 Alexa Darin

GOOD WITH HIS HANDS, Kensington September 2006

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Alexa Darin grew up in the small town (not so small now) of Kirkland, Washington, where she spent her adolescent years dreaming of a boy who eventually inspired her to write romance. Today, she spends her days honing her craft, hiking with her two yellow labs, and thinking up ways to keep the critters out of her garden.

http://alexadarin.com/