2017 Great Expectations Finalists

PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED AND ENCOURAGED

The North Texas Romance Writers of America Chapter is proud to announce the

2017 Great Expectations Finalists

Congratulations to all who entered and put your work in the hands of strangers.

Best of Luck to the finalists as they submit their work to our final round editors.

*denotes double finalist

(Listed in alphabetical order by title)

CONTEMPORARY SERIES

Final Round Editor:  Brittany Lavery, Assistant Editor, HQN

Discovering Serenity by Haley Burke

How a Heart Beats by Stacie Kaye

Take Me Away by Jessie Gussman*

What He Wants by Jessie Gussman*                                   

HISTORICAL

Final Round Editor:   Elle Keck, Assistant Editor, Avon Books

The Art of the Deal by Suzanne Turner

Love’s Redemption by Jeanine Englert*

The Runaway Bride by Elizabeth King

The Seduction of Mrs. Smith by Elizabeth Everett

INSPIRATIONAL

Final Round Editor:  Raela Schoenherr, Acquisitions Editor, Bethany House Publishers

At Bealtaine’s Bidding by Mary-Teresa Heath

Fresh Brewed Love by Amanda Wen

Stolen Vows by Darlene L Turner

A Texas Lady by Elizabeth Lukinuk

MAINSTREAM with ROMANTIC ELEMENTS  

Final Round Editor:  Marla Daniels, Assistant Editor, Simon and Schuster

The Nine Lives of Eric Merry by Aubrey Wynne

Simple Acts of Grace by Adriana Allegri

Soul Song by Rayn Ellis

What Would Ginger Do? by Kimberly MacCarron*

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE         

Final Round Editor:   Lexi Smail, Assistant Editor, Grand Central Publishing

Emerald:  Drone by Alan Chaput

Forbidden Paradise by Barbara Forlenza

Hit and Run by Lori Matthews

Lovely Digits by Jeanine Englert*

SINGLE TITLE        

Final Round Editor:   Madeleine Colavita, Associate Editor, Hachette Book Group

Game On by PJ Ryley

Miracle on Tenth Avenue by Gabrielle Luthy

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria

Tame My Racing Heart by Kelly Duff

SPECIALIZED (Alternate Earth, Dystopian, Fantasy, Futuristic, Paranormal, Time Travel)

Final Round Editor:  Kristine Swartz, Associate Editor, The Berkley Publishing Group

Awaken the Dragon by Christal Murphy

Bless Your Heart, and Other Southern Curses by Heather Leonard

Leap of Fate by Kimberly MacCarron*

Praetorian Rising by Lisa Knight

YOUNG ADULT 

Final Round Editor: Alice Jerman, Associate Editor, HarperCollins

 All the Feels by Kimberly MacCarron*

Covenant Park by Christine Gunderson

Loving Outside the Lines by Kimberly MacCarron*

Mouthful by C.R. Grissom

Unconditional by Kimberly MacCarron*

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GREAT EXPECTATIONS FINALISTS!

Fenley Grant

2017 Great Expectations Contest Chair

GECoordinator@NTRWA.org

NTRWAGreatExpectations.blogspot.com

www.NTRWA.org

We're counting down the hours..

Get ready, because FEBRUARY 10TH we announce The Great Expectations Contest finalists!

The North Texas Romance Writers of America chapter is proud to offer the 

2017 GREAT EXPECTATIONS CONTEST 
DEADLINE EXTENSION

CLOSES FOR ENTRIES MIDNIGHT, JANUARY 7th, 2017

DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO ENTER!

The Great Expectations Contest is for unpublished material, to include works from unpublished authors as well as unpublished works from published authors (if you are a published author, please see the 2017 Rules for details.)

Now in its 16th consecutive year, North Texas RWA can help you receive unbiased opinions from three qualified judges on the first 5,000 words of your story. The top four scoring entries (or five, in the event of a tie) will progress to the finalist stage of the contest, where top editors from leading publishing houses will determine the winners.

THE ENTRY!

• 5,000 word entry limit instead of page count
• NO synopsis or blurb (finalists will have the opportunity to include an unjudged synopsis for the editors)

DEADLINES AND FEES

Regular Dates and Fees:

DATES:  
December 19, 2016 to midnight (Central Time) January 7, 2017

FEES:

• $25 per entry for North Texas, DARA, and Yellow Rose Chapter Members of RWA
• $30 per entry for all other contest entrants

Midnight, Central Time, Wednesday, January 7, 2017 

the Contest Closes for Entries!

Polish up your manuscript and enter today! 

Questions? Contact Fenley Grant, at GECoordinator@NTRWA.org

The North Texas Romance Writers of America chapter is proud to announce that the 

2017 GREAT EXPECTATIONS CONTEST is open!

EARLY BIRD FEES END AT MIDNIGHT, CENTRAL TIME, DECEMBER 18, 2016!

The Great Expectations Contest is for unpublished material, to include works from unpublished authors as well as unpublished works from published authors (if you are a published author, please see the 2017 Rules for details.)

Now in its 16th consecutive year, North Texas RWA can help you receive unbiased opinions from three qualified judges on the first 5,000 words of your story. The top four scoring entries (or five, in the event of a tie) will progress to the finalist stage of the contest, where top editors from leading publishing houses will determine the winners.

THE ENTRY!

• 5,000 word entry limit instead of page count
• NO synopsis or blurb (finalists will have the opportunity to include an unjudged synopsis for the editors)

DEADLINES AND FEES

Early Bird Dates and Fees:

DATES:  
October 30, 2016 to midnight (Central Time) December 18, 2016

FEES:  

• $20 per entry for North Texas, DARA, and Yellow Rose Chapter Members of RWA
• $25 per entry for all other contest entrants

Regular Dates and Fees:

DATES:  
December 19, 2016 to midnight (Central Time) January 4, 2017

FEES:

• $25 per entry for North Texas, DARA, and Yellow Rose Chapter Members of RWA
• $30 per entry for all other contest entrants

Midnight, Central Time, Wednesday, January 4, 2017 

the Contest Closes for Entries!

Polish up your manuscript and enter today! 

Questions? Contact Fenley Grant, at GECoordinator@NTRWA.org

The North Texas Romance Writers of America chapter is proud to announce that the 

2017 GREAT EXPECTATIONS CONTEST is open for entries tomorrow, October 30, 2016!

The Great Expectations Contest is for unpublished material, to include works from unpublished authors as well as unpublished works from published authors (if you are a published author, please see the 2017 Rules for details.)

Now in its 16th consecutive year, North Texas RWA can help you receive unbiased opinions from three qualified judges on the first 5,000 words of your story. The top four scoring entries (or five, in the event of a tie) will progress to the finalist stage of the contest, where top editors from leading publishing houses will determine the winners.

THE ENTRY!

• 5,000 word entry limit instead of page count
• NO synopsis or blurb (finalists will have the opportunity to include an unjudged synopsis for the editors)

DEADLINES AND FEES

October 30, 2016:  Contest opens for entries

Early Bird Dates and Fees:

DATES:  
October 30, 2016 to midnight (Central Time) December 18, 2016

FEES:  

• $20 per entry for North Texas, DARA, and Yellow Rose Chapter Members of RWA
• $25 per entry for all other contest entrants

Regular Dates and Fees:

DATES:  
December 19, 2016 to midnight (Central Time) January 4, 2017

FEES:

• $25 per entry for North Texas, DARA, and Yellow Rose Chapter Members of RWA
• $30 per entry for all other contest entrants

Midnight, Central Time, Wednesday, January 4, 2017 

the Contest Closes for Entries!

Polish up your manuscript and enter today! 

Questions? Contact Fenley Grant, at GECoordinator@NTRWA.org

The North Texas Chapter

of Romance Writers of America is proud to announce …

The 2016 Great Expectations Contest Winners!

Denotes Request for Partial Manuscript *

Denotes Request for Full Manuscript **

CONTEMPORARY SERIES ROMANCE

Final Editor:  Karen Reid, Associate Editor, Harlequin Publishing

First Place:           Shell of a Chance, by Tanya Agler **

Second Place:       The Brothers of Brigadier Station, 
                            by Sarah Williams **

Third Place:          Higher Learning, by Seana Kelly **

Honorable Mention:  Faking His Fiancée, by Jessica Davidson*

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Final Editor:  Gabrielle (Elle) Keck, Editorial Assistant, HarperCollins

First Place:           My Lord Mercenary, by Trace Hemming *

Second Place:       The Lost Letter, by Mimi Matthews

Third Place:          Lord James' Challenge, by Evelyn Alexie

Honorable Mention:  Taming the Earl, by Elizabeth King

                                     

INSPIRATIONAL  ROMANCE

Final Editor:  Raela Schoenherr, Acquisitions Editor, Bethany House

                 

First Place:           Honorable Intentions, by Michele Morris *

Second Place:       The Thief's Redemption, by Connie Queen

Third Place:          Love Never Fails, by Lorri Dudley

Honorable Mention:  15 Days, by Rebekah Millet

MAINSTREAM WITH ROMANTIC ELEMENTS

Final Editor:  Marla Daniels, Assistant Editor, Simon & Schuster, Inc.

First Place:            Off-the-Grid in the Tropics, 
                            by Mindy Miller **

Second Place:       Happily Ever Afters, by Rachel Magee

Third Place:          Lady Jane Lives, by Angie Dicken

Honorable Mention:  A Town Called Hope, by Abby Gaines

NEW ADULT

Final Editor:  Julie Mianecki, Assistant Editor, Berkley Publishing Group

First Place:            Heartfall, by Diana Beebe

Second Place:       Saving Grace, by JoAnn Sky *

Third Place (Tied):  Crossing the Lines, by JoAnna Grace

 The Mercy Killers, by Jessica Grace Kelley

         

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Final Editor:  Alex Logan, Senior Editor, Grand Central Publishing

First Place:           In the Wrong Sights, by Tracy Brody **

Second Place:       Deadly Secrets, by Lynn Balabanos

Third Place:          Thrill of the Chase, by Shelly Alexander

Honorable Mention:  Smoke and Secrets, by Nikki Brock

SINGLE TITLE ROMANCE

Final Editor:  Madeleine Colavita, Associate Editor, Grand Central Publishing

First Place:            Welcome Home, Katie Gallagher, 
                            by Seana Kelly

Second Place:       Season Pass, by LS Rhoades

Third Place:          Murphy's Secret, by Becke Turner

Honorable Mention:  Eire Ever After, by Jeanne M. Dickson

SPECIALIZED ROMANCE (Alternate Earth, Dystopian, Fantasy, Futuristic, Paranormal, Time Travel)

Final Editor: Kristine Swartz, Assistant Editor, Berkley Publishing Group

First Place:            Rolf's Quest, by Aubrey Wynne *

Second Place:       Sanctuary, by Seana Kelly

Third Place:           Rain Goddess, by Amanda Byrd

Honorable Mention:  Beneath Us, by Michelle Joyce Bond

YOUNG ADULT

Final Editor:  Alice Jerman, Assistant Editor, HarperCollins

First Place:           Soren's Resistance, by Christine Gunderson

Second Place (Tied): Mom I Married a Highlander, 
                              by Lana Pattinson

The True Ones, by Nina Bangs

Third Place:           Resistance, by Linda J. Parisi

Congratulations to our winners and good luck on your road to publication!

The North Texas Romance Writers of America Chapter is proud to announce the

2016 Great Expectations Contest Finalists

Congratulations to all who entered and put your work in the hands of strangers.

Best of Luck to the finalists as they submit their work to our final round editors.

*denotes double finalist

(Listed in alphabetical order by title)

CONTEMPORARY SERIES

Final Round Editor:  KAREN REID, Associate Editor, Harlequin 

The Brothers of Brigadier Station, by Sarah Williams

Faking His Fiancée, by Jessica Davidson

Higher Learning, by Seana Kelly*

Shell of a Chance, by Tanya Agler

HISTORICAL

Final Round Editor:  GABRIELLE KECK, Editorial Assistant, HarperCollins

Lord James' Challenge, by Evelyn Alexie

The Lost Letter, by Mimi Matthews

My Lord Mercenary, byTrace Hemming

Taming the Earl, by Elizabeth King

INSPIRATIONAL

Final Round Editor:  RAELA SCHOENHERR, Fiction Acquisitions, Bethany House  

15 Days, by Rebekah Millet

Honorable Intentions, by Michele Morris

Love Never Fails, by Lorri Dudley                 

The Thief's Redemption, by Connie Queen

MAINSTREAM with ROMANTIC ELEMENTS

Final Round Editor:  ISABEL FARHI, Editorial Assistant, Berkley Publishing Group  

Happily Ever Afters, by Rachel Magee

Lady Jane Lives, by Angie Dicken

Off-the-Grid in the Tropics, by Mindy Miller

A Town Called Hope, by Abby Gaines

NEW ADULT

Final Round Editor:  JULIE MIANECKI, Assistant Editor, Berkley Publishing Group     

    

Crossing the Lines, by JoAnna Grace

Heartfall, by Diana Beebe

The Mercy Killers, by Jessica Grace Kelley

Saving Grace, by JoAnn Sky

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Final Round Editor:   ALEX LOGAN, Senior Editor, Grand Central Publishing    

  

Deadly Secrets, by Lynn Balabanos

In the Wrong Sights, by Tracy Brody

Smoke and Secrets, by Nikki Brock

Thrill of the Chase, by Shelly Alexander

SINGLE TITLE

Final Round Editor:  MADELEINE COLAVITA, Assistant Editor, Grand Central Publishing

Eire Ever After, by Jeanne M. Dickson

Murphy's Secret, by Becke Turner

Season Pass, by LS Rhoades

Welcome Home, Katie Gallagher, by Seana Kelly*

SPECIALIZED (Alternate Earth, Dystopian, Fantasy, Futuristic, Paranormal, Time Travel)

Final Round Editor:  KRISTINE SWARTZ, Assistant Editor, Berkley Publishing Group

Beneath Us, by Michelle Joyce Bond

Rain Goddess, by Amanda Byrd

Rolf's Quest, by Aubrey Wynne

Sanctuary, by Seana Kelly*

YOUNG ADULT 

Final Round Editor:  ALICE JERMAN, Assistant Editor, HarperCollins

Mom I Married a Highlander, by Lana Pattinson

Resistance, by Linda Parisi

Soren's Resistance, by Christine Gunderson

The True Ones, by Nina Bangs

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GREAT EXPECTATIONS FINALISTS!

Fenley Grant

Great Expectations Contest Coordinator

GECoordinator@NTRWA.org

NTRWAGreatExpectations.blogspot.com

www.NTRWA.org