Molly and Aspen Gold Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have a manuscript I’d like to enter, but I haven’t finished the book yet. Must the book be completed to enter?

A. There is no requirement that a manuscript be completed before it is entered in the Molly. However, our past winners and finalists have frequently been asked to send the complete manuscript to the editor judge. So, just in case, keep working on that manuscript after you enter so you can be ready to send it the complete in.

Q. In the country where I live, 81/2 X 11 paper is not the standard business paper used. Instead, we have a size called A4, which is slightly larger than that Americans use. May I use the paper I am able to obtain locally?

A. Yes, if you live in a country where A4, rather than 81/2 X 11 is the standard, go ahead and use that for your entry. We’ll let our judges know.

Q. I can’t decide which of my manuscripts to enter. May I enter more than one?

A. Absolutely. You may enter as many manuscripts as you wish, in as many categories. However, you may not enter the same manuscript in more than one category. You must send a separate entry form, mailing label, and the entry fee for each entry. You may write a single check to pay for all entries, provided those entries are within a single category and are sent the coordinator all together. If your enter more than one category, you must send the entries to their respective category coordinator, and write separate checks for the entry fee.

Q. I am published in novel length romance, but the publisher is not yet one of those recognized by RWA. May I enter the Molly?

A. Only persons who have not published a novel length romance in the three years preceding the entry deadline are eligible for the Molly, regardless of RWA recognition of the publisher. However, if your romance novel was published in 2003, it is eligible for our contest for published authors, the Aspen Gold, regardless of RWA recognition of the publisher.

Q. I have a young adult (or a regency, or an inspirational, etc.) manuscript. May I enter it in the Molly?

A. While there is no separate category for Young Adult or regency or inspirational, etc., in the Molly, you may enter your manuscript in whichever of the other categories is most suitable. In the header, after the title, you may add the words "Young Adult," "Traditional Romance," “ Inspirational," "Regency" or other designation of a romance genre that could be considered a subgenre of one of the specific categories in the Molly. This will let the judge know that the entry is intended as one of those subgenres. However, the entry will be judged in the category chosen, and no SEPARATE awards will be given for these subgenres.

Q. The Molly rules say that entries must be bound by a "binder clip." What is that?

A. You may see a picture of a binder clip by clicking here.

Aspen Gold Questions

Q. My book is epubbed. May I still enter it in the Aspen Gold?

A. Absolutely. The rules specifically provide for entry of epubbed books. The author must provide the three copies of the ebook in a galley format, as well as providing one copy of the diskette or CD version.

Q. I have an ebook I would like to enter. However, I have had print copies made for review and contests purposes. These print copies are more like print books, and have a cover. May I use this form instead of the galley format listed in the rules?

A. Yes. The galley format listed in the rules is the minimum quality of a print format acceptable, but entrants may choose a more costly means of providing a print format. Our purpose is to provide our judges with a hard copy format that can be read as easily as a print book. Provided your print copy meets that minimum standard, you will meet the requirements. You should, however, also provide a copy of the publisher diskette or CD.

Q. I am published with a publisher not yet recognized by RWA. May I enter my book in the Aspen Gold?

A. Yes! Provided your book meets the other requirements (novel length romance published in 2003), it is eligible to be entered in the Aspen Gold.

Q. I am self-published. Am I qualified to enter the Aspen Gold?

A. Yes, as long as your book has a copyright date of 2003, an ISBN, and meets all other requirements, you may enter it in the Aspen Gold.

General Questions

Q. Is the deadline a postmark or receipt deadline?

A. It is a receipt deadline – please send your materials far enough in advance so they will arrive by May 8, 2004 for The Molly Contest, and so they will arrive by May 8, 2004 for the Aspen Gold Contest. Note, however, that Molly entries postmarked or hand delivered prior to April 17 may take advantage of our early bird entry discount, saving five dollars.