The FHLRCA is open to all writers, members of FHLCW and non-members, who are published in Christian fiction. Books entered in the FHLRCA must be written from a Christian worldview. There should be no profanity, graphic sex, gratuitous violence or other objectionable material not accepted by the standards of Christian fiction.
Entries must have a 2023 copyright date, except in the instance where the book released in 2023, but had a copyright of 2022 (In this case, you must contact the Contest Chair to inquire about submitting a letter from the publisher.)
Novels/novellas entered shall be romances or stories with romantic elements told from a Christian worldview. All entries must be submitted in print form: 4 autographed, standard bound copies with cover art and a copyright page for each entry. An author may submit as many entries as desired; however, each must have a 2023 copyright. In order to maintain the professionalism of the FHLRCA, all entrants are required to enter new, unread copies of their books to be sent to the reader judges.
As defined in the FHLCW bylaws, the purpose of Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers is to promote excellence in romantic and women’s fiction that glorifies God and promotes biblical principles; to provide continuing support for writers within the publishing industry; and to preserve a spirit of unity within FHLCW.
For the purposes of our contests, FHLCW defines “Christian fiction” as follows: Stories written by writers whose worldview, influenced by their faith in the God of the Bible, is woven into the fabric of the book or manuscript. Entries in FHLCW’s contest should not include inappropriate or gratuitous demonstration of sin, whether in language (profanity), violence, or sexual situations.
Any work of fiction entered in the FHLRCA that does not follow these guidelines will be automatically disqualified and the entry fee will be forfeited.
Categories:
- Short Contemporary (40,000-75,000 words) Christian fiction where the love story is the main focus of the novel.
- Long Contemporary (more than 75,000 words) Christian fiction where the love story is the main focus of the novel.
- Short Historical (40,000-75,000) Christian novels or sagas set in an historical time period in which the love story is the main focus of the novel.
- Long Historical (more than 75,000) Christian novels or sagas set in an historical time period in which the love story is the main focus of the novel.
- Romantic Suspense (over 40,000 words) Christian fiction where a suspense plot is blended with a love story.
- Women’s Fiction (over 40,000 words) Christian fiction not belonging in another category that contains a strong romantic element, such that one or more romances contained in the story form an integral part of the story’s structure, but in which other themes or stories may also be significantly developed. The romantic elements, while not the primary focus of the story, should be an integral and dynamic part of the plot or subplot.
- Novella (15,000 to 40,000 words) Short pieces of Christian fiction that have a strong romantic theme throughout.
- Sweet Romance (over 40,000 words) A sweet romance written from a Christian worldview as mentioned above. An overt faith message is not necessary to the story.
- Speculative (over 40,000 words) Stories with an element of romance set in a fantastical world. This can include but is not limited to fantasy, sci-fi, alternate universe, etc. These books must be written from a Christian worldview as described above, but may or may not have an overt faith message.
Entry Fee: $25 for FHLCW members, and $35 for non-members per entry. Entry fees must be paid on the internet using PayPal.
After entry fee is received, you will be notified where to submit four (4) autographed copies of your inspirational romance/novella. Books entered must have a year 2023 copyright date, first printing date, or first North American printing date. All books entered will be donated as a gift to the judge/readers.
Judges: Readers of Christian fiction nationwide and a few international readers.
Scores: Entrant shall understand and agree that scores returned by the judges are final. The judges score according to a score sheet given to them along with the books they are judging. The average of the scores are used to determine the outcome of the award in each category. Scores will not be returned to the entrant.
Prizes: Finalists in all categories will receive certificates. The winner in each category will receive an engraved box. Winners will be announced following the FHLCW AGM (Annual General Meeting) during an online presentation.
Deadline: Entries must be received no later than March 1, 2024. Books must be received by March 15, 2024. You will be notified by e-mail where to send your books, depending on which category you enter.
We recommend mailing books first class or priority mail. Media mail is very unreliable.
Submission: Each entry must include the following:
- Entry form (fully completed)— The contest is now closed for entries.
- Entry fee
Entrants will receive information on where to mail their books after submission of form and fee.
Please direct any questions to the Contest Coordinator