Romantic Suspense – Romance manuscripts in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.

Anything that isn’t able to be done…time travel, special super powers, alien worlds, creatures that don’t exist.

Paranormal Romance – Romance manuscripts in which the future, a fantasy world, science fiction or paranormal elements are a key part of the plot.

These novels may be set in the context of any religious or spiritual belief system of any culture. Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements – Novels in which religious or spiritual beliefs are an inherent part of the love story, character growth, and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the storyline.Historical Romance – Romance manuscripts set in any historical time period.Erotic Romance – Romance manuscripts in which the strong, often explicit, sexual interaction is an inherent part of the love story, character growth, and relationship development and could NOT be removed without damaging the storyline.Contemporary Romance – Romance manuscripts that focus primarily on the romantic relationship and have a contemporary setting.All entries should have an emotionally satisfying and optimistic resolution to the romance. Please note that categories may have varying heat levels. Manuscripts entered in the wrong category may be disqualified. Please review the category definitions carefully. Receive a full critique with track changes to your submitted entry from an unbiased judge.Updated rules, categories, and score sheets.In keeping with the ever-changing publishing industry, IGO will offer two (2) acquiring editor judges for each category finalists - one (1) traditional print and one (1) e-pub when possible.Twenty finalists received requests from our fabulous editor judges to see their full manuscripts over the last five years!

Many past winners have successfully gone on to catch an editor’s eye and/or final and win in RWA’s Golden Heart Contest.

Dead Sound by Anise Eden