DEADLINE:  JANUARY 25, 2008

Beginning writers can strive for years to catch the attention of an editor or publisher. The Lighthouse Book Awards Competition, sponsored by the Northeast region of the Florida Writers Association, will place the top three entries in each category in the hands of legitimate acquisition editors working for major publishing houses. This could be the Big Break you’ve been looking for.

Contest Rules: Open to all writers whose entry has not been contracted/published with any publisher. This includes self-published work.

1. Fees: $35 per entry
   • Multiple entries are allowed
   • Fee will not be refunded in the event of disqualification or withdrawal
   • DO NOT SEND CASH

Make checks payable to: Florida Writers Association

2. Categories:

·         Mysteries/Suspense/Thrillers

·         Fiction-General

·         Young Adult

·         Science Fiction/Fantasy

It is the author's responsibility to enter the work in the correct category.

3. Submissions
   • Submit three (3) copies of the first twenty-five pages of the manuscript and three (3) copies of a one-page synopsis along with your entry form(s), check, and a USPS Priority Mail SASE for return of your two reviewing judge's comments
   • Finalists will be announced at the FWA conference at the Players Senior Community Center in Ponte Vedra Library on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
   • Please note that the contest is limited to unpublished manuscripts only. This includes any form of self-publishing.
   • Send submissions to:

Lighthouse Book Awards

13245 Atlantic Blvd.

Suite 4-407

Jacksonville, FL 32225

4. Judging
   • First round judges will follow a standard evaluation form and are encouraged to write their comments on the forms and on the manuscripts.
   • Two of the submitted manuscripts will be evaluated by different judges, the third sent on to the final judge if you are one of the three finalists per category.
   • The top three (3) scored entries in each category will advance to the final round.
5. Manuscript Guidelines
   • 1-inch margins
   • Double-spaced
   • White paper only
   • 12 point font (Courier or Times New Roman)
   • One line header on each page: Title & Category on left side, page number on the right side
   • Contestant’s name MUST NOT appear on any of the pages, including title page of the manuscript and synopsis. Failure to follow this guideline will lead to an automatic disqualification.
   • Bind manuscript with a binder clip or large paper clip. Do not staple or bind in any other way.
6. Deadline
   • Entries must be postmarked by Friday, January 25, 2008.
   • Entries postmarked after this date will be ruled ineligible by the competition judges and returned to sender.
   • Entries arriving with Postage Due will be discarded.
   • Finalists will be announced at the Conference on Saturday, May 17.
   • Send entries by U.S. Mail or UPS.
7. Awards
   • While this competition creates an opportunity for the finalists in each category to have their work placed before a legitimate acquisitions editor, each qualifying entry is rewarded with written evaluation comments from the two preliminary judges who will read your work.
   • All finalists will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
   • Each 1^st place winner will receive free entry to next year’s NE Florida conference.
8. Checklist
   • Signed & dated entry form.
   • Payment (one check may be submitted for multiple entries – please indicate this on entry form).
   • Include a USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate envelope with adequate postage. (STAMPS only) for return of score sheet and entry. No metered, FedEx, or UPS returns accepted. No score sheet/entry will be returned without SASE.
   • Mark the SASE with the title and category of the entry. Please don’t send cash or money orders for postage.
   • Multiple entries may be submitted in one envelope, but a separate entry form is required for each different entry.
   • Optional – SAS postcard if you wish to be notified of receipt of your entry.

For entry form contact Vic DiGenti at:  vicdig@comcast.net