Heart & Scroll Contests

Madcap 2009 Rules

Novels eligible for the 2009 Madcap Award must have been first published in 2007 or 2008 (i.e. bear a first printing or copyright date of 2007 or 2008). Entries must fit into one of three categories: Historical, Contemporary Single Title, or Contemporary Series. We reserve the right to put your book in a different category if we feel it doesn't fit the one you indicated. E-books are acceptable, provided they are submitted in hard-copy or printed on paper for contest purposes. Any decision as to whether a book is or is not sufficiently romantic or sufficiently comedic lies with the judges. In other words, if you enter a dark, desperate book that is not remotely humorous, you will not be disqualified, but you should not be surprised if you do not win, either.

Contest Entry

Authors, editors, agents or fans may enter books for consideration for the Madcap Award. The person entering must submit three (3) copies of the book they wish to enter, along with a check or money order for $25 in US funds, made out to Heart & Scroll, and a completed entry form. If an entrant wishes to enter more than one book, s/he must include three (3) copies of each book, and $25 for each entry. One entry form is sufficient. Books will be not returned to the entrant. Heart & Scroll will donate the books to a women's shelter, library, or medical facility.

Contest Deadlines

All entries must be received on or before April 1, 2009. Any books received after the deadline will be returned unjudged, with a portion of the entry fee refunded. (Heart & Scroll reserves the right to deduct a sufficient amount to cover any return mail or packaging charges.) The top three (3) finalists in each category will be announced on or before May 15, 2009.

NOTE: At least 10 entries must be received in each category for the categories to be judged separately and separate first prizes awarded. If fewer than 10 entries in each category are received, categories may be combined at the contest administrator's discretion.

Final Round Judges

Final round judges will make the determination of first, second, and third places in each category. The winners of the 2009 Madcap Awards will be announced in July 2009. Madcap Award trophies (one for each first place winner) and "Mad Hats" will be sent to the winners.

Contest Guidelines

A book may be entered by anyone, including the author or editor, as long as the appropriate number of copies and all forms are provided. Books will be judged solely on the basis of whether they succeed as romantic comedy in the eyes of individual judges. Heart & Scroll reserves the right to modify its guidelines at any time. No score sheets or critiques will be returned to entrants.

Contact information for Questions For questions and additional information, please email: Madcap@heartandscroll.com or write to:

Madcap Contest
1024 West Taylor Street

Bloomington, IL  61701