Judge Training – Single Title
Single Title Romance
THE SCORE SHEET ~ ALL SPECIFIC SECTIONS
~Some of the explanations are the same for general questions which require some expected knowledge of the sub-genre. If you require a more in-depth definition of the genre…please send an email for additional information. Additional resources are being posted this week.
~For your convenience we’ve included a description of the Single Title category as described on our FINAL EDITORS page.
*SINGLE TITLE ROMANCE*
Romantic novels released as individual titles. An example is the 2017 RWA RITA winner: Miracle on 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan
SPECIFIC TO THE SINGLE TITLE CATEGORY
Possible 20 point total to award, 5 points per question
| SINGLE TITLE CATEGORY | |
| Does the author build a sustainable plot that includes a romance essential to the story? (The potential of a romance should be shown in the entry.) | |
| Does the author capture the pacing of a single title romance with additional characters or plot twists? | |
| Are the secondary characters necessary, interesting, and believable? | |
| Do the secondary characters have a believable subplot that will add to the main plot but not over-shadow the main plot? | |
| Comments: |
Breaking Down the Questions
Does the author build a sustainable plot that includes a romance essential to the story? (The potential of a romance should be shown in the entry.)
With the additional word count available to Single Title romances, one of the two protagonists may not be introduced. If this is the case, is there a hint or chance that the plot allows for a romance? We don’t want to deduct points based on 5,000 words (or the lack of a synopsis). Keeping in mind that you are also a reader of romance, trust your instincts and experience. You’ll know if there is a potential for romance even if it’s not mentioned in the first 5,000 words.
Does the author capture the pacing of a single title romance with additional characters or plot twists?
Sometimes a single title begins with a single character. This question is all on the reader. Is there potential to carry an entire 80,000 word book. Here’s a simple rule: if the plot problem can be resolved with a conversation… it needs more complexity. Did the author provide it? Hint at it? Is the story different?
Are the secondary characters necessary, interesting, and believable?
As with any length and any sub-genre of romance, the secondary characters must have a purpose in the scene. A second character in the room is the perfect way to give the reader information without the POV character just thinking about it. Dialogue is always better (in my humble opinion). But be careful the character doesn’t begin an info-dump. If this seems the case, will this suggestion help? Example: the author may try a mental note that the secondary character is talking a lot or have the discussion with the secondary character. In other words, draw all the characters into the scene and make it necessary to forward the plot.
Do the secondary characters have a believable subplot that will add to the main plot but not over-shadow the main plot?
Without the aid of a manuscript synopsis, again, this question has to be decided by the potential in the first 5,000 words. Don’t be afraid to use your instincts. If you deduct points, please let the contestant know why. Your impressions of their story is part of the reason they entered our contest.
If you have specific questions regarding this section or any entry, please contact [email protected].
~ ~ ~
Most of the opinions on judging and interpreting the questions’ intent are my own words. I’ve been in the business over 15 years and have spoken to many authors, gathering information. A lot of the time when a question is asked, I go to authors who publish in that genre for advice. Please use your own expertise and experience, but keep our humble interpretations in mind.
~Thanks, Angi Morgan
Contributions and edits by Fenley Grant