Sponsored by Dragonblade Publishing, The “Write Track” (formerly “The Write Stuff”) Competition is an annual quest to find great talent and reward excellence. Both new and established authors are encouraged to participate for a grand prize of $1,000 and a publishing contract with Dragonblade Publishing.

What are we looking for?

Historical Romance!

Historical Romance is defined as any type of romantic story taking place from World War II and earlier. Dragonblade Publishing is a boutique publisher, meaning we specialize in Historical Romance and we’re always looking for fresh, new voices and unique stories.

But this isn’t just ‘any’ writing contest. The top six finalists will have an opportunity to participate in a novella bundle, published by Dragonblade Publishing. That means that even if you don’t place in the top four, you will still have the opportunity to publish a novella with Dragonblade. The cross-promotion value is limitless with one of your stories published and sold on major platforms, all with the backing and marketing power of Dragonblade Publishing.

• Are you a published author looking for a little extra exposure? Then, this is for you.

• Are you a new author looking to start your career? Then, this is for you.

• Are you a published author in one genre looking to gain a foothold in Historical Romance? Then, this is for you.

We’re looking for fresh voices, experienced voices, all voices. Authors writing M/F, M/M, F/F stories are all encouraged to enter.

Prizes:

• Grand prize: $1,000 signing bonus and the potential to publish with Dragonblade Publishing. Featured interview on Dragonblade Publishing’s Website and headliner for novella Dragonblade collection.

• 1^st Runner Up: $500 prize and the potential to publish with Dragonblade Publishing. Featured interview on Dragonblade Publishing’s website. Opportunity to publish a novella in a Dragonblade collection.

• 2^nd Runner Up: $100 Prize and interview on Dragonblade Publishing’s Website. Opportunity to publish a novella in a Dragonblade collection.

• 3^rd Runner Up: $50 Prize and an announcement on Dragonblade Publishing’s Website. Opportunity to publish a novella in a Dragonblade collection.

• 4^th Runner Up: Opportunity to publish a novella in a Dragonblade collection.

• 5^th Runner Up: Opportunity to publish a novella in a Dragonblade collection.

• 6^th Runner Up: Opportunity to publish a novella in a Dragonblade collection.

Rules:

• All material must be original, never-before published.

• Must be Historical Romance – Ancient times to World War II, any genre.

• Submission will be the title, synopsis, genre, and the first 50 pages of the manuscript. (double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman)

• Dragonblade doesn’t publish erotica or multiple partner stories.

• All types of romance are welcome – M/F, M/M, F/F, LGBTQIA+

• No rape, illegal, or degrading scenes. No bestiality, pedophilia, enslavement, or incest.

Disclaimers: The top 6 winners must be willing to commit to a publishing contract with Dragonblade as part of their prize package, so please take that into consideration before entering. * Note: Dragonblade contracts run 7 years in duration and are standard in verbiage in accordance with ethical publishing practices. Royalty rates are above standard traditional publishing norms, as we believe a contract must be equitable to both parties. Royalty rates vary by the size of the book – the bigger the book, the better the rate. Author is responsible for writing the book(s), Dragonblade takes care of the rest. The author will not be charged for any expenses incurred by Dragonblade whatsoever, nor will there be any fees. As an ethical publisher, we don’t charge to publish your book. Submitting your manuscript to this contest means you agree, in good faith, to explore any offer of publication, but if no such agreement can be reached, Dragonblade will relinquish any current or future claim.

Authors who do not want to commit to a publishing contract will be disqualified and forfeit all prize awards including cash prizes. Prizes may not be exchanged for cash value. Authors who submit any in the public domain or any other non-original content will be automatically disqualified. Entering the contest guarantees your material is original, free of encumbrances, and has never been published before, in any format. Authors will hold Dragonblade Publishing harmless in the case of non-original, protected, or plagiarized content. Dragonblade Publishing is not responsible for material that was not received. Entering does not guarantee winning or a prize package. Dragonblade Publishing reserves the right to cancel or rescind any offers of publication at their discretion. Dragonblade will not share your material or ideas with anyone other than fellow judges. All submitted material that has not been selected as a prize winner will be deleted/destroyed from our servers. Void where prohibited.

Time Frames:

Submissions begin September 1, 2023

Submissions cut off February 1, 2024

Semifinalists announced April 1, 2024

Finalists announced July 1, 2024