2022 Stiletto Contest

Announcing the 2022 Stiletto Contest

The Stiletto Contest celebrates and recognizes excellence in the contemporary romance genre for published and unpublished novels. The Contemporary Romance Writers Chapter focuses on the contemporary romance genre and the Stiletto Contest upholds the chapter goal of bringing awareness to the best work by authors and writers in contemporary romance. 

  • Submissions open: March 5, 2022
  • Submissions close: April 8, 2022
  • Winners announced: July 9, 2022

Unpublished Division Final Round Judges include:

  • Lydia Sharp (editor, Entangled Publishing)
  • Stacy Abrams (editor, Entangled Publishing)
  • Eva Scalzo (agent, Speilburg Literary)
  • Ann Rose (agent, Prospect Literary)
  • Saint Gibson (agent, Speilburg Literary)
  • Jennifer Herrington (associate agent, Harvey Klinger)
  • Nicole Resciniti (agent, Seymour Agency)
  • Tera Cuskaden (editor, Crazy Maple Studio)
  • Julie Gwin (agent, Seymour Agency)
  • Rachel Gilmer (editor, Sourcebbooks)
  • Mary Baker (editorial assistant, Penguin Random House)
  • Kate Marope (editor, Carina Press)

The Entry Categories for the Published and Unpublished Divisions are:

  • Contemporary Short (20,000 to 50,000 words)
  • Contemporary Mid-Length (50,000 to 80,000 words)
  • Contemporary Long (over 80,000 words)
  • Contemporary Young Adult / New Adult
  • Contemporary Women’s Fiction / Chick-Lit 
  • Contemporary Speculative / Paranormal 
  • Contemporary Romantic Suspense
  • Contemporary Erotica

Anti-Discrimination Policy

The Stiletto Contest does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, or religion. We expect the same from our judges and entrants with a zero tolerance policy. 

Any questions should be directed to contest@contemporaryromance.org

Enter the Stiletto Contest

Judge the Stiletto Contest