The Daphne writing contest

ATTENTION: UNPUBLISHED MYSTERY/SUSPENSE & ROMANTIC SUSPENSE AUTHORS

The Kiss of Death Chapter's 2007 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense is rapidly approaching, and although the body count is adding up, there's still room for yours!

Look what New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan has to say about the Daphne …

"In 2003, I finaled in the Single Title Daphne and came in second. While I didn't sell that book, the editor and agent comments were invaluable in helping me figure out my writing strengths and weaknesses. As a result, the next year I found an agent and sold THE PREY to Ballantine." -- Allison Brennan, author of SPEAK NO EVIL, out
now!!!

So pull those manuscripts out of the crypt and send them post haste. Why? Because the deadline is March 15, 2007.

What happens if you don't? It frightens us to say. The Daphne has enlisted the help of some acquiring editors and agents as final round judges who rarely judge contests.

You'll miss not only the opportunity to get your entry in front of these industry professionals; you'll miss feedback from four trained judges (the lowest score dropped); you'll miss the chance to be recognized at Kiss of Death's fabulous Death by Chocolate at RWA® National in Dallas; and all for the unheard contest fee of: $15 for KOD members; $25 for non members.

So exactly who might these mysterious final round judges be? Take out your spy glass and have a look:

Category (Series) Romantic Mystery/Suspense
Agent: Pamela Strickler, Pamela Strickler Author Management
Editor: Patience Smith, Silhouette Intimate Moments

Historical Romantic Mystery/Suspense
Agent: Stephanie Kip Rostan, Levine Greenberg
Editor: Hilary Sares, Kensington Books

Inspirational Romantic Mystery/Suspense
Agent: Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary Agency
Editor: Melissa Endlich, Harlequin/Steeple Hill Books

Paranormal/Time Travel Futuristic Romantic Mystery/Suspense
Agent: Miriam Kriss, Irene Goodman Literary Agency
Editor: Lauren McKenna, Pocket Books

Single Title Romantic Mystery/Suspense
Agent: Kimberly Whalen, Trident Media Group
Editor: Charlotte Herscher, Ballantine Books

Mainstream Mystery/Suspense (Note: Romance Optional)
Agent: Christina Hogrebe, Jane Rotrosen Agency
Editor: Linda McFall, MIRA Books

Still wondering about the STIFF competition? Suspicious types, feel free to contact the Daphne Committee by way of bellson@comcast.net with any questions or check out www.rwamysterysuspense.org.