Have you been thinking about entering your novel into the RITA awards? Have you been waffling because you’re crunched for time? Let me remind you that the deadline is fast approaching (Dec. 1!) and regardless of how little spare time you have, this is a contest you don’t want to miss.
Why? Because I can tell you first-hand the power of a RITA nomination. It can land you in Hollywood.
I just closed a major motion picture option deal for my author Kelly Parra because of the double RITA-nomination for her young adult novel GRAFFITI GIRL. Yep, you heard that right. My author didn’t even win this year’s 2008 RITA but she’s winning in a whole different way (although she was very sad not to take home that beautiful statue).
This past July, several movie producers decided to check out Romance Writers Of America’s National Conference. Obviously, they gave special attention to any work nominated for the prestigious RITA award. Several weeks later, this producer got in touch with us. One call to my film co-agent and a week later, we had spanking new film option. This in turn is generating new excitement by foreign publishers in Frankfurt (as I write this).
All a year-plus after initial publication of the novel. And to top off the good news, Kelly’s new novel INVISIBLE TOUCH is releasing this month and this film interest is igniting excitement for her second novel. In fact, you should check out her cyber launch on The Secret Fates Blog.
So let me ask this question again. Have you been thinking about entering your novel into the RITAs?
Why are you waiting? Hop to it.
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I considered entering my first novel in the RITAs, but there’s no category for erotica, and you really can’t call THE DUCHESS, HER MAID, THE GROOM AND THEIR LOVER anything else.
A lot of it also has to do with an agent who’s on the ball and proactive on their client’s part. Kelly’s lucky to have you.
Congrats!
Wow! Congrats to Kelly Parra. That’s awesome. And yes, I entered my books in the RITA.
I just entered the YA category for the second year in a row. I did not final last year, but was jumping-up-and-down excited when Kelly did, not once but twice. (She and I have been critique partners for 6 fantastic years). The option clause and foreign rights interest are the cherry on top! I’m so very proud of her accomplishments and all this attention that her book so rightfully deserves.
Barb, yes, Kristin is an awesome agent!
Carolyn, thank you! It was great meeting you this summer at conference!
Thanks Tina! Your support is always wonderful and I’m very proud of your accomplishments too!
Kristin, I’m interested in how you weigh in on the Golden Heart as a contest. Is it as prestigious among industry professionals as the Rita?
Congrats to you and Kelly Parra for landing the Hollywood deal!
Many congratulations to Kelly. I thought about entering the Rita’s but it’s very expensive, especially as I’m in the UK and right now I don’t think I can justify the expense.