How it All Works:

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So you want to win the $1000 cash prize for the 2023 HFC Grand Prize Best Book-of-the-Year?

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We offer 12 awards categories. You can submit to one category, or multiple categories. Entry fee is per category.

• Select genre.

• Then, select category.

• Award badges are given for first, second, and third place in each category.

• ONE Grand Prize winner is chosen from the first place category winners.

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Eligibility

• Novels may be Pre-published Manuscripts, ARCs, Self-published, Indie Published, or Traditionally Published.

• E-pub accepted.

• All published novels must have ISBN/ASIN designation, manuscripts are not required to have this designation at the time of submission.

• Entries must be in the English language.

• No erotica.

• We accept all works, no matter the year of publication.

• Novels must be 50,000 plus words. No maximum word count (we like big books and we cannot lie!)

• For works that are less than 50,000 words, please use the NOVELLA category.

• You may enter in more than one category. However, each entry must be accompanied by the entry fee.

• You may enter more than one novel into a given contest.

• Default winners will not be declared. Contests are based on merit and writing craft.

• Digital Files must be submitted in MOBI, EPUB, or PDF.

• Audiobook submission must submit a PDF on the submission form and then a CODE via our company email, referencing your entry form submission.

• Fees and Digital files must be received before midnight on the day of the deadline.

• Please read our Terms and Conditions.

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Each work entered will be judged on the following criteria:

• Compelling storyline

• Editing and Formatting

• Character Development

• Continuity

• Satisfying Ending (happy or sad)

• First Line and Paragraph Hook

• Uniqueness

• Writing Craft

• Story Arc

Each work submitted will make its way through our rounds of competitions.

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Editorial Review plus Contest Entry; and Contest Only Entry Submissions judging:

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All books submitted for an editorial review are read in full by HFC reviewers and given a star rating for the contest.

Semi-Finalists announced on December 21st of contest year.

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FINALIST Winners are determined from Semi-Finalists and announced on December 31st of contest year. Finalist Badges awarded to all who make this round, with the exception of the top four. Top four award winners in each category will be notified and awarded badges in Honorable Mention, Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

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Overall Competition between the GOLD CATEGORY WINNERS to determine the Grand Prize "Book of the Year" winner.

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The OVERALL GRAND PRIZE "Book of the Year" WINNER is chosen from the Gold category winners.

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The 2023 Overall Best Book winner will receive $ 1000 plus prizes and promotion.

Gold, Silver and Bronze category winners will receive prizes according to the list at the bottom of this page.