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HOLT Medallion Contest History The HOLT
Medallion Award was named for VRW's first elected president, Cynthia
Holt, and serves as the acronym for Honoring Outstanding Literary Talent. In the early 1990s, there
were several contests available to unpublished romance writers, but
only a few recognizing the achievements of published writers in romantic
fiction. The HOLT has been awarded annually since 1995. Medallions are awarded to
the authors whose books are selected by a panel of romance readers as
the best in each of twelve categories. Cast in pewter by a Virginia
artisan, the medallion features a Dogwood blossom, the Virginia state
flower, framed in a laurel wreath, the traditional emblem of victory.
The flower rests on the pages of an open book representing the fiction
we love to read and write. Above the wreath, a heart signifies the romance
genre, and beneath it, a scroll with the inscription "HOLT." What makes the HOLT unique
is our purpose of reflecting the actual marketplace. Judging panels
are comprised only of avid romance readers who participate with enthusiasm
and sincerity. They're looking for a good read, a book they would buy
and an author they would follow. Their judging decisions reflect these
inclinations. No editors, agents or writers are eligible to judge. Eligible titles are romance
novels, or novels with a strong element of romance, with a copyright
date within the year preceding the competition (i.e., for the 2008 contest,
books must have a 2007 copyright). The twelve categories in which authors may enter are:
Winners and Awards of Merit recipients are announced at the Virginia Romance Writers' May meeting (check the website for specific dates). Results are published in RWR and Romantic Times magazine. In addition to the medallion (winners only), the winner and finalists receive a certificate.
Next Contest VRW will accept entries for the 2010 Holt Medallion contest from December 1, 2009 to January 9, 2010. |
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Updated Jan. 13, 2009
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