First Year of Contest
The National Excellence in Romance Cover Contest details in an instance.
The inaugural cover publication period is Jan 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2024.
Here’s the schedule for the 2024 NERCC.
- Jun 15 – Jul 31 – Spread the word far and wide the NERCC is coming
- Aug 1 – Aug 31 – Cover entries will be accepted for NERCC
- Sep 15 – Sep 30 – First round judging occurs
- Oct 15 – Finalists are announced, one in each of the five categories
- Oct 15 – Oct 31 – Second round judging occurs
- Nov 15 – 2024 NERCC winner is announced
Plan now. The 2025 NERCC cover publication period will be Aug 1, 2024 – Jul 31, 2025.
The 2024 winner will be announced in the November 15th edition of the FCRW Reader & Author Gazette. If you haven’t already, here’s the link to subscribe: http://eepurl.com/h4bwkn. We appreciate you making this First Coast Romance Writers, FCRW, fundraiser cover contest a success.
What will the entry give me? Each entry will display the cover, author name, book buy link, cover designer name, and designer’s website link on the FCRW special webpage dedicated to this contest.
When does it start? Entry begins August 1st.
Who is eligible? Romance book covers published in the United States between Jan 1, 2015, and July 31, 2024, are eligible.
Why should I enter my cover? To increase discoverability and find new readers by entering the National Excellence in Romance Cover Contest.
How is it judged? Readers of romance novels will do the judging.
What does it cost? $10 per entry. Enter as many covers as you have published in the contest period.
About the NERCC contest:
There are five categories:
- Contemporary
- Historical
- Suspense/Mystery/Adventure
- Speculative (paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi
- All Other Romance Genres
Prizes for NERCC finalists and winners
- Finalist Prize: $25 and NERCC Finalist Logo
- Winner Prize: $75 and NERCC Winner Logo
Contest Rules Important Note: AI-generated covers are not eligible. Authors must own or have a license to use art and photos.