2007 EPPIES FAQs    

EPPIES Frequently Asked Questions

NEW! Changes this year! Please read FAQ for more information!

• Content Restrictions for the EPPIE
• Story Length for entering EPPIE
• EPPIE Definition of "Published Story"
• Deleted Categories: Anthology and Thriller
• Added Categories: Erotica and GLBT
• Category Split: Erotic Romance with Paranormal to Erotic Romance Fantasy/Paranormal and Erotic Romance Science Fiction/Futuristic
• Category Split: Erotic Romance without Paranormal to Erotic Romance Historical and Erotic Romance Contemp/Suspense/Mystery
• Renamed Category: Inspirational/Christian/New Age/Metaphysical to Inspirational Fiction
• New Guidelines for Romance and Erotic Romance Categories
• Statues, Medallions and Certificates...Who Gets What?
• Taking Novellas out of Anthologies No Longer Allowed

There are a lot of changes this year. Please, make sure to read the entire FAQ before entering the EPPIE this year!

When, Where, What, How Much?:

Q: What is the eligibility dates for the 2007 EPPIES?

A: All eBooks released between October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006 inclusive are eligible for the 2007 EPPIE awards (to be awarded at the 2007 Epicon Conference).

Likewise all covers for eBooks released between October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006 inclusive are eligible for the 2007 ARIANA and QUASAR awards.

Q: What are the entry fees this year?

A: Entry fees are the same as last year.

The EPPIES are $20.00 per book for EPIC members and $30.00 per book for non-EPIC members.

ARIANA/QUASAR cover entries are $5.00 for each entry.

Q: When will the contest open?

A: The contest will open for entries on September 1, 2006 and run through October 7, 2006 Midnight EST.

Content and Laws:

Q: I notice that you've added some content rules. Can you be specific about them?

A: Absolutely! EPIC is an American Corporation, bound by American laws in several jurisdictions. For that reason, the following subjects will not be permitted to be entered in the EPPIE: literature that contains pedophilia, bestiality, necrophilia, snuff or scat play as an acceptable sexual practice. EPIC has an obligation to protect the corporation, the EPPIE contest and the judges of that contest. The only way to do that is to add these warnings to our contest rules.

Q: I write a fantasy world where some of those things are common. How does this apply to me?

A: Fantasy, paranormal and science fiction have some leeway in certain aspects. For instance, an alien/magical creature that is sentient but doesn't appear human would not be considered bestiality. The test would be whether the creature-character was sentient, fairly intelligent and willing. Likewise, an alien/magical race that doesn't age as humans do might well be adult at younger than 18 years (as some existing fantasy books have done), but in addition to the tests above for bestiality, one would expect that the creature-character would appear and act adult. I don't believe there is any way to justify necrophilia, snuff or scat play; just assume there are no exceptions to those rules. Since Vampires are the "walking dead:" sentient, aware, capable of choosing to have sex, we will assume it doesn't fall under the category of necrophilia.

Q: But, there is classic literature that contains these things. What about X?

A: Okay, we could use a dozen examples here. Many of them were written before the current laws were enacted. However, we're dealing with books put out in the current times, which means we have to look at the current laws. There is a huge difference between a character who has something like this in his/her background and a glorified handling of it in the timeline of the book. We are well aware that pedophiles exist. We won't stop an author from entering a book exploring the subject of pedophilia and its aftermath in a caring manner, in any category of fiction or nonfiction. Authors should warn us properly, at the time the book is entered, so we can find willing judges to tackle such a sensitive subject.

HOWEVER, if a book depicts acts of pedophilia graphically, as a positive, fulfilling, legitimate act of sexual expression, that book is contraband. Possessing such material (slang name 'kiddie porn') is illegal under US laws. We cannot, therefore, have it on the EPIC server or on the computers of EPPIE judges. This is non-negotiable.

Story length and published works:

Q: How long does a story have to be to compete in the EPPIE? I've heard as high as 40,000 words and as low as 10,000. Which is right?

A: Your friend who said 10,000 is right on this one. To enter in the EPPIE, a story must be at least 10,000 words long and it must stand alone as a unit of its own. If the story depends on back-story included in other books, the judges are going to mark down heavily for it.

Q: What constitutes a published book or published work for the purpose of EPPIE?

A: Whether self-published, subsidy-published or published with a publisher, a published work is something that is offered FOR SALE and released during the EPPIE year. Stories posted for free on blogs, web sites or even given as a file for free are not considered "published works" for the purpose of the EPPIE contest.

Q: Does the length requirement apply to all categories?

A: With the exception of Children's and Poetry, yes. It's expected that these books may, in fact, be shorter than 10,000 words in length.

Anthologies:

Q: I notice that you've done away with the anthology category. Where do my anthologies go now?

A: Anthologies should be entered in the genre they fit into. For instance, a grouping of science fiction stories would be entered in science fiction category. Please remember to enter the names of ALL anthology authors in the block provided for them.

Q: What about the novellas? We used to be able to take novellas out of the whole and enter them in the genre without the rest of the anthology.

A: Sorry, but that's no longer allowed. For one thing, your novella would be competing against your anthology as a whole. For another, the novella wasn't released as a stand-alone unit in the contest year, if it was released in the anthology. All entries are required to be entered "as they sell." If entries cannot be edited for galley errors, they cannot be ripped apart to take the strongest portions and leave the rest. By that reckoning, taking the novella from the whole of the offered package isn't appropriate. The one time this would not be true is in the remote possibility that both the novella alone and the novella within the anthology in question were released in e-book in the same contest year. In that case, since the novella was released as a stand-alone unit, it would be eligible to compete the same year the anthology competes. Yes, you'd be competing against yourself, but considering the fact that the other authors, publisher or editor might choose to enter the anthology as a whole, it would not be appropriate to strip the rights of the author to enter his/her own novella in the year it released, just because it was also released that year in the anthology.

Q: Who may enter an anthology?

A: An anthology may be entered by the publisher, editor, or any of the writers whose work is part of the anthology. Naturally, if the work is by a single author, that author may enter the work. Please, see statues, medallions and certificates for more information on how the awards system works for anthology entries.

Q: I have a collection of eclectic stories without a central genre or a genre that isn't listed, like Humor. How do I enter that?

A: Such a book would be entered as Mainstream, just as a multi-genre book that doesn't fit well into a single genre is often entered in Mainstream.

Statues, medallions and certificates:

Q: Someone told me that you've done away with multiple statues. I've co-authored a book. Surely, we'll both get statues? There's precedent for that.

A: Yes, there certainly is precedent for it! Your friend has given you half-information. Let me break down the particulars for you.

A book or anthology written by a single author receives a single statue for the author.

A book that is co-authored by two authors will receive two trophies, one for each author. Please, note that a co-authored book is one that is a single, cohesive storyline with no visible breaks to separate the author's portions. It is not a two-person anthology with individual stories.

An anthology written by less than 9 authors will receive one trophy. This trophy will be awarded to the editor. If the publisher and editor are one and the same, the trophy will be given to the publisher/editor. If there are co-editors, the statue will go to the publisher; there will never be more than one statue awarded for an anthology. The authors will receive medallions and accompanying certificates for their win.

An anthology written by 9 or more authors will receive one trophy, by the same design as the anthology by less than 9 authors. The authors will receive embossed certificates of their win.

The medallions and statues for Quasar/Ariana/Dirk remain the same as they have always been. For those new to the awards, the Dirk winners get certificates. The category winners get medallions, and the final winner gets a statue. In the case of a co-designed cover winning the final round, both artists would receive a statue, just as both authors of a co-authored book would receive a statue.

NEW IN 2007! Publishers will receive certificates for their finalists and winners. The publisher puts a lot of work into getting a book out for sale. An author does not get there alone, unless it's a self-published work. For this reason, the EPPIE will now be recognizing the publisher for their work on the finaling/winning book.

Thriller:

Q: I notice that thriller is also a deleted category. Where would my thriller go now?

A: Thriller is, by definition, a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Is that feeling based on a horror story, an action/adventure story, or does it cross genres and find its way to Mainstream? Only the author can decide that.

Re-released books, books with a new publisher:

Q: My book was originally published by XXX Publishing prior to Oct 1, 200X. I pulled the book from that publisher and contracted it to a new publisher. It was just released by them last month. Would it be eligible for this contest?

A: If a book has been re-released during the eligibility period, it is eligible if it has not been entered in the EPPIES in a previous year.

Q: A book I wish to enter was once published by XXX within the proper time frame for the contest. However, I am no longer with XXX and the book will be released by another publisher, but probably not before the specified time period. Is it eligible for entry?

A: Yes. However, if the book is entered in this year's contest, it may not be entered in subsequent years when it would be eligible based on the new publisher's release. If there will be major changes to the book, you may want to reconsider entering it this year.

Q: My book was released this year and is really quite different from when another publisher published it in 200X. Does the rule mean I can't enter this book in the contest, even though it is actually a different book?

A: A book may be entered once in the EPPIES. If it has been entered before, even though it may have been extensively edited, it may not be entered again. However, if it has never been entered before, it may be entered based on the release date from the new publisher.

Books in several volumes:

Q: I have a single book that was split into two volumes for length considerations. Can I enter it as a single book, or do I have to enter both pieces separately, though they cannot stand alone?

A: As long as both volumes were released within the EPPIE period, you may enter them as a unit. If they were not, you can only enter the portion released this year.

EPPIE judging:

Q: How is the contest judged?

A: EPPIE is judged in two rounds by volunteers from the ranks of EPIC, all of whom are either published authors or publishing professionals. Judging assignments are made on the basis of judges' preferences and experience (as writers or readers of a particular category). First round judges score books by evaluating the works on the basis of criteria established by the committee. Scores are totaled by the contest coordinator and the entries earning the highest scores are named finalists. The EPPIE endeavors to have a minimum of 10% of entered books final, except where the scores would indicate just less than 10% final or many more than 10% would based on a single quarter-point variation or when there are few entries in the category and 10% would be less than 2-3 finalists.

The second round consists of a panel of judges reading all the finalists and ranking the works. The coordinator combines the rankings and the work earning the highest ranking is the winner. In case of a tie, duplicate trophies are awarded.

Categories:

Q: May a book be entered in more than one category?

A: No. You must choose the stronger category. In the case of a cross-genre book, the judges typically give the benefit of the doubt and don't mark down for the incorrect category, unless your book is grossly mis-categorized. Please note that erotica, erotic romance and romance cross-genres should be placed in the correct category, as per the guidelines.

Q: My book crosses categories. How should I enter it?

A: It is up to you to find the fit that is best for your book. If you have a mystery with a ghost, you will have to decide if the ghost is window dressing for the mystery or the mystery secondary to the ghost. The alternative for books that cross many genre lines is to place it in Mainstream/Single Title, but that should be used as a last resort. Placing a book in a category where it clearly does not belong will mean losing 3 points of your score, so choose carefully, especially when placing a book in a straight genre vs. romance or placing it in romance vs. erotic romance. Please, read ALL category descriptions before choosing the right one for your book, and ask the coordinator for clarification, if any wording confuses you or seems counter to itself.

Q: I'm having a hard time figuring out what category to place my book in. Can you describe the categories for me?

A: Sure. See below.

1. Action/Adventure: Think Ian Fleming. Action/Adventure books are based on the pure adrenaline rush of pursuit and dispensation of justice.



2. Children/YA Children's contains books for younger children: Picture books: For children ten years old and younger in which the illustrations are an integral a part of the story, fiction or non-fiction, intended to be read aloud to children, or for children to read to themselves. Novel/Chapter books: fictional or fictionalized story for children ten years old or younger. While the novel may be illustrated, the story should be carried by the text.
   
   Young Adult are books for ages 10+: A fictional or fictionalized story that is written for older children or teens and is 20,000 words (80 pages) or longer in length. While the novel may be illustrated, the story should be carried by the text.



3. Contemporary Romance: A story that takes one central, monogamous, romantic relationship between a man and woman from its inception to its happy, satisfying conclusion. Contemporary Romance is, by definition, set in the world of today (or within the last few decades) and is based on the relationship between the characters without any strong cross-genre of paranormal, mystery, suspense, etc. that would place it into another category. Please note that erotic romance entered in the non-erotic categories (erotica or erotic romance categories) are subject to a 3 point reduction for incorrect category placement. Please read the erotic category requirements carefully.



4. Erotica: Erotica is sex for sex's sake, not necessarily with thought to repercussions or demands. The principals do not have to be in a relationship, in fact may not even know each other. There is no requirement for a romantic involvement. The story centers on the sexual growth, exploration or experimentation of the principals, complete with whatever genre backdrop is provided. It can be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or any combination thereof. The sexual descriptions are frank, and the language may be as well. Extreme sexual exploits may be included.



5. Erotic Romance Contemp/Suspense/Mystery: Erotic romance follows the basic tenants of genre romance but MAY include any of the following: frank language, explicit sex (above Blaze-level sex), frequent sex of any heat level, sex between more than two people in a single scene (committed grouping or not), BDSM, or a single character having sex with multiple partners at different parts of the book (unless the situation is one where the character has moved from one committed relationship to another during the course of the book, which can still be romance). The story must leave the feeling that good things are happening for the couple/poly-group after we close the book. It just have a romantic relationship at the center of the story, regardless of the other things happening in the book. Please enter GLBT-CENTRAL erotic romance in the GLBT category, though scenes thereof as part of an erotic mix and ménage or poly couplings are better suited to the erotic categories.
   
   Neither genre should come from the thought that sexual experiences are dirty or bad, but that they are positive and beautiful fulfilling something that is needed by the characters.
   
   This category would include cross-genre books that are contemporary, mystery, or suspense in nature. They are set in the world as we know it without paranormal or spec fic basis.



6. Erotic Romance Historical Fiction These books follow the same sexual rules of the category above but are for books that have a historical setting to them. Entries should include accurate period details and generally be set at least fifty years in the past, although sometimes twenty-five to thirty years in the past will be acceptable if the entire story is set in the past. They may or may not be set against actual historical events or places or include actual people of the period.



7. Erotic Romance Fantasy/Paranormal: These books follow the same sexual rules of the erotic romance categories above but are for books that have a paranormal or fantasy setting to them. These books are either not set in the world as we know it or set there with characters that are clearly not "normal humans." These books may include magic, time travel not of mechanical means, magical creatures, psi powers, or any similar plot or character point that would set it apart from the "real world."



8. Erotic Romance Science Fiction/Futuristic: These books follow the same sexual rules of the erotic romance categories above but are for books that have a science fiction or futuristic setting to them. These books are either not set in the world as we know it or set there with characters that are clearly not "normal humans." These books may include science, space travel, time travel of mechanical means, alien creatures, psi powers, or any similar plot or character point that would set it apart from the "real world."



9. Fantasy: Any story in which magic and/or creatures or happenings not found in the real world and not scientific in nature are integral to the plot throughout the novel. Stories with a strong, realized romantic plot should be placed in Fantasy/Paranormal Romance. Likewise, books with a strong erotic romance or erotic plot should be placed in erotic fantasy.



10. Fantasy/Paranormal Romance: Any book that takes one central, monogamous, romantic relationship between a man and woman from its inception to its happy, satisfying conclusion and contains paranormal or fantasy (time travel of a magical means, magical/supernatural creatures, alternate worlds, magic, ESP, ghosts, etc.) elements as key plot devices or characters. The romance should be more than window dressing and be resolved by the end of the book. Books that contain both science and magic should be placed in the category where the strongest elements belong. Please note that erotic romance entered in the non-erotic categories are subject to a 3 point reduction for incorrect category placement. Please read the erotic category requirements carefully.



11. GLBT This category will be for fiction books with a strong GLBT involvement. This includes Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender-central books, where the focus of the book is on the characters falling into these groupings and their goals or trials as per the associated genre. Whether your book is genre fiction, romance or erotic romance, it is welcome to compete in this category if it has a GLBT-central style. GLBT-central books of an erotica nature may be entered in erotica category. Please, pick the best fit for your book.



12. Historical and Western: Entries in the historical category should include accurate period details and generally be set at least fifty years in the past, although sometimes twenty-five to thirty years in the past will be acceptable if the entire story is set in the past. They may or may not be set against actual historical events or places or include actual people of the period. While a historical may have romantic elements, they are generally not the predominant story line. If the central romantic relationship is the most important story feature and there is an emotionally satisfying ending, the book may more appropriately be entered as a historical romance than as a historical novel.
    
    Western is generally accepted to be stories set in the western half of the United States in mid- to late-1800s, although setting can vary to other countries, such as Canada, Mexico, or Australia during those countries' periods of frontier expansion. Typified by action, good prevailing over evil and strong and independent characters. Nature and/or the environment is often an important element. May include elements of action-adventure, romance, and even mystery.



13. Historical Romance: Any book that takes one central, monogamous, romantic relationship between a man and woman from its inception to its happy, satisfying conclusion and is set in the past. Entries should include accurate period details and generally be set at least fifty years in the past, although sometimes twenty-five to thirty years in the past will be acceptable if the entire story is set in the past. They may or may not be set against actual historical events or places or include actual people of the period. These stories may contain a happily ever-after or satisfying ending, and the sensuality may range from mild to sensual. Please note that erotic romance entered in the non-erotic categories are subject to a 3 point reduction for incorrect category placement. Please read the erotic category requirements carefully.



14. Horror: Dark and frightening, ranging from splatter punk to psychological, raising hair on the reader's nape. Though it rarely ends happily, it usually ends satisfyingly, with good, temporarily at least, overcoming evil. Horror romance or horror erotic romance books should be entered in the appropriate romance or erotic category.



15. Inspirational Fiction: Books of mainstream and/or genre literature featuring a strong faith-based viewpoint. Traditionally this category encompasses literature written from a Christian perspective, but other faiths (Wiccan/Pagan, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, et. al.) are certainly welcome as long as the fiction book is rooted firmly in faith.
16. Mystery: Books in which the primary plot is the solution of a crime, usually a mysterious death. Mysteries that contain a strong romance or erotic plot should be entered in the correct romance or erotic category.



17. Nonfiction: General: Includes non-fiction faith studies of any faith, enlightenment, autobiography/ biography.



18. Nonfiction: Self-help: Includes how-to, guide-books.



19. Poetry: Self-explanatory.



20. Romantic Suspense: Any book that takes one central, monogamous, romantic relationship between a man and woman from its inception to its happy, satisfying conclusion, where the romance theme and the suspense/mystery theme are inextricably intertwined. One theme cannot be removed without destroying the story. The love interest adds to/provokes the suspense; the suspense enhances and endangers the romance. Erotic handlings should be entered in Erotica/Erotic Romance Real World category. Please note that erotic romance entered in the non-erotic categories are subject to a 3 point reduction for incorrect category placement. Please read the erotic category requirements carefully.



21. Science Fiction: Science fiction stretches known facts and theories then expands this knowledge in a fictionalized format with settings on this world, in space, or far off planets. If a story works without the science fiction or speculative elements, which are not pivotal to the plot and more like window dressing, that's not true sf. Stories with a strong, realized romantic plot should be placed in Science Fiction Romance. Likewise, books with a strong erotic or erotic romance plot should be placed in erotic science fiction.



22. Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance: A book that takes one central, monogamous, romantic relationship between a man and woman from its inception to its happy, satisfying conclusion and contains science fiction/futuristic (other worlds, space travel, future technology/civilization, time travel of mechanical means, aliens, etc.) elements as key plot devices or characters. The romance should be more than window dressing and be resolved by the end of the book. Books that contain both science and magic should be placed in the category where the strongest elements belong. Please note that erotic romance entered in the non-erotic categories are subject to a 3 point reduction for incorrect category placement. Please read the erotic category requirements carefully.



23. Single Title/Mainstream: A work that is not written to any genre conventions or so crosses genre conventions of several genres as to make itself a fit to none of them in particular. Mixed-bag anthologies that will not fit in a single genre should be entered in Mainstream.