Traditional Contemporary Romance

Romance novels which focus primarily on the romantic relationship of the two main characters.

Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. There may be secondary story lines (drama, coming out, family dynamics, etc.) but the romance is the main story line. These novels take place in the present or very recent past.

Romantic Suspense/Intrigue/Adventure

Novels which focus primarily on the romantic relationship and include complex suspense, intrigue, and/or adventure subplots as an integral part of the plot.
 
Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is a major focus of the novel with complex suspense, intrigue, and/or adventure elements supporting the plot. Not to be confused with the mystery/thriller category (where the main plot line is the mystery or thriller), the culmination of the storylines in these novels achieves an emotionally satisfying romantic storyline as well as resolving issues of suspense, intrigue or adventure.

Historical Romance

For the purpose of the GCLS Literary Awards, a novel classified as ‘Historical’ must meet one of the following criteria. The novel must have been written:

1. at least fifty years after the events described; or
2. by someone who was not alive at the time of those events.

Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, with historical elements supporting the romantic plot.

Paranormal Romance

Romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world, time travel, aliens, vampires or other creatures, or some sort of paranormal happenings are critical to the plot and support the main plot which is clearly that of a love story.

Judging guidelines: In this category, though the love story is the main focus of the novel, futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal elements are blended with the love story.

Mystery/Thriller

Novels in which a mystery, puzzle, or search, particularly in the realm of crime, are central to the main plot. For mysteries, in general there would be sleuth(s) detecting, crime(s) committed, and a resolution to the mystery. Thrillers may include mystery elements as well as suspense, action, and/or searches and chases.

Judging Guidelines: In this category, no love story or personal issues for the main character(s) ever constitute the main plot (though subplots of romance or personal issues may exist). The major focus is on solving crimes, catching criminals, saving the world, and the like. When romance, intrigue, or romantic adventure are major elements that loom larger than the mystery or thriller plot, the book belongs in the Romantic Suspense/Intrigue/Adventure category. Novels that are not primarily mysteries or thrillers but are nominated in this category will be judged accordingly.

Speculative Fiction

Includes Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, and/or Paranormal where the future, a fantasy world, time travel, aliens, or some sort of paranormal happenings occur and constitute a major part of the plot.

Judging Guidelines: In this category, futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal elements are central. Though subplots of romance and drama may exist, the major focus is not on love and romance. When romance is a major element that looms larger than the speculative aspects, the book belongs in the Paranormal Romance category. Novels that are not primarily speculative fiction but are nominated in this category will be judged accordingly.

Lesbian Erotica

Includes Erotic Novels, Anthologies, and Collections that contain a high level of sexual content.

Judging Guidelines: In this category, sex (which may be coupled with romance) is the primary focus.

Dramatic/General Fiction

Includes Drama, Sagas, Coming Out, Coming of Age, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Literary Novels, and all General Fiction.

Judging Guidelines: In this category, the works are about lesbians, but do not focus primarily on romance and/or sex, though those elements are often present.

Anthology (Non-Erotica)

Short Story / Essay / Collections (Non-Erotica)

Poetry

Includes single or multi-author collections of poetry.

Judging Guidelines: In this category, the poems touch primarily upon lesbian issues, experiences and lives.

Debut Author

This category is for authors who have published their first book during the time period covered by this awards cycle. (Academic books and non-lesbian works are not considered for this award, nor does the publication of academic or non-lesbian works disqualify an author from this category.)

Judging Guidelines: In this category, originality and writing skill are taken into consideration.  In the event an author published multiple titles during the nomination period, the FIRST published book must be the one nominated for this category.

ADDITIONAL AWARDS

Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award

This award is voted on by members of the Golden Crown Literary Society. Voting eligibility requires active membership in the Golden Crown Literary Society on the day the voting opens.

There is a $10.00 fee to nominate a book for this award; however, submission of books is NOT required for this category. All the other criteria for nominations are applicable. All nominations will be compiled, and the Membership will vote to narrow the field to a shortlist of eight (8) finalists. The Membership will vote again to determine who actually wins from the Top 8 Finalists.

GCLS Trailblazer Award

This award is for lifetime achievement and is presented each year to a single author in recognition of the contributions made to the field of lesbian literature. To be eligible to win, the author must meet specific criteria. The author must have:

1.

been publishing over a period of at least 10 years;

2.

published a significant body of work; and

3.

written lesbian-themed works that have had a positive impact upon the growth and visibility of the field of Lesbian Literature.

Nominations for the Trailblazer Award are eagerly solicited from any member. This award is chosen by the Executive Director in concert with the GCLS Board of Directors.

GCLS Directors' Award

The GCLS Directors’ Award is presented to a single GCLS member in recognition of contributions made to the Golden Crown Literary Society during the past year and/or to the ongoing mission of the organization over a longer period of time. To be eligible for this award, the nominee must be a GCLS member in good standing.

Nominations for The Directors’ Award are eagerly solicited from any member. This award is chosen by the GCLS Board of Directors.