• A digital graphic promoting Ripping Start, a program by Romance Writers of Australia. The design features an illustrated brown hardcover book with gold detailing, resting on aged parchment paper with a quill pen beside it. The Romance Writers of Australia logo is positioned in the top left corner, with elegant typography and a stylised pen flourish. Below the illustration, the title "Ripping Start" is displayed in bold serif font, with a note underneath stating "RWAus Members Only!"
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Romance Writers Australia

Ripping Start

Ripping Start

$30.00 AUD
$30.00 AUD
Sale Sold out
Tax included.

Eligibility RWAus Aspiring, Emerging and Established members only.

2027 Contest Coming Soon

The Ripping Start Contest gives writers the opportunity to show off a great hook and opening scene of a story.

Entries Open: Wednesday, February 17th 2027 at 9am AEST

Entires Close: Friday, March 12th 2027 at 5pm AEST

Eligibility: RWAus Aspiring members and Emerging and Established members only.

Entry: The first 1,500 word of a manuscript. Entries are to be uploaded via an online form once payment is received. The top 6 entries will proceed to a second round, judged by an industry professional who will determine final placings. Winners will be announced at the RWAus Gala Dinner at the annual conference in August 2026.

Each entry will be scored against a number of criteria including (but not limited to):
- spelling, grammar and punctuation 
- how quickly readers become immersed in the story
- writing technique (pacing, dialogue, characterisation and description)
- reader enjoyability

Entry Fee: $30 per entry. A maximum of two entries are permitted per entrant.

Terms and Conditions

Updated Contest Formatting Sample

Opens:

Closes:

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