Click on the ‘Q’ in front of the question, to read the answer.
Q.: I thought I saw an entry form to join the celebrity judges. Where is it?
A.: Unfortunately, due to lack of entries, we removed the entry form for web site visitors to compete to become a celebrity judge.
Q.: What's the point of this contest? Is this yet another attempt by Rachelle Chase to procrastinate?
A.: While Rachelle is always on the lookout for a good procrastination technique to avoid writing, this is not one of them. She thought the SEX LOUNGE Finding Derek CONTEST would be a fun way to spread the word about her book. Rather than droning on laboriously as she read excerpts to listeners, wouldn't it be more interesting, fun, and exciting to let Derek do it? And wouldn't it be more fun if everyone got to participate?
As an added bonus, she's hoping that the contest exposes romance books to men and women who may not read them. The romance market has changed drastically since you saw your grandmother with a romance book. Now, they offer something for nearly everyone. There's romantic suspense, paranormal, inspiration, erotic romance - and the list goes on. In fact, romance book sales make up almost 50% of all books sold. And while most of those readers are women, 22% are men (up from 7% mere years ago), according to Romance Writers of America.
Q.: Who can enter your contest to be Derek?
Q.: What does Derek look like?
A.: SEX LOUNGE contains minimal physical description information about Derek. Why? Because readers should form an image of Derek in their minds that's unique to them. What Derek does or says, how he acts, the general impression the reader gets about him as they read the page, all contributes to what Derek "looks" like. That's why any man has the potential to be Derek.
Q.: Do I have to read Rachelle Chase's book, SEX LOUNGE, in order to enter the contest?
A.: No. While you'd have our undying gratitude if you read SEX LOUNGE, it is not a prerequisite for entering the contest.
Q.: But if I don't read SEX LOUNGE, how will I know who Derek is enough to be able to 'be' him?
A.: We're not looking for you to be an identical physical match of the few attributes sprinkled throughout SEX LOUNGE - even if you were, this wouldn't mean you'd be Derek because 'being' Derek is more than just a physical image. So, learn a little bit about Derek
on the web site - or the book, if you have it - to get an idea of the type of man Derek is. Then add your own personality. Make the person looking at your photo, listening to your audio clip, reading your words, or viewing your video believe that YOU are Derek.
Q.: It's Rachelle Chase's book. Why isn't she deciding who the final Derek should be?
A.: As the writer, Rachelle already has an image of Derek in her mind. Now, she wants to see who readers think Derek is. And we're almost willing to bet it'll be totally different than hers. Though at the end of the contest, she might share who best represented Derek to her... :-)
Q.: Are you only looking for hunky, Fabio-types?
A.: No. While hunky, Fabio-types are more than welcome to apply, this is not a requirement. As we stated previously, there is not one physical look for Derek. Each reader forms a different image of a hero in their mind. We'll accept anyone who causes us to drool.
Q.: Can I submit my favorite photo taken from when I played football in college?
A.: No. Not unless you are 21 years old or older and just graduated from college 3 months ago. Only recent photos of contest entrants are allowed.
Q.: Can I send a 5 megabyte photo of me and my buddies?
A.: ‘No” and ‘no.’ Here are the rules for photos:
- While only one photo is required, you may submit a maximum of two photos.
- Photo(s) do(es) NOT have to be professional shots.
- Photo(s) must be of the the man entering.
- Each photo must feature only the man entering (no shots with friends, women, pets, etc.) and must be a single shot of the man entering (no collages).
- Photo(s) must be a current likeness, i.e., photographed hairstyle, body type, general appearance must be the same as exists today.
- Photo(s) must have been taken within the last 3 months
- Photo(s) must be color (no black and white, please)
- Photo(s) must be PG-13 (no nude photos allowed)
- Photo(s) must be a .jpg format and must be no larger than 1 megabyte.
Q.: How do I submit an audio clip of me reading the SEX LOUNGE excerpt?
A.: First, we'd suggest you visit the SEX LOUNGE page for an overview of the book and read the excerpt. Then, once you think you know the type of man Derek is, what he’d say or do and how he’d say it, you’re ready. Simply dial 214-615-6044 x2913 and follow the instructions to record the excerpt there. Introduce yourself by saying, "This is (first name + age)."
First Name + age is your ID Number and is crucial – it is the one you supplied on your entry form – as this is the only way to link your entry form to your audio clip. Don’t forget to record it!
NOTE: THIS WILL BE POSTED ONLINE, thus, if you do not want your identity revealed, use the alias provided on the entry form. Then, read the excerpt as is. Meaning, your recording should contain words, as written - no improvising.
You can re-record your entry as many times as you need to. But once you submit your entry form, your entry is final.
Q.: But the audio is not submitted with the entry form. How will I be able to submit the audio clip?
A.: As stated above, you MUST specify an ID Number on your entry form and you MUST state this ID Number on your audio clip. Your ID Number is your First Name + your age. This is THE way the two are linked together. Your entry is invalid without the audio clip.
Q.: How will the winning Derek be selected?
A.: The same criteria will be used at each stage of judging. Meaning, when Rachelle Chase chooses the weekly Dereks, when site visitors vote for their favorite Derek, and when the celebrity judges pick the winners, the following criteria will be used:
- Appearance: Is there something compelling about you that makes you the embodiment of Derek? Is it your looks? The way you carry yourself? Your smile? The way you dress? Your eyes? Your expression? Or ... ?
- Voice: Are you convincing? Are you sincere? Are you natural? As you read the words, does the listener suspend disbelief and really feel that she's listening to Derek?
- Words (Essay answers): Are your answers heartfelt vs. sounding like pick-up lines?
Q.: Photos, videos - this contest is too expensive to enter!
A.: It shouldn't be! You can submit photos and videos made in the way that's easiest and most cost effective for you - even from your cell phone, if it has that capability. Professional photos and videos are not required. What is required is that you are clearly visible in the photo or video and it meets the previously stated criteria for entry.
Q.: I don't have Internet access. Can I mail my entry?
A.: No, sorry. Unfortunately, we cannot support snail mail entries. Trips to the P.O. Box to retrieve letters, then transferring the information from CD or manually scanning/typing the information, then uploading to the site is too time-consuming. Afterall, Rachelle Chase is supposed to be writing. But don't let that discourage your from entering. Most libraries and Internet cafes offer free Internet access.
Q.: Do I HAVE to submit a video?
A.: No, we've changed the rules. Just in case entrants don't want to submit a video, we've made the video optional.
But keep in mind ...
While a picture tells a thousand words, a video tells ten thousand. Your photo, audio clip, and essay answers give web site visitors and voters a glimpse into you and your Derek-potential, while the video puts it all together to give a more complete picture of you, letting folks really see you and your personality.
Q.: What are the video specifications?
A.:
- Your video must begin with you introducing yourself by stating, "Hi, I'm ("first name") ("Last Name Initial") and I'm reading an excerpt from SEX LOUNGE for the SEX LOUNGE Finding Derek CONTEST." ("first name" and "Last Name Initial" must match the information that appears on your entry form/Finding Derek web site.)
- You must state the words in the excerpt provided, exactly as written and in its entirety.
- You may memorize the excerpt, or read from a screenprint of the excerpt.
- You may add sound effects, music, text, graphics, other video, etc. to your video. However, you must own the copyrights or have written permission to use any items that you add.
- Video must be of you, the the contest entrant.
- Video must be a current likeness, i.e., hairstyle, body type, general appearance must be the same as exists today.
- Video may feature only contest entrant or contest entrant and others.
- If others appear in the video with you, you must obtain written permission for their appearance.
- Video - and any additional images of the contest entrant featured in the video (if any) - must have been created within the contest period.
- Video must be color (no black and white, please).
- Video must be PG-13 (no nudity).
- Video must be posted on YouTube.com.
Q.: If I want to submit a video, how and when do I do it?
A.: Review the details on how to submit your video . But make sure you read the rules, first.
If your audio clip, entry form information, and photos are posted on www.findingderek.com, it is recommended that you begin working on your video clip so that you are not rushing at the last minute. Videos can be submitted at any time, however, the MUST be received by the deadline. Please visit the contest page
for the deadline.
Q.: Can I vote for myself?
A.: Yes. And you can get all your friends, family members, coworkers, and strangers to vote for you, too!
Q.: As Derek, why should I enter the SEX LOUNGE Finding Derek CONTEST?
A.: To have fun, to learn a little more about romance, to be the heartthrob you were always meant to be, to win fabulous prizes, to earn bragging rights with your friends, to show the world your romantic side, to get exposure for you or your business ... those are a few ideas that come to mind. Why do you want to enter the contest? Hmmm. Maybe we should've added that as an essay question ...
Q.: If I'm Derek, shouldn't I be on the cover of SEX LOUNGE?
A.: That'd be nice, but ... the cover has already been created. And, more importantly, we have no control over the SEX LOUNGE cover. The publisher decides which model or photo they want to use, as well as what they want the cover to look like. In fact, many authors have no idea what their covers are going to look like until the final cover flats show up in their mailbox.
Q.: I have additional questions that weren't answered here. How do I get them answered?
A.: Feel free to send your question to Rachelle Chase via the the Contact page
. But please don't send an urgent day-before-the-contest-deadline question (like those Rachelle sends her editor). While we try to respond to emails within a day or two, sometimes takes a bit longer. Quite a bit longer...