At TARA's discretion, only the scoresheets that determine the scores will be returned to the entrant. The top 5 finalists in each category are determined based on an average of the judges' scores. To be considered a finalist, an entry must have a minimum average score of at least 40 points. If there are no averages scores of 40 or above in a particular category, TARA reserves the right to select no finalists in that category. If a finalist doesn't return a revised manuscript by the deadline, the fourth copy from the original entry will be submitted to the final-round judge.
All finalists receive certificates.
Winners are announced in the Romance Writers Report. Approximate date of winner notification is September 15, 2001.