Romance novel contest enters finals

For those whose Labor Day weekend plans aren't already gridlocked with beach visits, bike rides, and barbecues, Gather.com suggests putting a little romance reading on your downtime to-do list.

Gather.com, a Boston-based social media website for adults, is sponsoring a talent competition to find aspiring romance novelists, and it said it received "299 eligible manuscripts" during the contest's entry period.

Starting today and running through Oct. 8, votes can be cast for your favorite novel at http://www.romancenovel.gather.com, the firm said.

The grand prize winner of the competition will receive a guaranteed publishing contract with the Pocket Books imprint of Simon & Schuster, along with a $5,000 advance, and distribution at Borders Group Inc. book stores and at other book retailers, Gather.com said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)