Romance Writers of America promotes the interests of career-focused romance writers by sponsoring national contests and awards that acknowledge the best works in romance fiction. RWA sponsors two contests each year:

• The RITA contest is for published romance novels.
• The Golden Heart contest is for unpublished romance novel manuscripts.

RWA also honors individuals for their continual volunteer services to RWA and the romance genre through Service Awards and the Emma Merritt Award for continued service.

Awards are given annually to one special bookseller, librarian, and industry professional who demonstrate notable support of romance authors and the romance genre. These special honorees love of the romance genre helps promote the continued success of the romance-fiction market.

RWA invites you to visit all these special award winner pages.