Romantic Novelists' Association Awards (RoNA Awards)
ろまんてぃっく のべりすと きょうかいしょう（ろなしょう）
Annual award (RoNA Awards) hosted by the UK's Romantic Novelists' Association, targeting romance novels.
Romance novelsFull-length romance (Popular Romantic Fiction)Shorter romantic novelContemporary romanceHistorical romanceRomantic comedyFantasy romantic novelDebut romantic novelRomantic thrillerRomantic sagaFestive / Holiday romanceJoan Hessayon Award for New Writers
- Established
- 1960
- Organizer
- Romantic Novelists' Association
- Category
- Children's Literature, Fairy Tales, and Picture Books
- Selection Method
- Selection
- Target
- Newcomer
- Frequency
- 1 per year
- Application Deadline
- around November
- Announcement Period
- around May
- Status
- Active
Description
Romantic Novelists' Association Awards (aka RoNA Awards) is a British literary prize established in 1960 that honors outstanding romance novels across multiple categories (full-length, short [RoNA Rose], contemporary, historical, comedy, young adult, fantasy/paranormal, debut, etc.). Winners are selected by the association's judging committee, with announcements typically on the official website or at the ceremony.
Prize
- Main Prize
- Award title, trophy or honorific, book promotion, etc. (varies by year and category; no consistent cash prize amount published)
- Trophy / Certificate
- Announcement and exposure on official site and media
- Publishing promotion and sales boost effects
Selection
Selection Process
| Stage | Judges | Pass Rate | Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (Submission) | Entries handled by publishers, authors, RNA members, etc. Works submitted per specified requirements. | — | Entry guidelines on official website |
| Longlist/Shortlist | Long/short lists selected by category judging panels (RNA members, invited judges) | Variable (by category/entry numbers) | Long/short lists announced on association site/SNS |
| Final judging and winner selection (Final judging) | Final panel (RNA judges + guest judges, etc.) | — | Winners announced at ceremony and official site |
Entry (Submission)
Judges
Entries handled by publishers, authors, RNA members, etc. Works submitted per specified requirements.
Announcement
Entry guidelines on official website
Longlist/Shortlist
Judges
Long/short lists selected by category judging panels (RNA members, invited judges)
Pass Rate
Variable (by category/entry numbers)
Announcement
Long/short lists announced on association site/SNS
Final judging and winner selection (Final judging)
Judges
Final panel (RNA judges + guest judges, etc.)
Announcement
Winners announced at ceremony and official site
Criteria
- Writing skill (style, structure)
- Strength and quality of romance elements
- Character depth and emotional persuasiveness
- Originality and narrative appeal
- Category fit (matches entered category criteria)
- Commercial appeal (reader targeting, publishability)
Application Tips
Dos
- Always check official entry rules (category/word count/format)
- Enter the best-matching category (selection is key)
- Proofread/edit manuscript; submit professionally
- Prepare required docs per method (synopsis/blurb etc. for publisher/self-entry)
- Review past winners for criteria/trends
Don''ts
- Don't submit non-compliant (format errors/unproofed)
- Don't misselect category (unsuitable entry)
- No false info (accurate publishing/author details)
- Don't miss deadline
From Judges
- Prioritizes emotional romance conviction (relationships/emotional arcs)
- Clear core romantic elements
- Evaluates pacing/style stability, character depth
- Fidelity to category rules (e.g., short vs. full-length)
Related Awards
- RoNA Rose Award (Love Story of the Year / Short romance category)
- Other UK literary awards (women's prizes, novel awards, etc.)
- Publisher newcomer programs or romance imprint open calls
Official Resources
https://romanticnovelistsassociation.org/awardsPast Winners
No winner
Sheila Walsh
Winner
Eva Ibbotson
Winner
Joanna Trollope
Winner
Katharine Gordon
Special Award
Peter O'Donnell
Winner