Romance Writers of America

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[edit] Romance Writers of America, Inc

A not-for-profit organization of all people seriously pursuing the writing and sale of romance fiction, especially romance novels. Seriousness is determined by the writer: no criteria of sales is required. Membership includes the monthly newsletter on markets and trends, reduced fees to the contests held by the national organization and the chapters, availability of health and dental insurance plans, matching with critique partners, access the workshops, etc. Memberships is $100 a year in 2005.

They hold the annual RITA awards for excellence in published romance writing, and the Golden Heart awards for excellence in romances not yet published. A Golden Heart award frequently leads to publication, though.

Chapters are of two sorts: geographical and special interest. Geographical chapters meet live at some central location. Some states have one, some have several. Membership in a local chapter is usually an additional $15. Local chapters are excellent for beginning writers looking for live workshops and lessons, and those wanting face-to-face contact with others in the business.

Special interest chapters have blossomed online. For $15 above the national membership, you can connect with other writers of subgenre romances all over the country: historical romance (and subsubgenres like Regency romance) paranormal romance, romantic suspense, etc. This is especially valuable for setting up crit partners, as a writer of humorous contemporary romances is not going to be able to help you as much as possible with an epic fantasy romance, say.