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Become a Reader Judge for the RNA

Use the form below to sign up to become a judge for the Romantic Novel of the Year Awards (RoNAs) and the Joan Hessayon Award 2026.

If you are a RNA member (of any type), please ensure that the email address you use for this system is the one registered with your RNA membership account.

If you are NOT a RNA member, you're welcome to join using any email address.

Please pick the categories you would like to judge (tick all that apply)

Categories in Joan Hessayon 2026:

   The Joan Hessayon Award

Categories in RNA Awards 2026:

   Debut Romance Novel Award
   Romantasy/Romantic Fantasy Award
   The Romantic Thriller Award
   The Festive/ Holiday Romance Novel Award
   The Shorter Romance Novel Award
   The Saga Romance Award
   The Historical Romance Award
   The Romantic Comedy Award
   The Contemporary Romance Novel Award
   The Contemporary Spicy Romance Novel Award
   The Romance Bestseller Award

Note: the Joan Hessayon Award is for debut writers who have graduated from the RNA's New Writer's Scheme. These books can be any romantic sub genre.

Terms and Conditions for Judges:
  • Conflict of loyalty and scoring: Books will be judged impartially and objectively, and I will not score any book where I have any conflict of loyalty regarding the book, its content, and/ or the author.
  • I will try and read the book in the four week timeframe and supply scores.
  • I understand that my scores are subject to cross-checking and triangulation. Any anomalies identified may lead to my disqualification as a judge and the nullification of my scores.
  • In the event of DNF ( did not finish) a book, please contact the Judge Liaison admin as soon as possible at awardsadmin@romanticwriters.co.uk.
  • Books are provided for individual judging use only and must NOT be shared or used to train AI.
  I agree to the Terms and Conditions for judges
  I agree to be added to the RNA database of judges, and I understand I can opt-out later if I no longer wish to participate
  I agree to be contacted by the RNA regarding other opportunities and news for romance readers

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The Awards are organised by the Romantic Novelists' Association. Please see our Privacy Statement. Website by MN Digital Media.