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 2027.

If you already have an account on this website – perhaps because you have entered an Award yourself, or judged previously for us – please log in and then click the “Manage your Judging preferences” button on the main menu.

If you are an 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 an RNA member, you're welcome to join using any email address.

Email Address

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Your Name

What is your relationship to Romance novels?

Please tell us your favourite sub-genre of romance, and one or two of your favourite books.

Please read this description of the types of romance fiction included in each category, and opt into those in which you read widely.

IMPORTANT: Award entrants may also apply to be Book Judges, but may only judge categories in which they have not entered any books. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the disqualification of their book(s) from the Awards.

Tick here to confirm you have read and accept the policy above

Categories in RNA RONAs 2027:

   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 Romance Bestseller Award
   The Contemporary Fade-to-Black Romance Award
   The Contemporary Spicy Award
   The Contemporary Romantic Women’s Fiction Award
   Joan Hessayon Award 2027

Please select any potential triggers that you would wish to avoid:

   Serious illness / hospitals
   Pregnancy / baby loss
   Addiction
   Disordered Eating
   Death/grief
   Animal cruelty / death
   Politics
   Open-door spice
   War / Violence
   Abuse

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 confirm that I will keep which books I have scored, and all scores I’ve given, confidential beyond the RNA’s Awards system and team.

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.