RITA Category Descriptions and Judging Guidelines
For the purposes of the RITA Contest:
A “Novella” is a work of fictional narrative prose in the romance genre of 20,000–40,000 words as determined by computer word count. Novella entries with word counts less than 20,000 or more than 40,000 will be disqualified.
A “Novel” is a work of fictional narrative prose in the romance genre of at least 40,000 words as determined by computer word count. Novel entries with word counts less than 40,000 will be disqualified.
“Series” is defined as those books issued under a common imprint/series name that are usually numbered sequentially and released at regular intervals, usually monthly, with the same number of releases each time.
All categories may have varying levels of sensuality, ranging from sweet to extremely hot.
Category Descriptions and Judging Guidelines
Contemporary Series Romance
Series romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship.
Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure
Series romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship but may have more complex suspense or adventure subplots.
Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Contemporary Single Title Romance
Romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship, released as individual titles, not as part of a series.
Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Historical Romance
Romance novels set in any time period prior to 1945, and taking place in any location.
Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Inspirational Romance
Romance novels in which religious or spiritual beliefs (in the context of any religion or spiritual belief system) are a major part of the romantic relationship.
Judging guidelines: In this category, religious or spiritual beliefs (in the context of any religion or spiritual belief system) are blended with and form a significant part of the love story, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
A work of fiction in which a romance plays a significant part in the story, but other themes or elements take the plot beyond the traditional romance boundaries.
Judging guidelines: Novels of any tone or style, set in any place or time are eligible for this category. A romance must be an integral part of the plot or subplot, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Paranormal Romance
Romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world or paranormal happenings are an integral part of the plot.
Judging guidelines: In this category, a futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal element is blended with the love story, which is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Regency Historical Romance
Romance novels in which the majority of the story is set against the Regency period of the British Empire.
Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Romance Novella
Novellas that focus primarily on the romantic relationship.
Judging guidelines: In this category, a love story is the main focus, and the ending is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. Typically, the word count is 20,000–40,000 words.
Romantic Suspense
Romance novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.
Judging guidelines: In this category, a suspense/mystery/thriller plot is blended with a love story, which is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Young Adult Romance
Novels with a strong romantic theme geared toward young adult readers.
Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is an important element of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
Best First Book
A full-length book entered in any of the other contest categories. To be eligible, the author (or authors in the case of a writing team) shall not have had any other novel or novella previously published in any format.
