Romance Writers of America

Overview

Romance Writers of America (RWA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 by a group including Vivian Stephens and Rita Clay Estrada. The organization's primary purpose is to promote excellence in romantic fiction and provide support and networking opportunities for romance writers. Initially incorporated as a literary society on March 13, 1981, RWA has grown to become one of the largest genre-focused writing groups globally, with over 9,500 members at its peak.

History

RWA was established in response to the lack of professional networking opportunities for romance writers in the United States. The organization was also driven by the desire to promote American romance writers, as the genre had been dominated by British authors and publishers. The first formal meeting of RWA took place in Houston, Texas, in 1980, with thirty-seven charter members. By the end of that year, the organization had expanded significantly.

In 1981, RWA held its first annual conference in the Woodlands, Texas, marking the beginning of a tradition that continues to this day. These conferences serve as a platform for writers, editors, agents, booksellers, and librarians to gather, share knowledge, and network. RWA's conferences also feature educational workshops and sessions where authors can pitch their works to industry professionals.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Romance Writers of America is to advance the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers. This is achieved through networking opportunities, advocacy, and increasing public awareness of the romance genre. RWA also supports academic research on romance literature, offering an annual research grant to encourage scholarly studies in the field.

The organization operates several committees and programs, including the Published Authors Network (PAN), which provides specialized support for published authors. Additionally, RWA confers various awards to recognize excellence within the romance genre, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award and the RITA Award, which was previously given for outstanding romance novels but is no longer offered.

Controversies and Challenges

RWA has faced significant challenges, particularly regarding issues of diversity and inclusion. In recent years, the organization has experienced internal conflicts and public controversies, including protests and resignations over perceived racial exclusions and mishandled diversity initiatives. A notable incident involved the suspension of author Courtney Milan after she criticized a book for racist content, leading to widespread criticism and mass resignations.

As a result of these controversies, RWA's membership declined sharply. By 2024, the organization reported having only about 2,000 members, down from over 10,000 at its peak, and faced financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, RWA continues to advocate for romance writers and maintain some of its programs and chapters across the United States.

Legacy and Impact

Romance Writers of America has played a pivotal role in shaping the romance genre. It provided a professional platform for thousands of writers, improved publishing contracts, and advocated against copyright infringement and unfair industry practices. Additionally, RWA has contributed to the development of academic research in popular romance studies through its grants and support for academic discourse.

Despite its current challenges, RWA remains a significant entity in the romance writing community, symbolizing the power of collective action and advocacy for writers within a specific genre.