Romance Writers of America Incorporated

Overview

The Romance Writers of America Incorporated (RWA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1980 by Vivian L. Stephens, a pioneering Black editor in the publishing industry, aimed to advance the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers. The organization was established to provide support and advocacy for romance writers, who were often marginalized and underappreciated in the literary community at the time.

History

At its inception, RWA quickly became a powerful voice in the publishing industry. It grew to a peak membership of nearly 10,000 authors worldwide in the mid-2010s. During its successful years, RWA:

• Improved Contracts: Fought for better contract terms for authors.
• Industry Advocacy: Engaged in copyright battles and advocated against practices like plagiarism.
• Publisher Audits: Conducted audits to ensure transparency in payments to authors.
• Community Building: Provided a supportive network for isolated writers, facilitating mentorship and industry knowledge sharing.

Challenges and Decline

Despite its achievements, RWA faced significant internal challenges, particularly concerning diversity and inclusion. The organization struggled to adequately represent and support authors of color. A pivotal moment came in 2018 with the social media campaign #RitaSoWhite, highlighting racial disparities within the group's prestigious RITA Awards. Although efforts were made to address these criticisms, including the first wins by Black authors in 2019, a controversy involving diversity advocate Courtney Milan led to a massive exodus of members.

By 2024, RWA's membership had plummeted by 80%, with just 2,000 members remaining. The financial strain became unbearable, prompting the organization to file for bankruptcy due to unpaid debts, including approximately $3 million owed to hotels for future conferences.

Current Status

As of 2024, RWA continues to operate, albeit on a reduced scale. It maintains programs for local chapters and is developing new awards programs. Despite its current turmoil, RWA has historically played a vital role in advancing the recognition and rights of romance writers, and its legacy continues to influence the genre.

Alternatives and Future

With RWA facing significant challenges, many writers have turned to other organizations, such as the Authors Guild, which saw a significant increase in membership following RWA's decline. The future of RWA remains uncertain, with possibilities including a full rebuild, a smaller, localized presence, or continued diminishment in favor of other literary collectives.