Eight contenders have been announced for the RNA Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers. The award is for authors whose novels have gone through the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme and are subsequently accepted for publication.

Established in 1962, the New Writers’ Scheme provides support to unpublished romantic fiction authors. Manuscripts are submitted for assessment and are critiqued by published authors.

Sponsored by Dr. David Hessayon OBE in honour of his late wife, Joan, who was a longstanding Romantic Novelists’ Association member and supporter of its New Writers’ Scheme, the award showcases the variety of debut novels within the romantic fiction genre.

This year's contenders include a novel set in fifteenth century Florence, a steamy romance about second chances, and a story whose heroine has a disability.

The novels are judged by a panel of published authors from the RNA and publishing industry professionals. Previous winners include Jo Thomas, Charlotte Betts, Lorna Cook and Suzie Hull.

Melissa Oliver, the RNA Joan Hessayon Award organiser (and winner of the award in 2020), commented, 'Many congratulations to the 2023 contenders of the prestigious RNA Joan Hessayon Award. The wide array of authors who have graduated from the brilliant New Writers' Scheme and have secured publishing contracts this year is not only a testament to the success of the scheme but also to the enduring appeal of the romance genre. Well done to all of you.’

RNA Chair, Jean Fullerton, added, ‘Congratulations to all of the 2023 contenders for the RNA Joan Hessayon Award for graduates of the most excellent New Writers’ Scheme. Once again, the judges have the almost impossible task of picking a winner due to the quality of the books.’

The winner of the award will be announced during the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s annual conference Gala Dinner, which is being held at Imperial College, London on Saturday 12th August 2023.

The contenders for 2023 are as follows:

Dark Sanctuary, Sarah Callejo

Love You From A-Z, Linda Corbett

Always By Your Side, Julie Haworth

Last First Kiss, Stella Holt

Their Wildest Safari Dream, Suzanne Merchant

The Rose of Florence, Angela M Sims

Let's Just Be Friends, Katy Turner

This Child of Mine, Emma-Claire Wilson

About The Romantic Novelists' Association

The Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) is a professional body primarily for writers of romantic fiction. Founded in 1960 to provide a voice for romance authors and to be a network for writers, it continues to raise the prestige of romantic fiction and encourage romantic authorship. Their 900+ membership includes writers across the spectrum of commercial and women's fiction, along with publishing industry professionals, booksellers, and book reviewers. In addition to organising annual publishing awards, they also host a range of workshops, talks, networking events, a three-day annual conference, and provide support to unpublished authors through their New Writers' Scheme.

More information about the Romantic Novelists’ Association can be found on their website: https://romanticnovelistsassociation.org