Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Industry
Awards
highlight publishing talent
16th November
2016. The
Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) in its second Industry Awards has
recognised those people who have made a significant contribution in 2016 to the
success and sales of romantic fiction. This year a further two awards were
added, bringing the total to five, presented in front of an audience of romance
writers, publishers and agents at a ceremony in London.
New award Agent of the Year recognised the late
Carole Blake, of Blake Friedmann, whose sudden
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| Hattie Grunewald and Juliet Pickering |
death in October stunned her
many friends and colleagues in the publishing industry. Described as ‘a
hard-working professional’, with ‘an immense sense of fun’, Carole was widely respected
for her knowledge of the industry and loyalty to her clients, many who became
close friends, and on whose behalf she worked tirelessly.
The RNA’s Deputy Chairman
Nicola Cornick presented the trophy to Carole’s colleagues Hattie Grünewald and
Juliet Pickering. Hattie Grünewald said “Carole was
delighted to have been shortlisted for the Agent of the Year Award and would
have been thrilled and honoured to have won. Carole was a keen supporter of the
RNA over many years, and this award is a worthy acknowledgement for all she achieved
for Romantic Fiction, and a lovely tribute to one of the best agents in the
business.”
Lizzy Kremer, Director and
Head of the Books Department for David Higham Associates, was runner-up
for the prize.
Bookseller
of the Year Award went
to Goldsboro Books’ Managing Director, David Headley, whose Romance in the
Court event earlier in the year provided a tremendous opportunity for authors,
agents, publishers and readers to meet and celebrate their shared love of
romantic fiction.
Runner-up
for the award was Blackwell’s Bookshops, Lancaster University Branch.
The Media Star was
presented to Kim Nash, Publicity and Social Media Manager at Bookouture, for
her extensive and creative promotion of Bookouture titles.
Runner-up for the Media
Star award was Jo Good, presenter on BBC Radio London.
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| Sheila Crowley |
Best
Adaptation of a Novel was awarded to Jojo Moyes for the film Me Before You, which she adapted from her
own novel of the same name.
Runners-up were Diana Gabaldon and Ronald D. Moore for Outlander, a television series based on
Diana Gabaldon’s enormously popular timeslip novels.
The final award of the evening, for Publisher of the Year, was won by Oliver Rhodes, Managing Director and Publisher, Bookouture,
for his vision, drive and passion.
Kimberley Young, Publisher at HarperFiction, was runner
up for the Publisher of the Year.
Commenting on the awards, Eileen Ramsay, Chairman of the Romantic
Novelists’ Association, said, “It's wonderful to
see talent and hard work being recognised. The record number of
nominations submitted this year shows how RNA members have truly
 |
RNA Vice Chair Nicola Cornick (left) and Chairman Eileen Ramsay
(right) with award winners, Oliver Rhodes (Bookouture), Kim Nash (Bookouture),
Daniel Gedeon and Emily Glenister (Goldsboro Books) |
embraced
the Industry Awards, and how keen they are to acknowledge those who
support romantic fiction at every stage.”
For further information please contact:
About the Romantic
Novelists' Association
The RNA was formed in 1960 to promote romantic
fiction and encourage good writing and now represents more than 850 writers,
agents, editors and other publishing professionals.
Agent of the Year (new
award)
Winner:
Carole Blake, agent and co-founder of Blake Friedmann Literary Agency
Runner Up: Lizzy Kremer, Director and
Head of the Books Department, David Higham Associates
Bookseller of the Year
Winner: Goldsboro Books, David Headley, Managing Director
Runner-up:
Blackwell’s Bookshop, Lancaster University
Media Star of the
Year
Winner: Kim Nash, Publicity and Social Media Manager, Bookouture
Runner-up: Jo
Good, Presenter, BBC Radio London
Best Adaptation
of a Romantic Novel
Winner: Jojo Moyes for Me Before You
Runner-up: Diana
Gabaldon and Ronald D. Moore for Outlander
Publisher of the
Year (new award)
Winner: Oliver
Rhodes, Managing Director and
Publisher, Bookouture
Runner-up: Kimberley
Young, Publisher, HarperFiction
