Industry Awards Shortlist Announced

We’re delighted to announce the shortlist for the RNA’s Industry Awards 2017. Winners will be announced at our Winter Party on Wednesday 15^th November. The awards honour media and publishing professionals whose work supports and champions romantic fiction.

Last Year's Industry Award Winners, with RNA officers Nicola Cornick & Eileen Ramsay

A very big thank you to all those members who sent in nominations for each of the six categories, including our new category Librarian of the Year, which reflects the RNA’s recognition of the important work that librarians do in supporting the romantic fiction genre and the Association in particular.

And here are the shortlisted nominees:

Librarian of the Year

For a librarian who embraces the genre and proactively supports and works with authors.

Shirley Everall – Audience Development Officer, Hertfordshire Libraries

Rachel Gee – Tiverton Library

Romantic Bookseller of the Year

Awarded to a bookseller who has been recognised by RNA members for promoting and championing romantic fiction in a positive and proactive way throughout the year.

Goldsboro Books, David Headley and team

Kearan Ramful, Book Buyer, Sainsbury’s plc

Best Adaption of a Romantic Novel

For the best adaptation of a romantic novel, whether for stage, screen (TV or movie) or radio, having been broadcast/screened at any time and for any duration from September 2016 through to the end of September 2017.

Debbie Horsfield – Poldark Series 3 (BBC TV)

Whit Stillman & Jane Austen (based on Jane Austen’s Novella) – Love and Friendship (Film 2016)

Media Star of the Year

For a journalist, blogger, PR, TV or radio presenter – in fact anyone in the media who has helped raise the profile of romance writing and/or the RNA in a positive way.

Linda Hill

Kaisha Holloway

Agent of the Year

For a literary agent who has striven to support, mentor, nurture and promote their authors’ careers, the genre in general and the RNA in particular.

Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency

Rebecca Ritchie, AM Heath Agency

Publisher of the Year

For a publisher who embraces the genre, mentors writers to produce their best work, and is innovative, creative and visionary in the marketing and promotion of Romantic Fiction on every level.

Charlotte Ledger, HarperImpulse

DC Thomson

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year...

It takes a special RNA member to not only enjoy our party but to go home and write about it for our blog. Thank you, Nikki Moore for your words and images.

If there is one thing I look forward to attending every year just before Christmas, it’s the RNA Winter Party - and this one didn’t disappoint. There may have been gusts of wind shaking the trees outside, but inside the Royal Overseas League it was warm, lively and fun. The wine flowed and everyone chatted, laughed and caught up with friends old and new while staff circulated with delightful tasty mini-canapés.

Welcome!

What made this Winter Party even better were the first Industry Awards superbly presented by Adrienne Vaughan, accompanied by glasses of champagne generously paid for by our lovely RNA President Katie Fforde (we thank you Katie!)

The runner-up for Bookseller of the Year was Michael Cole, who sadly couldn’t attend but whose bookshop always has a corner dedicated to romantic fiction. The winner was the marvellous Matt Bates of WH Smith Travel. What a great day Wednesday was for him! Giving a very touching speech about his long love affair with romantic fiction, he praised the RNA for their dedication, solidarity and passion and gave special thanks to Jenny Haddon and his mum.

Best Adaptation of a Novel runner-up Jamie Patterson (who directed Cally Taylor’s Home for Christmas) gave a witty, sincere speech and explained how he fell in love with his leading lady. The winner of the award was Debbie Horsfield for her adaptation of the Poldark series. Sadly she couldn’t be there due to ill health but her vibrant dialogue and feisty heroines received praise as well as rousing applause (and cheers for the gorgeous Aidan, star of the series).

The Romaniacs

Radio Gorgeous, champions of the romantic fiction genre and a station who regularly feature the RNA and its authors, were runners up for the Media Star award. However, it was a very special moment when the wonderful, hard working ladies of The Romaniacs were presented with the winning trophy. Described as a ‘Tour de Force’ they looked delighted with their win – and well deserved too.

Katie Fforde made the exciting announcement that next year the Romance Novel of The Year award in the RoNAs will be

New sponsor

sponsored by bookshop Goldsboro Books.  So thank you to them for getting on board and providing sponsorship.

Tracy & Elaine

A massive thank you and recognition has to go to Sally Quilford/Tracy Hartshorn who organised the party so brilliantly and tirelessly (truly something to be proud of) who was assisted by Elaine Everest on the door.

There wasn’t a single person I spoke to on Wednesday – be it author, agent or editor – who wasn’t having a great time. As I walked to the tube with aching feet from standing for hours on end and a sore throat from too much chatter, the only thought in my head was I can’t wait for the next RNA party...

I hope you can join us!

Thank you, Nikki, for your wonderful words. We too can't wait until the next RNA event. 

Would you like to write for the RNA blog? Contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com