Romance Writers of America^®

RWA^® is a national, non-profit organization of over 9,500 members, founded in 1980 to encourage mutual support among writers of romance. Annual dues are $75 a year, plus $25 new member fee (for a total of $100 for new members). Members are provided with the following benefits, among others:

A monthly professional journal, Romance Writers Report, which gives up-to-date market information, listings of contests and conferences, how-to and technical articles from best-selling authors and experts in the field of women's fiction, and "Bookshelf" listings of members' books.

The RITA Contest for published authors, honoring excellence in writing in various categories on an annual basis, and the Golden Heart Contest for unpublished writers.

National Conference where over a thousand RWA^® members, publishers and agents gather each year in a major city to network and exchange knowledge in workshop and panel forums and in scheduled appointments. Its Autographing For Literacy was one of former President George Bush's "Points of Light."

Published Authors Network to address the needs of RWA^®'s published members. PAN has a Professional Relations Committee to keep channels of communication open between author, publisher, editor, cover artist, booksellers and other industry professionals by addressing issues such as finance, pseudonyms, and contracts, and offers Professional Development services in the areas of career planning, new author support, and professional image.

Web Site for up-to-the-minute changes and news in the industry at: http://www.rwanational.org as well as list serves to keep members in touch with other writers.

Various Special Interest Chapters to serve specific sub-genre needs as well as over 150 local chapters across the US and Canada.

You can contact RWA^® via their web site or by writing or calling: