The RITA Award is the most prominent award given throughout the genre of romance novel and some other romantic fiction. It is presented by Romance Writers of America (RWA). It is named for the RWA’s first president, Rita Clay Estrada.(and also her mother Rita Gallagher.) It signifies excellence in one of 13 categories of romantic fiction.

Authors and editors submit manuscripts for consideration in the fall. In mid-spring, 100 finalists are announced. The winners are presented with a statuette in a ceremony held on the last day of the RWA National Conference each July.

Categories

The categories are:

• Best First Book
• Best Contemporary Series Romance
• Best Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure
• Best Contemporary Single Title Romance
• Best Historical Romance
• Best Inspirational Romance
• Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
• Best Paranormal Romance
• Best Regency Historical Romance
• Best Romance Novella
• Best Romantic Suspense
• Best Young Adult Romance

The novels are picked from among the novels published the previous year.

I am going to be featuring the eight 2010 RITA nominees, one a day, on my blog starting on Thursday. Drop by and read about the best in inspirational romance!

BTW, I was a RITA nominee in 2006 for my book Chloe. Did any of you hear about the RITAs before now?I’d really like to hear if you’ve heard of this before this posting. THANKS!-