Our contests
RWA has a long and proud history of providing contest opportunities across multiple sub-genres for authors at all levels of their careers. Our first contests were run in 1992, and since then we have offered multiple contests each year for those wanting to display their talent and receive valuable feedback about their work.
Our contests are judged by a mixture of other writers, avid romance readers, acquiring editors and literary agents, giving you the chance to get your work seen by a range of industry professionals.
Contest winners are presented at our annual conference Gala Awards dinner in August each year.
With the exception of the Ruby Award our contests are open to RWA members only, with eligibility determined by your RWA membership category. Terms and conditions apply.
Looking for more contests?
Each Australian state has a Writers’ Centre. For more information about the contests they are running, please see their websites.
Writing NSW
Writers Victoria
Queensland Writers Centre
Writing WA
Writers SA
ACT Writers
Northern Territory Writers Centre
TasWriters
Internationally, we also have several options for contests.
Romance Writers of New Zealand
Romance Writers of America - Organisation and individual chapters
Romantic Novelist Association (UK)
Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada
2023 Contest Timeline
The Sapphire Award
Closed: Monday 3 October 2022
The Emerald Award
Closed: Monday 3 October 2022
Ripping Start
Closed: Friday 28 October 2022
Sweet Treats
Opens: Monday 17 October 2022
Closes: Monday 14 November 2022Spicy Bites
Opens: Monday 17 October 2022
Closes: Monday 14 November 2022 5pm AEDTThe Ruby Award
Closed: Monday 23 January 2023
First Kiss
Opens: Monday 6 February 2023
Closes: Monday 27 February 2023