Become a Reader Judge for the RNA

Use the form below to sign up to become a judge for the Romantic Novel of the Year Awards (RoNAs) and the Joan Hessayon Award 2026.

If you already have an account on this website – perhaps because you have entered an Award yourself, or judged previously for us – please log in and then click the “Manage your Judging preferences” button on the main menu.

If you are an RNA member (of any type), please ensure that the email address you use for this system is the one registered with your RNA membership account.

If you are NOT an RNA member, you're welcome to join using any email address.

Email Address

Confirm your Email Address

Your Name

Please pick the categories you would like to judge (tick all that apply)

Categories in RNA Awards 2026:

   Debut Romance Novel Award
   Romantasy/Romantic Fantasy Award
   The Romantic Thriller Award
   The Festive/ Holiday Romance Novel Award
   The Shorter Romance Novel Award
   The Saga Romance Award
   The Historical Romance Award
   The Romantic Comedy Award
   The Contemporary Romance Novel Award
   The Contemporary Spicy Romance Novel Award
   The Romance Bestseller Award

Categories in Joan Hessayon 2026:

The Joan Hessayon Award

Note: the Joan Hessayon Award is for debut writers who have graduated from the RNA's New Writer's Scheme. These books can be any romantic sub genre.

Please advise on any romance genre you would NOT like to read, and on any triggers:

Terms and Conditions for Judges:

Conflict of loyalty and scoring: Books will be judged impartially and objectively, and I will not score any book where I have any conflict of loyalty regarding the book, its content, and/ or the author.
I will try and read the book in the four week timeframe and supply scores.
I understand that my scores are subject to cross-checking and triangulation. Any anomalies identified may lead to my disqualification as a judge and the nullification of my scores.
In the event of DNF ( did not finish) a book, please contact the Judge Liaison admin as soon as possible at awardsadmin@romanticwriters.co.uk.
Books are provided for individual judging use only and must NOT be shared or used to train AI.

I agree to the Terms and Conditions for judges

I agree to be added to the RNA database of judges, and I understand I can opt-out later if I no longer wish to participate

I agree to be contacted by the RNA regarding other opportunities and news for romance readers

Please also complete the CAPTCHA test below.

THIS IS THE STAGING SITE