Romance Writers of America (RWA) is a national non-profit genre writers association. It provides networking and support to individuals seriously pursuing a career in romance fiction and supports top authors such as Nora Roberts and Judith McNaught. Founded in 1980 in Houston, Texas by 37 authors in the romance genre, the RWA has long been an advocacy group for their published members.

It has persuaded Harlequin books to register copyrights for authors' works and to allow writers to own their own pseudonyms. Previously, authors were forced to leave their pseudonym behind if they switched publishing houses, making it more difficult for their fans to follow. Many members were surprised, therefore, when in 2000 the RWA chose to rewrite their mission statement.

The new mission statement eliminated previous provisions promoting mutual support among members and providing assistance for members seeking to become published. Its first draft also neglected to include the word "romance". After feedback from members, the final draft of the revised mission statement indicated that the purpose of the RWA is to "advance the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy." In 2000, the RWA had an operating budget of over $1 million, the largest of any professional genre writers' organization.

As of 2007, the organization had over 9,000 members and over 150 chapters. These include local chapters arranged geographically as well as special-interest chapters that focus on themes such as medical romance. Approximately 2,000 of the members have had books published.

RWA offers two programs. The Published Author Network (PAN) consists of published authors. The PRO network is for authors who have completed a manuscript and can prove they've queried an editor or agent about submitting it.

Approximately 2000 RWA members have joined the PRO program. Once a PRO member, they are able to view online workshops and booklets about the business of publishing.

Similar to 0 things you like: