​

Contemporary Romance (CR)

Romance novels that are set from 1950 to the present that are longer than 40,000 words.

​

Historical Romance (HR)

Romance novels that are set prior to 1950 and that are longer than 40,000 words.

​

Women's Fiction/Mainstream Fiction w/Romantic Elements (WF)

Women’s Fiction/Mainstream Fiction novels in which themes or elements other than the romance are integral to the story even though a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic resolution to the romance are still present. This category is intended for romances that do not fit neatly into any other category due to their mainstream fiction nature but where the central romance could not be removed without damaging the storyline.

 

Fantasy/Paranormal/Sci-fi Romance (PR)

Romance novels of more than 40,000 words where romantasy, fantasy worlds, paranormal, or science fiction elements are an integral part of the plot. 

​

Inspirational Romance (IR)

Romance novels of more than 40,000 words in which religious or spiritual beliefs are an inherent part of the love story, character growth, and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the storyline.

​

Romantic Suspense (RS)

Romance novels of more than 40,000 words in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.

​

Young Adult / New Adult Romance (YANA)

A novel of more than 40,000 words where romantic themes interwoven with young adult (teen/high school age) OR new adult (twenty-something/college age) issues and concerns form the central part of the story.

​​