Romance Writers of America (RWA) Awards

The RITA® is awarded by the Romance Writers of America to the best romance fiction in a given year. Named after RWA’s first president, Rita Clay Estrada, the RITA® is the highest honor a romance author can receive. Published authors judge entrants in 12 categories. The finalists are generally announced toward the end of March. Winners are announced at RWA's Annual Conference.

From its introduction in 1982 until 1989, the RITA® was known as The Golden Medallion. The current award is a gold statue.

Golden Medallion Winners

• 1989 Golden Medallion Winners
• 1988 Golden Medallion Winners
• 1987 Golden Medallion Winners
• 1986 Golden Medallion Winners
• 1985 Golden Medallion Winners
• 1984 Golden Medallion Winners
• 1983 Golden Medallion Winners
• 1982 Golden Medallion Winners

RITA® Categories

RITA® categories have evolved and changed over the years in order to better reflect the changing romance market. The year indicated is the first year the category was included in the awards.

• Category Contemporary - 1982. Was not awarded in 1983 due to new categories Contemporary Sensual and Contemporary Sweet.
• Category Historical - 1982
• Contemporary Sensual - 1983
• Contemporary Sweet - 1983
• Contemporary Under 65,000 words - 1984
• Contemporary 65-80,000 words - 1984
• Historical - 1984
• Inspirational - 1985
• Long Contemporary - 1985
• Contemporary Mainstream - 1982
• Mainstream Historical -1982
• Regency - 1985
• Short Contemporary - 1985
• Single Title Release - 1986
• Traditional - 1984
• Young Adult - 1983