1983 Golden Medallion Winners & Finalists
In 1983, RWA increased the number of Golden Medallion categories from four to six, and changed the name of previous categories to better suit what authors were publishing. Mainstream became Contemporary Mainstream, Category Contemporary was split into Contemporary Sensual and Contemporary Sweet, and Young Adult was added as a new category.
- Category Historical: Defiant Love by Maura Seger
- The Artful Cousin by Victoria Heland
- The Chadwick Ring by Julia Jeffries
- Diamonds and the Arrogant Rake by Anne Hillary
- A Game of Hearts by Marlaine Kyle
- Love's Masquerade by Lillian Marsh
- Contemporary Mainstream: Opal Fires by Lynda Trent
- By Invitation Only by Monica Barrie
- In Her Prime by Carole Nelson Douglas
- Tender Deception: A Novel of Romance by Patti Beckman
- A World of Her Own by Anna James
- Contemporary Sensual: The Heart's Victory by Nora Roberts
- Keys to Daniel's House - Carole Halston
- A Man's Persuasion by Katherine Granger
- The Metal Mistress by Barbara Cameron
- Speak Softly to My Soul by Dorothy Ann Bernard
- Contemporary Sweet: Renegade Player by Dixie Browning
- Arranged Marriage by Brittany Young
- The Dolce Far Niente Girl by Marion Smith
- Sweet Jasmine by Jeanne Stephens
- Undercover Girl by Carole Halston
- Mainstream Historical: The Endearment by LaVyrle Spencer
- Deep Purple by Parris Afton Bonds
- Desert Hostage by Diane Dunaway
- East Lies the Sun by Alla Crone
- Shining Nights by Lynda Trent
- The Velvet Thorn by Angela Alexie
- Young Adult: Andrea by Jo Stewart
- Anne and Jay by Barbara Bartholomew
- It's My Turn by Eleni Carr
- Someone to Love by Ann Bryan
- A Special Love by Harriette S. Abels
- Teach Me to Love by Wendi Davis