1985 Golden Medallion Winners & Finalists

As with previous years, 1985 saw changes to the categories being awards in the Golden Medallion. Two new categories, Inspirational and Regency, made their debut. The previous year's attempt to break down romances by word count was simplified, creating "long" and "short" contemporary categories.

• Historical: Twice Loved by LaVyrle Spencer
• Inspirational: For the Love of Mike by Charlotte Nichols
• Long Contemporary: A Matter of Choice by Nora Roberts
• Mainstream: After All These Years by Kathleen Gilles Seidel
• Regency: The Lurid Lady of Lockport by Kasey Michaels
• Short Contemporary: Opposites Attract by Nora Roberts
• Traditional: The Karas Cup by Brittany Young
• Young Adult: The Frog Princess by Cheryl Zach