We are honored to have the following final round judges for each category:

Single Title

• Coordinator:  Barb Weitz
• Final Judge:  Emily Ohanjanians, Harlequin

Series Romance

• Coordinator:  Tammy James
• Final Judge:  Scott Eagan, Greyhaus Literary Agency

Historical Romance

• Coordinator:  Rhea Ference
• Final Judge:  Amanda Bergeron, Avon

Women's Fiction w/Romantic Elements

• Coordinator:  Tracie Loy
• Final Judge:  Alex Logan, Grand Central Publishing

Paranormal Romance

• Coordinator:  Heather Marshall
• Final Judge:  Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone Literary Agency

Young Adult

• Coordinator:  Darla Romanski
• Final Judge:  Katherine Pelz, Berkley

HOW THE JUDGING WORKS:

Two experienced critiquers and published authors of the Chicago-North RWA® Chapter will score each entry in the first round. 

Any entry receiving a point spread of more than 20 points where the highest score is at least 80 percent of the total possible points, will receive a third judge and the lowest of the three scores will be dropped. 

The top three entries in each category will be judged and ranked by an editor in the final round. 

Return to top