Understanding Proof of Serious Pursuit

Per RWA policy, all prospective members must provide proof that they are seriously pursuing a career in romance writing in order to qualify for General membership. Either of the following serve as proof: 

• One complete original work of romance fiction* of at least 20,000 words.
• Multiple complete original works of romance fiction* which combine for a total of at least 20,000 words.

In support of the above, applicants for General membership can provide one of the following:

• ISBN(s), ASIN(s), or Other Unique Vendor Product Identification Number(s) of Commercially Available** work(s)
• Upload work(s) to prove serious pursuit

Prospective members who do not meet the qualifying criteria will become Associate members and will continue to have full access to all RWA member benefits but will not be able to vote or hold office in the association.

Please contact our Membership Coordinator with questions at 832-717-5200, Ext. 121, or email [email protected].


*Romance fiction means the work contains a central love story and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
**Commercially Available means offered for sale to the general public and/or library market. A novel or novella offered solely free of charge is not considered to be commercially available.