Published November 6, 2026
A romance novel may begin with two characters falling in love, but bringing that story into readers’ hands takes far more than a writer and a manuscript. Editors shape the pages, agents champion authors, publishers bring books to market, and booksellers help readers discover their next favourite story.
That wider publishing community was celebrated at the 2026 Romance Industry Awards, where Pan Fiction, an imprint of Pan Macmillan, won Publisher of the Year. The ceremony, organised by the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA), took place on 4 November 2026 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City.
The announcement, confirmed by the RNA and reported by The Bookseller on 6 November, recognised Pan Fiction alongside six other winners whose work supports romance writing, publishing and readership.
Why Did Pan Fiction Win Publisher of the Year?
Pan Fiction secured the award from a shortlist featuring several established names in romance publishing, including Audible UK, Boldwood Books, Evermore at Penguin Random House, One More Chapter at HarperCollins UK, Storm Publishing and Tor Bramble, another Pan Macmillan imprint.
The Publisher of the Year category recognises contributions to romantic fiction and the authors working within the genre. Rather than focusing on a single bestselling novel, the award acknowledges the wider work of a publishing organisation.
Clare Hey accepted the honour on behalf of Pan Fiction, expressing appreciation for the recognition and the people who contributed to the imprint’s work.
In the RNA’s official winners announcement, Hey emphasised the importance of romance and the ability of stories to connect people. She also thanked the RNA, colleagues at Pan Macmillan and the authors behind the publisher’s books.
The result was especially notable for Pan Macmillan, which had two imprints shortlisted in the publisher category. Its Tor Bramble imprint also received recognition through an individual editorial award.
Who Else Won at the 2026 Romance Industry Awards?
While Pan Fiction claimed the headline publishing honour, the ceremony recognised six other winners across the romance industry.
Ajebowale Roberts, of Tor Bramble at Pan Macmillan, received Editor of the Year. Roberts joined Tor in 2025 and works across romance, fantasy romance and related speculative fiction. Her editorial interests include supporting diverse voices and stories that explore different experiences and perspectives.
Safae El-Ouahabi, of RCW Literary Agency, won Agent of the Year. Her work involves representing authors and developing publishing opportunities for distinctive, emotionally engaging narratives.
The Rising Star of the Year award went to Niamh Wallace of Boldwood Books, recognising her contribution as a developing professional in romance publishing.
Another significant winner was The Spicy Librarian, which received Romance Champion of the Year. Described by the RNA as Europe’s largest independent romance bookshop, the business supports readers and authors through book clubs, events and a community dedicated to romantic fiction.
Pagan McGrath received Romance Narrator of the Year, acknowledging her work in audiobook narration, while HMP Downview Library won Library/Librarian of the Year.
These winners represent different parts of the publishing process, from editorial development and literary representation to audio storytelling and access to books.
The full list of winners and nominees is available through the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s official announcement.
What Are the Romance Industry Awards?
The Romance Industry Awards, also known as the RIAs, are organised by the Romantic Novelists’ Association to recognise professionals and organisations supporting romantic fiction.
Originally launched in 2015 and revamped for 2025, the awards celebrate contributions that often receive less public attention than the books themselves.
The 2026 competition featured seven categories: Publisher of the Year, Editor of the Year, Agent of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Romance Champion of the Year, Romance Narrator of the Year and Library/Librarian of the Year.
Nominations were submitted by RNA members and other publishing professionals, supported by evidence of each nominee’s contribution. An independent panel of RNA judges selected the finalists and winners.
RNA Chair Seána Talbot welcomed the results, acknowledging the professionals whose efforts help romantic fiction reach its audience.
Maryam Oliver, the RNA’s Director and Awards Coordinator, also recognised the strength of the nominations and the work involved in selecting the winners.
Unlike literary prizes that reward individual books, these awards examine the professional contributions that help sustain the genre.
That distinction is central to the event’s purpose. A successful romance novel involves creative writing, but its journey towards publication and readership also depends on editing, representation, production, distribution and discovery.
What Does Pan Fiction’s Recognition Mean for Romance Publishing?
Pan Fiction’s victory draws attention to the role publishers play in developing and presenting romantic fiction.
The award does not represent a sales ranking or recognition for one particular novel. Instead, it acknowledges the imprint’s contribution to a genre that includes contemporary romance, historical love stories, fantasy romance and other forms of romantic fiction.
The wider list of winners also reflects the different ways readers experience books today. Some discover stories through independent bookshops, others through libraries or audiobooks, while many follow recommendations from reading communities.
For authors, these connections can influence how their work reaches its intended audience.
Readers interested in discovering more literary developments can explore the America Publishers Author Spotlight news section, which covers publishing announcements, literary awards and noteworthy books.
The Featured Books collection also introduces readers to authors and stories across different genres.
The 2026 Romance Industry Awards concluded with Pan Fiction receiving Publisher of the Year and six additional winners recognised for their contributions. The results were announced on 4 November, with The Bookseller publishing its coverage on 6 November 2026.
Explore the Award and Official Announcements
🔗 For the Romantic Novelists’ Association Official Winners Announcement: Click here
🔗 For The Bookseller’s Pan Fiction Award Report: Click here
🔗 For the Romance Industry Awards Information: Click here
Source: The Bookseller, “Pan Fiction Crowned Publisher of the Year at the Romance Industry Awards 2026,” published 6 November 2026. Read more at The Bookseller.
