The Brontë Prize

Not metaphorical, but very real...

The Brontë Prize is named in honor of acclaimed nineteenth century English writer Charlotte Brontë. Published in 1847 by London’s Smith, Elder & Company, her novel Jane Eyre is not only one of the most famous English novels ever written but also largely regarded as the first real and viable work of “romantic fiction.” (Not to be confused with “romance novels,” “romantica,” or “erotic fiction.”)

With no such existing award, and a desperate need for recognition in North America’s #1 selling genre, Literary Arts Guild (LAG) chairwoman Tally Dawson conceived the Brontë Prize in December of 2006. The esteemed accolade is designed to reward the best romantic fiction piece (love story) published in the U.S. and Canada during a designated fiscal year, April 1st through March 31st.

Much like the Hugo/Nebula for science fiction or the Edgar for mystery novels, the Brontë Prize rewards the finest literature in a particular genre (romantic fiction) each year for both its pop fiction appeal and literary fiction merit.

The 2007 campaign marks the first year for romantic fiction's biggest and most distinguished award. Its $12,500 cash prize not only establishes it as the largest romantic fiction award, but also as the largest genre specific prize given in North America each year. The winning title is chosen (by a three-person jury) from more than 400 titles published during the designated fiscal year. The 2007 finalists are announced Friday, February 22nd.

The 2007 winner is announced Thursday, March 15th.

(Oscar-like voice) And the nominees are:

Angels Fall	Bee Balms & Burgundy	Finding Noel	Tear Down the Mountain	Water for Elephants
Nora Roberts	Nelson Pahl	Richard Paul Evans	Roger Alan Skipper	Sara Gruen
Putnam Adult	Cafe Reverie Press	Simon & Shuester	Soft Skull Press	Algonquin Books
July 2006	March 2007	October 2006	September 2006	May 2006
Novel	Novella	Novel	Novel	Novel

(Originally published on The Short List)

Categories: Books