NERFA Reader Judge’s Registration - National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award

The purpose of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award (NERFA) is to recognize and bring attention to the best romance fiction each year. We rely on the experts — romance readers like you — to help us accomplish this important goal.

Judge’s sign-up will open on January 15, 2026 and closes on February 28, 2026

READER JUDGES SIGN UP FORM

NERFA Reader Judges Sign-Up Form

Please fill out this form if you are willing to participate in this year's National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards as a Judge.

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Name(Required)

First Last

Preferred Email(Required)

Please make sure this is the email you would like to use for the contest. You will be sent PDF files to read. Some of the files might be larger than 3MB so check your email carrier requirements about attachment size limits.

Choose the Subgenres(Required)

Depending on the amount of participation we get from our volunteers, you will be sent between 4 to 6 entries to read. Please indicate which at least 4 sub-genres you prefer. - HOLD DOWN THE CTRL button and click on other choices.

Heat Level(Required)

Sweet - No sex on the page

Sensual: Contains sexual conduct but not graphic

Steamy: Higher heat with explicit scenes

Scorching: High heat & contains elements such as BDSM, sex toys, & multiple partner

Each judge has their own preference for the heat levels in their romance, please choose the highest level that you would be willing to read.

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Don’t Forget

This year the reading period will be April 8th – May 19th 2026.
We appreciate your participation very much and hope you will enjoy your reading experiences.
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Each Judge Must Choose At least 4 Categories to Read and Commit to 4 to 6 stories to read

If you have any questions about being a reading judge, the contest or have any suggestions on improving our site. please use the CONTACT US Form

Contest Sponsor

The National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award is sponsored by First Coast Romance Writers (FCRW). FCRW is an independent non-profit organization for both published and unpublished writers. The organization is dedicated to promoting excellence in romantic fiction through monthly meetings and workshops where published and unpublished writers share knowledge about the constantly evolving publishing industry.