Professional Writing alumna is nominated at this year’s Romantic Novel Awards
14 April 2026
Following the success of her debut novel, MA Professional Writing alumna Claire Frances is now heading to London as a finalist in the prestigious Romantic Novel Awards (RNA).
The author has been shortlisted for the Debut Romance Novel Award for To Hell With It, a romantic comedy published last year with HarperCollins UK’s imprint, One More Chapter. Having been described by Sunday Times bestselling author Beth O’Leary as a “fresh, smart, original debut”, the novel draws on Claire’s own experience of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) in a way that is both relatable yet heartwarming, balancing the difficult topic with humour and romance.
Published in June 2025, the book has gone on to reach number one in Kindle’s Humorous and Disability categories, has been chosen as an editor’s pick on Amazon and has received many rave reviews.
Now, Claire finds herself as one of six nominees for her category, after over 500 romantic novelists entered. Speaking of her nomination, Claire shared: “It’s an honour to be shortlisted for the Debut Romance Novel Award. I’ve been pinching myself ever since I was told. I can’t wait to go to London to celebrate with the other finalists.”
Other shortlisted writers at the event include Rebecca Yarros (Onyx Storm), Beth O’Leary (Swept Away), Abby Jimenez (Say You’ll Remember Me), Cecelia Ahern (Paper Heart) and more who have all been nominated for various awards. Speaking of seeing her name listed among popular authors, Claire shared: “I can’t wait to meet Cecelia who will be there. She’s been my inspiration since I first read about her journey over 20 years ago.
“During a particularly difficult time in my life, I read the back of PS I LOVE YOU and read her biography. I saw she was published with HarperCollins, and it was in that moment I thought ‘that is my dream’. I told myself: I am going to have that one day! I held onto that dream, and now it’s come true.”
Speaking of the awards, RNA Chair, Seána Talbot, said: “This year’s finalists represent the very best of what our romantic fiction community has to offer—from indie to traditionally published, from cosy to spicy and everything in between. We at the RNA are proud to recognise talented authors across the breadth of romance books, encompassing the full range of romance and romantic fiction subgenres.”
Since last year’s publication, Claire has also gone on to secure two more foreign rights book deals in the Netherlands and Germany. “I was offered a deal with Germany’s largest independent trade publisher, Bastei Lübbe, who has published the likes of Dan Brown and Stephen King,” Claire told us. “I also have a sub-deal with Libelle, the largest weekly women’s magazine in the Netherlands, who published Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook. It’s all very exciting!"
The winners of the 11 categories will be announced during the awards ceremony on 18 May in London.
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