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Romantic Novelists' Association announces new chair
The Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) has announced Seána Talbot as its new chair. Talbot, who writes as Catherine Tinley, has taken over the role from Jean Fullerton, with Katie Ginger as vice-chair. Both Seána and Katie are directors of the organisation.
The announcement was made at the RNA Annual General Meeting which was held during the RNA’s conference. The three-day event took place at Royal Holloway, University of London and was attended by more than 250 authors, aspiring writers and publishing industry professionals.
Fullerton said: "It’s been my delight to have been part of the team that has steered the RNA through the past few challenging years. As I step down as chair I do so knowing that the organisation is in safe and professional hands and I’m confident the Romantic Novelists’ Association will continue to go from strength to strength."
Talbot said: “I’m delighted to be taking over as chair of the RNA. Jean has done a fabulous job, and I am ready and excited to lead the organisation at a key time in its history.”
The AGM also saw Fullerton, Sue Merritt, who writes as Virginia Heath, and Andrea Davies, who writes as Lily Watson, stand down. Three new directors were elected: Katharine Elliott, who writes as Katharine Light, Lucy Flatman, who writes as Lucy Morris, and Deborah Klée.
As part of the conference, delegates were invited to pitch anonymised blurbs to industry professionals. A team of more than 30 editors and agents then read extracts of the manuscripts they wanted to see more of, leading to almost 400 in-person appointments providing both feedback and many requests for full manuscripts.
Sue Merritt, conference organiser, who writes as Virginia Heath, added: "It was a fabulous conference. An inspiring, jam-packed weekend of learning, networking and celebrating all things romantic fiction."
The RNA’s next conference is planned for summer 2026.
