Turner wins the 2023 RNA Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers

Author Katy Turner has won the annual Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers with her novel Let’s Just Be Friends (Joffe Books). 

The award is for authors whose novels have gone through the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme and are subsequently accepted for publication. Sponsored by Dr David Hessayon OBE in honour of his late wife, Joan, who was a long-standing RNA member and supporter of its New Writers’ Scheme, the award aims to showcase the variety of debut novels within the genre. 

The judges for this year were RNA chair Jean Fullerton, former RNA chair Pia Fenton and Hannah Schofield, literary agent at LBA. The award ceremony was held on Saturday 12th August 2023 at Imperial College, London, as part of the RNA’s annual conference.

Fullerton said: "As a graduate of the scheme myself, I’m thrilled each year to see members of the New Writers’ Scheme publish their first novel. As always, choosing a Joan Hessayon winner from such a fabulous crop of books has been an almost impossible task, as this year’s entrants in the awards were all cracking page-turning reads."

Fenton, who is also a writer under the name Christina Courtenay, added: "Katy Turner’s Let’s Just Be Friends is a lovely story of perseverance against the odds and the importance of friendships, all set against the fabulous backdrop of the north Scottish coast. The story drew me in, with a wonderful meet-cute, great chemistry between the hero and heroine, and a perfect ending."
Schofield added: "Katy Turner’s charming debut, Let’s Just Be Friends, was our unanimous winner, with all the ingredients we’d hoped to find: swoony love interests, a diverse and well-realised cast, and a beautifully evocative setting (plus: cute animals)! I’m sure Katy has a brilliant writing career ahead of her."