Romance Writers of America administers a prestigious awards program, and we recognize both the promising opportunities and the serious challenges presented by AI integrations in creative spaces. Advancing technologies have the potential to assist and inspire the development of fictional works in many ways. However, an over-reliance on AI to replace or diminish the fundamentally original, human spark at the core of novels risks violating the creative integrity we seek to honor.

In service of celebrating creative excellence while embracing innovation, this policy provides definitions and guidelines regarding appropriate versus excessive uses of AI tools in submissions to our contests. By distinguishing acceptable AI augmentation from AI textual generation, we aim to foster fairness and uphold longstanding values of imagination and originality that are hallmarks of the romance genre.

The criteria and categories outlined below provide specificity to help guide entrants in leveraging AI ethically and effectively, while still maintaining essential creative elements such as emotional resonance and insight, which can only come from a human perspective. Our goal is not to deter experimentation but rather to recognize that AI should enhance, not replace, the authorial vision and purpose in written works.

By providing this clarification of standards, the Golden Heart and Diamond Heart Awards look to continually honor and reward creators of novel, emotionally insightful fiction across evolving technological landscapes. Our policy encourages innovation that inspires while upholding creative integrity.

AI-Generated Content

Any narrative, dialogue, or descriptive text within a romance novel that is created by an AI system without substantive creative input from a human author is prohibited.

AI-Assisted Content

Human authors must create the foundational premise, characters, plot points, themes, and settings. Please note that while narrative and stylistic choices must be original human work, AI assistive tools, such as grammar checks, or copy editing are not off limits. However, AI cannot drive major story aspects.

Application of the Policy

1. Eligibility: Submissions must meet the AI-assisted content definitions. Work failing to evidence deliberate creative guidance by a human will not satisfy eligibility requirements.
2. Disclosure & Verification: Authors should be prepared to discuss their creative vision, use of AI tools, and involvement throughout the development process. Assessment practices for substantiating compliance to come.
3. Enforcement: Egregious or unrepentant violations will result in the submission being disqualified, and the entry fee will be forfeited. Furthermore, authors could be prohibited from future participation. However, minor infractions stemming from misunderstandings about emerging best practices may result only in disqualification.

Criteria for Rescinding an Award for AI Misuse

An award granted by the Romance Writers of America (RWA) for the Golden and Diamond Heart Awards may be considered for rescindment if the awarded work is found to violate this policy on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in literary works. If the work is discovered to be AI-generated, as opposed to AI-assisted or entirely created by the author, in violation of the stipulations for eligible submissions. This includes both text content for romance novels and the Rescinding Process.¹

Investigation

Upon receiving credible information suggesting a breach of the AI usage policy, an investigation will be conducted by the RWA Contest Committee, following the established procedures for evaluating compliance with AI guidelines.

Communication with the Award Recipient

If the investigation substantiates the concerns regarding AI misuse, the author or their representative will be notified and provided an opportunity to appeal the findings.

Decision Making

The appeals committee, after reviewing the investigation findings and considering any response from the author, will make a final decision on rescindment. This decision requires a 2/3rds majority vote from a closed ballot, ensuring the decision is fair and based on the principles and values of the RWA.

Notification of Rescindment

Should the decision to rescind the award be made, the author or their representative will be formally notified in writing, with the reasons for the rescindment clearly stated.

Policy Compliance

Participation in the Golden and Diamond Heart Awards process mandates compliance with this policy. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary actions as appropriate, determined by the RWA’s governing body.

This policy is designed to ensure the integrity of the Golden and Diamond Heart Awards, upholding the RWA’s commitment to human creativity and originality in romance writing, and maintaining clear boundaries for the acceptable use of AI in submissions.

¹ The rescinding process must be completed within 12 months after the announcement of the award.