Traditional Series*: Romantic novels in which sensuality is not intense and in which love scenes are not graphically described, such as those published by Harlequin Romance, Silhouette Romance, and Avalon.

Short Contemporary Series*: Romantic novels in which sensuality may constitute a strong element in the romance, such as those published by Harlequin Presents, Silhouette Special Edition and Silhouette Desire.

Long Contemporary Series*: Longer, sensuous romances, such as those published by Harlequin American, Harlequin Intrigue, Harlequin Superromance, Silhouette Intimate Moments and continuity series such as 36 Hours.

Single Title Contemporary: Romantic novels released as single titles, such as those published by Avon, Bantam, Ballantine, Berkley/Jove, Dell, Dutton/Signet, Fawcett, Harper, Kensington (Arabesque, Pinnacle, Zebra), Leisure, Penguin, Pocket, Putnam, Scarlet, St. Martin's Press, Warner.

Young Adult: Novels which are targeted to young adult readers.

Historical: Novels which have a strong romantic element throughout and set primarily prior to WWII, such as those published by Avon, Bantam, Ballantine, Berkley/Jove, Dell, Dutton/Signet, Fawcett, Harlequin, Harper, Kensington (Pinnacle, Zebra), Leisure, Morrow, Penguin, Pocket, Putnam, St. Martin's Press, Warner.

Novella (approximately 25,000 words): Romance short novel fitting other NRCA category descriptions.

Futuristic/Fantasy/Time Travel/Paranormal: Romance novels in which either the future, a fantasy world, travel back or forward in time, or paranormal happenings are a major element of the plot. These may be single title releases or books published within established category romance lines fitting other NRCA category descriptions.

Romantic Suspense: Romance novels in which suspense is a major element of the plot. These may be single title releases or books published within established category romance lines fitting other NRCA category descriptions.

Inspirational: Romance novels in which religious/spiritual faith is a major element of the plot. Sensuality is usually not intense and love scenes are not graphically described, such as those published by Barbour (Heartsong Presents), Bethany House, Harvest House, Multnomah, Steeple Hill, Tyndale, Random House (Waterbrook Press), Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan.

Mainstream with Romantic Elements: Novels specifically targeted to women. This category is for books that do not fit another category, i.e. romantic suspense, long contemporary, etc. Books entered in this category should have romantic elements and include chicklit, etc. Samples of this type of book are Barbara Samuel, Kristin Hannah, etc.

Erotic Romance: A novel where the sexuality goes beyond that of a most romance novels and may use sexually explicit language, but the romance is still the core of the book. Can be either contemporary, historical or paranormal.

*Series books are defined as those books issued under a common imprint/series name which are usually numbered sequentially and released at regular intervals, usually monthly, with the same number of releases each time.