The RITA Awards are prestigious honors given annually by the Romance Writers of America (RWA) to recognize outstanding published romance novels. Established in 1982, these awards celebrate excellence in various categories, including historical romance, contemporary romance, and romantic suspense, among others. Winners are selected based on criteria such as originality, character development, and emotional impact. The RITA Awards are highly regarded in the literary community and serve to highlight the best in the romance genre, helping readers discover exceptional works and authors.