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Christine Larson, Assistant Professor of Journalism, University of Colorado Boulder

Inside the rise and fall of one of the world’s most powerful writing groups

Diversity Ethics DEI Rita
At its peak in the mid-2010s, the Romance Writers of America had around 10,000 members. Ekaterina Markelova/iStock via Getty Images

The Romance Writers of America, once the world’s largest and most powerful authors’ association, filed for bankruptcy on May 30, 2024.

In its filing, the nonprofit blamed “disputes concerning diversity, equity and inclusion” for its membership declining by a jaw-dropping 80%. With just 2,000 members left, the organization finds itself unable to pay US$3 million in hotel commitments for future conferences.

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