The Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) is delighted to announce the shortlists for their annual Industry Awards for 2023. The awards celebrate the hard work and talent of any person, group or organisation who has championed the broad genre of romantic fiction in a positive way.

Finalists for Narrator of the Year

Anne Dover

York audiobook narrator, Anne Dover, is a finalist in the Narrator of the Year category for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s annual Industry Awards for 2023. The awards celebrate the hard work and talent of any person, group or organisation who has championed the broad genre of romantic fiction in a positive way. Anne has been narrating audiobooks for over 30 years, and has now recorded a total of around 1500 titles. She says she loves the job, especially when the lovers get together. Sometimes she’s moved to tears when tragedy strikes and in becoming the characters, shares all the emotions. Anne is now narrating some back catalogues of the famed North East author Catherine Cookson. As she was born and brought up in the North East, and a fan of Ms Cookson, she is delighted and honoured to have been chosen by Isis Audio for this great opportunity.

Anne says, ‘It’s a huge honour for me to have been shortlisted for the third time. I hope it may be third time lucky of course, as winning will certainly enhance a budding career and maybe a fading one! I am currently enjoying recording the many Catherine Cookson books for Isis Audio. Wonderful stories, with great characters. Set in the North East, my home turf!’

Susie Riddell

Susie Riddell is an actor and voice artist who has narrated over 60 audiobooks. Susie’s work spans audio, theatre & television. She plays Tracy Horrobin in BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Archers’ and has twice been a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company. Susie co-produces and presents the podcast, Limited Time Only. She loves getting stuck into a wonderful romantic novel!

Susie says, ‘I’m thrilled! To be shortlisted last year was such an honour, and for it to happen again this year feels incredible! I adore every single romantic novel I am lucky enough to narrate. I always find myself completely lost within the magic, emotion and drama of each story as I record. It’s a treat to bring each novelist’s work to audio life – to play a part in sharing their stories. I strive to do them justice. And always end up shedding a few tears as the stories unfold – hankies are an essential tool in my narrator’s kit! Thank you to the RNA for recognising audiobook narrators. Every narrator I know loves their job and we hope we can continue to narrate books for a long time to come.’

The winners of the ten awards will be announced during the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Winter Party and Industry Awards ceremony, which is being held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City, 8-14 Cooper’s Row, London EC3N 2BQ, on Monday 13th November 2023 at 6.30pm.

This year’s awards are sponsored by ProWritingAid, a manuscript editing software programme with in-app video learning for writers. Hayley Milliman, Head of Education at ProWritingAid said, ‘Congratulations to the finalists for the 2023 RNA Industry Awards! We applaud your accomplishments and hard work bringing beautiful stories to life.’