Writing for the Romance Book Market
First the good news: the romance market is one of the most accessible to new writers. Some publishers
read everything submitted to them and authors are generally not required to be represented by an agent.
The bad news: it’s a fiercely competitive market with a huge and discerning international readership that
doesn’t tolerate a tongue-in-cheek approach.
It helps if you read and appreciate romance novels. They are primarily an escapist entertainment
medium, but this does not mean they can be trite or badly written. Nor does it mean formulaic.
The structure which requires a hero, a heroine, a struggle (conflict) and a happy ending, is not more
formulaic than that of a crime novel which requires a dead body, a detective, assorted suspects and red
herrings, and a surprise solution.
The structure identifies the book as belonging to a genre (family) of books. Change the essential
structure, say by having an unhappy ending, and you may have a great novel but it probably won’t
appeal to a romance publisher. It’s a good idea to read as many current romance novels as you can, and
obtain writers’ guidelines (also called tip sheets) from publishers. Work within the required structure
and you can write your book your way. Romance publishers say they are actively seeking fresh, original
ideas within the romance genre.
Can My Heroine Be a Nude Mud-Wrestler?
Fresh and original doesn’t mean way out or bizarre. Traditional storylines such as twins mistaken for
each other, a ‘marriage of convenience’ (where the characters marry for reasons other than love) and
one or other character acquiring amnesia and forgetting the relationship, are still popular with readers
the world over. This is where knowing the market is vital. Know what’s ‘hot’ and what stories have been
done to death. Then write your own version of a long-time favourite so well that it reads like a brand
new idea.
What Makes a Great Hero or Heroine?
Indulge your fantasies. Both should be strong, independent, successful people in their own right.
Beware of making the modern hero too domineering and macho. These days he is more the heroine’s
equal, although he still should fulfil her every fantasy in a man. Likewise, she should meet all of his. But
don’t let her sit at home waiting for Mr Right. She may want a man to complement her well-rounded
life, but she doesn’t need him in order to exist. And don’t get so involved creating conflict between the
characters that we can’t understand how they could ever fall in love. Let us see the process happening
gradually as they get to know each other. Let us share their ambivalence. They could fall in love if not
for (whatever problem you’ve created between them).
The Last Romance I Read Had No Conflict At All!
Are you sure? Many new writers mistake arguing and bickering for conflict. Think of conflict as a source
of tension, a struggle over values, or something both characters want but only one can have. It must
be sustainable for 50,000+ words. Even if your characters disagree ever so politely, we should have no
doubt that it’s a struggle to the death.
Conflict should not be confused with a ‘situation’. Veteran romance novelists, Daphne Claire and
Robyn Donald quote a heroine expecting a female housekeeper and getting a male one, as an example
of an opening situation. It gets the couple together. The real source of tension will come from why she
has a problem with a man doing her housework and why he would take the job. Find the answers in
their respective pasts and put them on a collision course and you have a real source of conflict.
Environmental issues are not popular with romance publishers because someone has to be the ‘bad
guy’. But if you have made your heroine a developer and your hero an environmentalist, look for
solid reasons in their past why they hold these viewpoints. Why is the heroine hell-bent on tearing up
the green sward? Give her reasons that show her character in a good light, such as a wish to provide
housing for underprivileged children because she was homeless herself once, then contrast this with his
reasons for his attachment to the land. It’s even better if you can find a more original source of conflict
emerging from who your people are.
Out Of Your Emotional Depth
Romance readers are as interested in how the characters feel about their experiences as in what actually
happens to them. Good advice is to put in as much emotional content as you think you need – then
double it. Whenever something happens to the hero or heroine, ask yourself how they feel about it.
Then don’t tell us about it – ‘she was angry’ – show us by sharing what she actually does to demonstrate
anger – throws the hero’s clothes out the window, pours paint over his classic car, what? And let us get
inside her head to see exactly what emotions his actions have triggered in her – and why, based on her
past history. Contrast with her awareness of how attractive she finds him. Let us share their struggle to
resolve the problem between them while fighting the attraction they feel.
These days it’s desirable to show the hero’s point of view as well as the heroine’s. This needs judicious
handling to avoid diffusing the tension. One way is to show the hero’s viewpoint only when he has a
problem with the heroine, then he can focus on what she’s done to aggravate him. If we see too much of
how attractive he finds the heroine, we may wonder why he doesn’t just sweep her off her feet and be
done with it. Emotions are there to evoke emotions in the reader. As one editor says ‘the power of a
story is in ... the ability of the author to engage a reader’s emotions and to convincingly portray a full
spectrum of the human experience’.
Love scenes are preferable to so-called ‘sex scenes’. Sex is the ultimate expression of human caring so
don’t short-change your readers. Be spicy, steamy, ‘fog up the glasses’ as one editor requested, but keep
language and tone romantic. Only write what you’re comfortable with and submit to a publisher who
agrees with your preference. A ‘sweet’ (unsexy) romance will not suit a line known for its sensuality.
Where Do I Start?
Preferably not with the heroine gazing out of a plane or train window, ruminating about where she’s
going. Instead, choose a turning point in her life, when she’s about to experience a major change – a
new job, a new boss, a loss (property or a child, for instance). If she doesn’t like the change, so much the
better. She’s going to be dragged into the change kicking and screaming. The Romans called it in medias
res – in the middle of things.
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ASA: Writing for the Romance Book Market
Having hooked your reader by plunging her into the action right away, keep the story moving.
Middlepage spread hits many new writers who find themselves fighting to keep the characters from
falling into each other’s arms. The solution is cause and effect. Something happens, therefore, something
else must happen which leads to the next event, each arising naturally out of what has gone before.
Editors describe the pacing of a romance novel as ‘like the ebb and flow of the tide’ allowing for
moments of high conflict and moments of rapport as the characters get to know each other sufficiently
to fall in love.
Happily Ever After
Reader expectation demands a happy or at least satisfying ending that ties up all the loose ends, clears
up any misunderstandings and follows through any foreshadowed plot points. It should leave the reader
on an emotional high and eager to read your next story.
Settings
Modern romances are largely dialogue-driven with little narrative and character introspection, so share
background details judiciously, more as flavouring than main ingredient. Publishers generally spell out
their requirements in their tip sheets. Australian settings and most places other than known trouble
spots are acceptable as background, but some US publishers require either the hero or heroine to be
American. Be guided by the tip sheet and don’t submit material that contravenes basic requirements.
Can Men Write Romance Novels?
They can and do, either under their own name or a female pseudonym. The late Tom Huff wrote as
Jennifer Wilde, while Mike Hinkemyer writes as Vanessa Royale. In category fiction (short romances
such as those published by Harlequin Mills & Boon and Silhouette) some well-loved female pen-names
conceal male writers, while some books are written by couples, giving the books a balance of male and
female points of view. Men need to train themselves to think and feel from a woman’s point of view.
Editors say male writers tend to use harsher words than women writers and to glorify physical features
that women tend not to regard as beautiful. If in doubt, read books such as Beatrice Faust’s Women, Sex
and Pornography or books on the psychological differences between men and women such as John Gray’s
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus.
Approaching a Publisher
Most publishers including Harlequin Mills & Boon ask you to query them first with your idea. In a
onepage carefully crafted letter you should:
•
Summarise your writing background, membership of writers’ organisations and relevant
published work or prizes
Summarise the plot of your book, key characters, conflict and resolution
•
•
Demonstrate familiarity with the genre by mentioning the line your book should suit,
eg. Harlequin Intrigue, Silhouette Special Editions etc. Consult the publisher’s
guidelines for specifics and read as many examples of that line as you can.
If you’re asked to submit a proposal (also called a partial) include the query letter, short synopsis (2
to 10 pages or as specified in the tip sheet) and the first three chapters in order. Don’t send any other
combinations of chapters. Even if submitting a partial, it’s a good idea to finish the manuscript at least
in draft. You can take account of any editorial suggestions you’re offered and still respond within a
reasonable time.
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ASA: Writing for the Romance Book Market
Your Manuscript
The usual rules of manuscript preparation apply: double spacing, wide margins, clear printing on one
side of the paper only. Most publishers prefer a hard copy to computer disks. Don’t bind your work in
any way. Cut some stiff cardboard to size as a backing sheet and secure the loose pages to it with large
elastic bands at right angles.
If submitting overseas, include sufficient international reply coupons from the post office to cover full
return postage, or ask that the manuscript be recycled if it proves unsuitable. Sometimes it costs less to
print a fresh copy. You also should keep the original copy.
A contract is normally offered on acceptance of a complete manuscript, sometimes of a partial if the
writer is already established. You can save yourself much angst by having the ASA or a contract-savvy
lawyer vet the document before you sign it. Advances generally start from around AUS $1000 to
$10,000 or more for a mainstream romance. Some publishers offer half the advance on signing and
the other half on acceptance; or split it between signing, acceptance and publication or some other
combination depending on policy.
Romance publishers traditionally pay low royalties, between four and six per cent of cover price, but
worldwide sales and translations can number in the millions. You should still plan on three to five years
of steady acceptances before you even think of giving up your day job!
Organisations and Resources
Romance Writers of Australia Inc
PO Box 1236
Neutral Bay NSW 2089
Phone:
0429 233 764
Web:
www.romanceaustralia.com
Holds an annual conference with overseas editors and writers, runs several awards including The
Valerie Parv Award for unpublished authors, convenes romance writing groups and the Isolated Writers
Scheme, and publishes a regular newsletter Heart Talk.
Romance Writers of America
14615 Benfer Road
Houston TX 77069
USA
Phone: (+1) 832 717 5200
Fax: (+1) 832 717 5201
Email:
[email protected]
Web: www.rwanational.org
Romantic Times Magazine
55 Bergen St
Brooklyn
New York NY 11201
USA
Phone: (+1) 718 237 1097
Fax: (+1) 718 624 4231
Email:
[email protected]
WEB: www.romantictimes.com
© Valerie Parv
Australian Society of Authors Limited, 2009
(6th Edition) Originally published in 1999
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ASA: Writing for the Romance Book Market
ROMANCE BOOK PUBLISHERS
We suggest you use this list as a starting point. Publishers’ submission policies will change from time
to time, therefore it is advisable to contact each publisher to establish submission guidelines (including
change of address and changes in corporate ownership) or check writers’ guidelines on the website
before sending unsolicited manuscripts. Direct your queries to either the Acquisitions Editor or the
Executive Editor. Many of these publishers do not list their phone and fax numbers, as they prefer to
be contacted by mail only. Please note that some publishers on this list will only accept manuscripts
through recognised agents. Australian publishers have not been listed because editorial submissions are
usually made through their overseas offices. Details were correct at the date of publication. The ASA
accepts no responsibility for changes made since.
AVALON BOOKS
160 Madison Ave
5th Floor
New York NY 10016
USA
Ph:
(+1) 212 598 0222
Fax: (+1) 212 979 1862
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.avalonbooks.com
HARLEQUIN MILLS & BOON
Eton House
18-24 Paradise Rd
Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR
UK
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.eharlequin.com
AVON BOOKS/HARPERCOLLINS
10 East 53rd St
New York NY 10022
USA
Ph:
(+1) 212 207 7000
Web:www.harpercollins.com/imprints/Avon/
DORCHESTER PUBLISHING COMPANY
200 Madison Ave
Suite 2000
New York NY 10016
USA
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.dorchesterpub.com
HARLEQUIN BOOKS/MIRA BOOKS
225 Duncan Mill Rd
Don Mills
Ontario M3B 3K9
CANADA
Ph:
(+1) 888 432 4879
Web: www.eharlequin.com
POCKET BOOKS
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York NY 10020
USA
Ph:
(+1) 212 698 7000
Web: http://romance.simonandschuster.com
RED SAGE PUBLISHING
Florida
USA
Ph:
(+1) 727 391 3847
Web: www.eredsage.com
ST. MARTIN’S PRESS
175 Fifth Ave
New York NY 10010
USA
Fax: (+1) 212 677 7456
Web: http://us.macmillan.com/smp.aspx
Australian Society of Authors
ABN 26 008 558 790
PO Box 1566, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
T: 02 9318 0877 | F: 02 9318 0530
[email protected] | www.asauthors.org
Copyright © 2010 Australian Society of Authors
Detail from ASA Medal design by Darrell Sibosado