Depth, relatability and sizzling spice, too: these characters are determined to live their best lives — and find the romance that makes them feel seen, unapologetically. In the pages of Afterglow Books, characters from all walks of life, all types of diverse identities, will pursue their dreams and discover love isn’t far behind. Because everyone deserves a happily ever after that’s true to who they are.

Key Elements:

• Strong, driven protagonists who want to be the best versions of themselves. Whether they’re confident about the lives they’ve made or still figuring out who they are, they work through their flaws and meet their challenges, no matter how difficult. Their personal journey moves the plot forward just as much as their romantic journey.
• Romantic arcs that are sexy and full of heart; the romances in these stories have emotional strength, electric chemistry and immerse you in the characters’ world.
• When the chemistry ignites, it does not stop; whether your story is a slow burn or a raging inferno, the attraction is clear, and the tension is palpable every moment the characters are together. Sex scenes are explicit, but down-to-earth—they bring the reader into the character’s thoughts, feelings, experiences and sensations using everyday language without euphemisms.
• In these stories, romance is not the solution to the protagonist’s problems, but it’s a key support system that empowers them to overcome their challenges and discover just how happy and fulfilled they can be.
• Conflicts and situations can be remarkable or true-to-life, but they are always grounded in reality; whether it’s issues with family or friends, career, identity or community, the challenges these characters face reflect the diversity of experiences in our world.
• Tone ranges from flirtatious, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy to angsty, highly emotional drama that reflects the complex struggles of real life.
• Any location in the world can be home to these stories – whether it’s a well-known city or country or a special location that readers would love to learn more about.
• Characters can be of any identity, background, or place in life. Their professions can be traditional blue- or white-collar jobs or unusual callings that reflect their individual talents. These romances are a window into the characters’ passions outside the romantic relationship.
• No paranormal, romantic suspense, dark or historical romances, or billionaires at this time.

Featured in this line: 

Sexy romances that take you through the joys and challenges of creating a happily-ever-after today. These characters come from all walks of life. They live their truth and build relationships that match the life they want. Diversity is a staple component of all Harlequin lines, and in this line, you’ll see it reflected in each month’s releases. You will see characters who reflect your drive and daily trials, and who experience the searingly spicy romances they deserve. New twists on familiar stories – as well as plots you may never have experienced before – will prove a happy ending is not out of reach even when things get tough.

This line is…

• Proof that happy endings are meant for everyone
• Explicitly sexy with chemistry that pops
• Unique plots and strong emotional conflicts that embrace the world around us
• The journey of complex characters who aren’t afraid to make mistakes or stand up for what they believe in

We’re actively seeking books from authors of underrepresented backgrounds – if you feel that’s you, and you’re ready to create a sexy contemporary romance with compelling, relatable characters, we’d love to hear from you!

Find out more before you submit by:

• Checking out the launch titles on the Afterglow Books web page
• Interacting with the editors: Stacy Boyd, John Jacobson, and Errin Toma 
• Finding more information on writeforharlequin.com
• Connecting with other Harlequin authors and readers on the Harlequin Connection Facebook page

What to Submit

• Your full manuscript, or, if you have previously published a full-length fiction novel, submit sample chapters instead
• A 3-5 page synopsis describing your story, including plot outline, character development and conflict resolution/ending

Our editorial office is located in New York, NY:

Senior Editor: Stacy Boyd (she/her)

Associate Editor: John Jacobson (they/them)

Assistant Editor: Errin Toma (she/they)

Wholesome, fun and feel-good contemporary romances set in close-knit communities where the reader can escape to a world of love and belonging. Fall in love with small towns, friendly neighborhoods and romances that always end with happily ever after!

Heartwarming Key Elements

• Clean, sweet, feel-good stories that readers can share with friends and family of all ages.
• Contemporary romances with a focus on family and community. Popular themes include: small towns, coming home, becoming a family (single parents, children and secret babies), holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving), western elements (cowboys and ranchers), traditional romance themes such as marriage of convenience and fake relationship, and pets or animals.
• Characters are everyday men and women with traditional values facing the challenges of modern life and relationships with courage and hope. Heroes are dependable, loyal and honest, with jobs such as firefighter, sheriff, small-town cop, rancher or vet. Heroines are optimistic, empathetic and independent, with strong ties to the people and world around her. We welcome characters with a diverse range of cultural backgrounds and challenges.
• Settings are North American small towns or close-knit communities within cities. 
• Although the developing romance between the hero and heroine is always the focus, Heartwarming’s longer word count allows the author to show the family and friends around the central couple. Subplots featuring best friends, siblings, coworkers and neighbors are welcome and help create a community that readers will want to escape to again and again.
• Heartwarming romances feature a low sensuality level. Hugs and kisses only. Still, lots of romantic attraction and tension is required!
• No explicit or behind-closed-doors sex, nudity, pre-marital sex, profanity or graphic depictions of violence. 
• No explicit religious or Christian content. No paranormal. No heavy suspense.

Harlequin Heartwarming is…

The warmth, optimism and small-town family and community feel of TV shows like Gilmore Girls, Virgin River, Schitt's Creek and Ted Lasso.

 Read what we're publishing.

Recommended:

Rocky Mountain Baby by Patricia Johns

A Marriage of Inconvenience by Amy Vastine

Rescuing the Rancher by Claire McEwen

The Rebel Cowboy's Baby by Sasha Summers

Caught by the Cowboy Dad by Melinda Curtis

An Alaskan Homecoming by Beth Carpenter

What to Submit

• Your full manuscript
• A 3-7 page synopsis describing your story, including plot outline, character development and conflict resolution/ending.

 Did You Know?

• Heartwarming publishes four books per month, available in paperback through membership in our book club and digitally wherever ebooks are sold.
• Learn more about our authors on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/HarlequinHeartwarmingAuthors/

Meet our editors at Write for Harlequin

Executive Editor: Kathleen Scheibling 

Editor: Kathryn Lye

Editor: Adrienne Macintosh @AdrienneApple

Editor: Johanna Raisanen @jo_raisanen

Editor: Dana Grimaldi @DanaGrimaldi

Editorial Assistant: Natalia Castano

Editorial Office: Toronto, Canada

 
Richly textured, emotionally intense novels set across a wide range of historical periods—from the battlefields of Viking and Medieval times to the ballrooms of Regency and Victorian Society.
 

We are committed to publishing for our diverse global readership, and are actively seeking to acquire underrepresented authors, as well as stories which explore underrepresented perspectives on popular time periods.
 

As with all Harlequin series, we read all submissions and you do not need to have an agent to submit.
 

Harlequin Historical Key Elements

 

• Strong and dynamic characters with believable, relatable conflicts, appropriate for the time in which they are set.
• We welcome LGBTQ+ protagonists for the central romance.
• The couple's emotional issues should be the driving force of the tension between them.
• Secondary characters can enrich the story but should be kept to a minimum and should not distract from the romance.
• Historical research and accuracy are essential to bring the world to life but remember to focus on the romance.
• All levels of sensuality are considered—from sweet to spicy – but whatever the level of sensuality, chemistry and sexual tension are vital.
• This series does not feature paranormal or timeslip elements.
• Regency, Victorian, Medieval and Viking are the most popular eras amongst our readers globally. However, there’s also room for variety – we're happy to consider stories set in other eras too, though space for these is more limited.
• Word count: 70,000 - 75,000 words

Featured in Harlequin Historical

Examples of characters you'll find in the series are: members of the aristocracy (Dukes, Earls, Lords and Ladies), disreputable rakes, daring debutantes, capable governesses, and enterprising widows, Viking and Medieval warriors, gallant knights and spirited shieldmaidens, Caribbean heiresses, Egyptian royalty and Scottish Lairds!

Harlequin Historical is…

The gritty drama of Vikings, Outlander (without the time travel), the emotional nuance of Jane Austen and the sizzling sensuality of Bridgerton, the fresh perspectives of Belle, Gentleman Jack and The Confessions of Frannie Langton, and the scandalous Society drama of Downton Abbey!

What to Submit
 

• The first three chapters of your manuscript.
• A 2-page synopsis describing your story, including plot outline, character development and conflict resolution/ending.

Did You Know?

• We’re always looking for new stories. In particular, we want to see submissions from underrepresented romance authors, higher sensuality stories, and new perspectives on popular time periods like Regency and Victorian.
• Some of our recent acquisitions include: a Viking Varangian Guard and a runaway empress risking the fate of an empire to follow their hearts, a governess who discovers she’s the long-lost daughter of King Louis XV, a Victorian viscount who helps an Egyptian princess escape a convenient marriage, and a Regency debutante under pressure to marry a Duke, but it’s his sister she falls for…! 
• There are five new Harlequin Historical books available each month.

Read what we're publishing.
Senior Editor: Carly Byrne
Editor: Annie Warren
Assistant Editor: Binti Pattani
Editorial Office: London, UK
You can find the Historical team on X: Follow  @CarlyMbyrne, @notanniewarren and @BintiPattani and check out #HarlequinHistorical. You can also see what our current authors are up to on the Harlequin Historical Books Facebook Page.
 

Harlequin Intrigue books are for fans of novels by Sandra Brown, James Patterson and Iris Johansen. They are high-stakes thrillers and procedurals where determined characters go through a spectrum of tensions as they work to solve a crime.


Harlequin Intrigue Key Elements:
 

•   Nail-biting thrillers that feature crime stories with complex plots that keep the reader guessing. Your manuscript should make the reader use her analytical skills to solve the crime. A page-turning edge-of-your-seat read is what we are looking for in a Harlequin Intrigue book.
• Tone is tense, dramatic, serious and exciting.
• Well motivated characters must work together in a high-stakes, fast-paced plot to resolve the crime.
• The level of sensuality in a Harlequin Intrigue book is low to moderate. However, the hero and heroine must share a palpable physical and emotional attraction and have a meaningful connection to the crime.
•   Unexpected “a-ha” moments should be seeded throughout the text. 
• The crime drama must be resolved and there should always be a satisfying conclusion to the romance by the end of every Harlequin Intrigue.
• Mainly North American settings (urban and small town) with some international travel.
• No graphic sexual details, explicit language or gratuitous violence in text.
• Word count of 55,000-60,000 words.
• Subplots should be kept to a minimum.
• We are always on the lookout for LGBTQIA+ stories. All gender and identity pairings are welcome!

Featured in Harlequin Intrigue
Taut, edge-of-the-seat contemporary crime stories. Homicide investigations, kidnappings, stalkings are among the plots we offer coupled with a bestselling romance between two strong, equally matched protagonists. The Harlequin Intrigue hero is a determined detective, a special forces soldier, a relentless federal agent and willing to put everything on the line for justice and love. Strong, protective and capable, he is not afraid to break the rules in order to see justice done and to protect the innocent. And he is any enemy’s worst nightmare. The Harlequin Intrigue heroine is the hero’s equal. She is no-nonsense, resilient, confident, determined and empowered. From stories of psychological suspense to police procedures and exciting thrillers, Harlequin Intrigue books cover a wide range of intense crime drama.


What to Submit
 

• Your full manuscript
• A 3-7 page synopsis describing your story, including plot outline, character development and conflict resolution/ending.

Harlequin Intrigue is…
Bourne for pacing—fast and dangerous and exciting. Justified for the composition of the understated yet intense hero we like to see in a Harlequin Intrigue.  CSI/SWAT for the kind of complex mystery and crime story that can lend itself to a solid and exciting romantic suspense novel.


Did You Know?
 

•  Several New York Times bestselling authors have launched their careers with Harlequin Intrigue!
• There are six new Harlequin Intrigue books available each month.
   

Read what we're publishing.
Senior Editor: Denise Zaza
Editor: Emma Cole
Editorial Assistant: Katarina Hunter

Editorial Offices: NY, TO

These novels are romance-focused stories with a suspense element. Powerful romances are at the heart of each story, and the additional elements of excitement, adventure and suspense play out between complex characters.

Harlequin Romantic Suspense Key Elements
 

• Harlequin Romantic Suspense novels are fueled more by the romance than the suspense.
• Big, sweeping romances amid dangerous and suspenseful settings.
• Word count of 70,000 means a wider breadth of story and potential for subplots that speak to the conflicts.
• Strong, compelling romance drives the stories but is matched by dramatic and layered plots.
• We are always on the lookout for LGBTQIA+ romantic suspense. All gender and identity pairings are welcome!
• Classic themes include revenge, characters in jeopardy, family, Westerns, military and law enforcement, but we're excited to receive twists on these as well as entirely new themes. Vivid conflicts are essential.
• A range of sensuality from high to low, as well as romantic and sexual tension.
• Emotional payoff fits with the larger-than-life stories.
• Paranormal "adjacent" elements are welcome, so long as they don't push the story into Paranormal or Fantasy. We're interested in stories about psychics, ghost hunting, or Gothic suspense.

Featured in Harlequin Romantic Suspense

 Relatable main characters falling in love under extraordinary circumstances. Harlequin Romantic Suspense concentrates on the developing love story more than the suspense. Each character should be a force to contend with—complex, strong and smart.

What to Submit
 

• Your full manuscript
• A 3-5 page synopsis describing your story, including plot outline, character development and conflict resolution/ending.

Harlequin Romantic Suspense is…

Criminal Minds, The White Lotus, Yellowstone, 9-1-1, Broadchurch, Lupin, Blue Bloods, The Terminal List, or modern-day Rear Window or Charade for their solid levels of story, three-dimensional characters and varying levels of suspense with strong romantic themes, witty dialogue and lives and hearts on the line.

Did You Know?
 

• There are 4 new Harlequin Romantic Suspense books available each month.

Read what we're publishing.


 Senior Editor: Allison Lyons
 Associate Editor: Caroline Timmings
 Editorial Assistant: Katarina Hunter
 Editorial Office: NY, NY

Editors continue to acquire new voices for Harlequin Special Edition; however, we are not reviewing submissions from Submittable currently.

Harlequin Special Edition features contemporary, real-life characters and situations—relatable men and women with friends, family and careers, as they experience the  journey to true love.

Popular storylines include the challenges of having babies/raising children, especially in the case of single parents and multiples; family stories of all types; “fake” relationships for the sake of appearances; western settings and ranch stories; second chance at love; friends/enemies to lovers; and stories that expand on the romance to include extended family—children; parents; siblings; friends; and co-workers of the protagonists. And pets—especially when they play a key element in the story! We continue to look for diverse authors who can bring more varied backgrounds and characters to their story.

Harlequin Special Edition books…

• Feature characters from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences
• Leave you feeling optimistic, empowered and connected
• We want to see not just the main characters but where they come from--their parents, perhaps their siblings, their children if they have them, their friends and co-workers. 
• Feature fresh twists on classic plot elements
• Include stories with a range of sensuality, from subtle to intense
• Emotional depth of both story and character is paramount
• Strong internal and external conflicts
• Word count of 70,000 - 75,000 words

If you love movies such as THE BIG SICK, THE WEDDING YEAR or SOMETHING FROM TIFFANY’S and authors like RaeAnne Thayne, Robyn Carr and early Kristin Higgins, then you might be a great fit for Special Edition!  

Did You Know?

• New York Times bestselling authors such as Diana Palmer, Susan Mallery, and RaeAnne Thayne have written for Harlequin Special Edition, and still do!
• Harlequin Special Edition is always looking for the stars of tomorrow, and will publish six new authors in 2023-2024 alone! 
• There are 4 new Harlequin Special Edition books available each month.

 Find out more about Harlequin Special Edition before you submit by:

• Interacting with authors, editors, and readers on social media channels, WriteForHarlequin.com and the Facebook Harlequin Writing Community.
• Read our books! Here are some recently published recommendations:

                    – THE FATHER OF HER SONS by New York Times bestselling author Christine Rimmer

                    – HIS BABY NO MATTER WHAT by Melissa Senate

                    – MATCHED BY MASALA by Mona Shroff

                    – AN UNEXPECTED COWBOY by New York Times bestselling author Shannon Stacy

                    – CINDERELLA'S LAST STAND by Michelle Lindo-Rice

Senior Editor: Gail Chasan
Editor: Susan Litman  @susan_litman  
Editorial Office: New York, NY

Contemporary inspirational romances that feature Christian characters facing the many challenges of life and love in today's world.

Love Inspired Key Elements

Contemporary inspirational romance novel

• Strong contemporary romances with a Christian worldview and wholesome values.
• Relationships that emphasize emotional intimacy rather than sexual desire.
• Each story should focus on an emotional and satisfying romance, with a sustained conflict.
• Mandatory faith element that is integral to story and shows rather than tells, avoiding didactic, preachy tone or doctrinal language.
• Family and community are strong features of this line
• Stories can be set in small town USA or close knit communities in urban settings.
• Hero and heroine should meet early in book, preferably by end of chapter one.
• No drugs or alcohol consumption, gambling, or profanity by Christian characters.
• No graphic violence or pre-marital sex within the course of the story.
• Word count of 55,000 

Featured in Love Inspired

Relatable heroines in everyday life finding love in the arms of a strong, honorable man. Love Inspired heroes should be strong and smart, with a core of tenderness, and the heroines should be their equals.

Love Inspired is…

Touched by an Angel or Gilmore Girls or Hallmark movies, for their solid stories and characters, sense of family and community, with tender romance and a level of faith at its core.

What to Submit

• Your full manuscript.
• A 3-5 page synopsis describing your story, including plot outline, character      development and conflict resolution/ending.

Did You Know?

• Western settings and cowboy/rancher heroes continue to be very popular with our readers. 
• Amish romances are still very appealing to Love Inspired readers. We are seeking new authors and stories set in Amish communities across the US.
• Love Inspired has a strong social media presence. Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LoveInspiredBooks or follow us on Twitter at @LoveInspiredBks.
• Follow the Love Inspired editors on X--@TinaCJames, @MelissaEndlich, @Shana_Asaro and @kmgowrie.
• There are 6 new Love Inspired books available each month.

Read what we're publishing.

Senior Editor: Melissa Endlich

Editor: Shana Asaro

Editor: Katie Gowrie

Assistant Editor: Besarta Sinanovic

Assistant Editor: Amanda Sun

Editorial Assistant: Kathleen Resurreccion

Editorial Office: NY, NY

Edge-of-the-seat, contemporary romantic suspense tales of intrigue and romance featuring Christian characters facing challenges to their faith…and to their lives.

Love Inspired Suspense Key Elements
 

  Contemporary inspirational romantic suspense novel

 

• Riveting romantic suspense stories with a Christian worldview and wholesome values
• Stories focused equally on gripping suspense and strong compelling romance
• Heroes and heroines who work together to solve the mystery or overcome the shared danger
• Relationships that emphasize emotional intimacy rather than sexual desire
• Stories can be set in small town North America or close knit communities in urban   settings
• Mandatory faith element that is integral to story and shows rather than tells, avoiding didactic, preachy tone or doctrinal language
   
• Hero and heroine should meet early in book, preferably by end of chapter one. And the suspense element should be introduced in chapter one
• No drug or alcohol consumption, gambling, profanity or pre-marital sex by Christian characters within the course of the story. No graphic violence
• Stories should contain both hero and heroine Point of View only. No secondary character POV
• Word count of 55,000 

Featured in Love Inspired Suspense

  Heroic, courageous, relatable characters faced with dangerous situations who'll triumph and find love. The hero is a man bound by loyalty and love. He is a fierce protector. The heroine is no damsel in distress. She is an equal partner.


Love Inspired Suspense is…

Castle or Bones for their solid suspense stories and their romantic tension between the characters.

What to Submit

• Your full manuscript.
• A 3-5 page synopsis describing your story, including plot outline, character development and conflict resolution/ending.
   

Did You Know?

• Popular themes in LIS include protector heroes, women in jeopardy, military, law enforcement, cowboys, small town secrets, and Amish.
• Love Inspired Suspense has a strong social media presence. Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LoveInspiredBooks or follow us on Twitter at @LoveInspiredBks. 
• Follow the Love Inspired editors on X--@TinaCJames, @MelissaEndlich,  @Shana_Asaro and @kmgowrie.
• There are 6 new Love Inspired Suspense books available each month.

Read what we're publishing.

Executive Editor: Tina James

Editor: Shana Asaro

Editor: Katie Gowrie

Assistant Editor: Besarta Sinanovic

Assistant Editor: Amanda Sun

Editorial Assistant: Kathleen Resurreccion

Editorial Office: NY, NY