Harlequin Historical - 70,000-75,000 words
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.