Write for Harlequin
Harlequin is always on the lookout for talented writers—from established authors to those just starting their writing careers. We publish a wide range of stories and welcome writers from all backgrounds, cultures and communities to submit to the romance line best suited to their unique voice and story.
We want all readers to see themselves reflected in the books we publish and we’re committed to publishing diverse and inclusive voices and stories. As such, we are actively looking for more story submissions from authors in underrepresented communities and invite you to add #RomanceIncludesYou with your manuscript title when you submit.
Get to know our various imprints and editorial lines to find out where you might fit into Harlequin's extensive publishing program. You can download free books from all of our series at Try Harlequin.
Harlequin Series (sometimes known as "Category Romance") and Carina Press accept unagented submissions from authors. To submit to a romance series, click on the links below. Please submit to only one series at a time, with only one submission at a time. We accept submissions in English only.
Carina Press, our digital-first imprint, acquires across a broad range of romance subgenres. We welcome all pairings/groupings, including LGBTQ+, for publication in our general Carina Press imprint. Additionally, we have a specific line for trope-based LGBTQ+ romances called Carina Adores. Visit the Carina Press Submittable page for more information and to submit your manuscript.
For writing tips and advice from our editorial team, visit writeforharlequin.com.
Read a step-by-step guide on how to submit your story.
For general inquiries, please email submissions@harlequin.com.
We do not accept submissions by email. Any unsolicited email submissions will be deleted.
All submissions must include either a full manuscript or the first three chapters, plus a synopsis. Requirements vary by series, so check the series guidelines for details.
To submit to one of our series romance imprints, please click on the links below.
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…
Similar in tone and feel to movies and TV shows like Sleepless in Seattle, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove, The Vow.
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 on Twitter:
Executive Editor: Kathleen Scheibling @KScheibling
Editor: Kathryn Lye @Lye1892
Editor: Adrienne Macintosh @AdrienneApple
Editor: Johanna Raisanen @jo_raisanen
Editor: Dana Grimaldi @DanaGrimaldi
Editorial Office: Toronto, Canada
Richly textured, emotionally intense novels set across a wide range of historical periods—from ancient civilisations up to and including the 1950s.
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.
- Central relationship as the driving force of the story.
- We are happy to consider LGBTQ+ protagonists for the central 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 the tingling sensation you experience when a wet-shirted Mr. Darcy rises from the lake, to the explicit bedroom romps of Tudor times, whatever the level of sensuality, chemistry and sexual tension are vital.
- This series does not feature paranormal or timeslip elements.
- Regency, Victorian, Highlanders, Vikings, and Medieval are most popular amongst our readers globally. However there’s also room for variety – we're happy to publish stories from ancient civilisations all the way through to the 1950s, although we have ceased publication of Westerns as of January 2019.
- Word count: 70,000 - 75,000 words
Featured in Harlequin Historical
The main characters in the Harlequin Historical series bring the period to life and drive an entertaining, dramatic and emotional romance!
Examples of characters you’ll find in the series are a Regency rake with a wicked glint in his eye, a muscled warrior brandishing a sword, or a gorgeous kilted Highlander. Perhaps a spirited Viking shield-maiden, a scarred reclusive spinster, or a capable penniless governess. We have had spies in royal courts, Roman gladiators, and an Egyptian servant trapped in a pyramid!
Harlequin Historical is…
Outlander (without the time travel), the gritty drama of Vikings, the sizzling sensuality of The Tudors and Bridgerton, and the scandalous society drama of Downton Abbey!
What to Submit
- The first three chapters of your manuscript.
- A 3-5 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, a sexy Regency, or a new perspective on any time period…
· Some of our most recent acquisitions include a Medieval marriage of convenience, a Georgian Highlander, a blues singer who meets her mobster hero in a 1920s speakeasy, and a Viking warrior who steals himself a princess on the eve of her wedding!
· There are six new Harlequin Historical books available each month.
Executive Editor: Bryony Green
Senior Editor: Carly Byrne
Editor: Hannah Rossiter
Editorial Assistant: Awo Ibrahim
Editorial Office: London, UK
You can find the Historical team on Twitter! Follow @BryonyGreenHqn and @CarlyMbyrne, and check out #HarlequinHistorical. And see what our current authors are up to on the Harlequin Historical Books Facebook Page.
N.B. Please note that as per current editorial policy we ask that you do not submit more than one manuscript at a time for our consideration. Please be patient and wait for feedback before submitting your next project.
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
Intense, uplifting and relatable romances set in the medical world. Experience the rollercoaster of emotions, ambitions and desires of today's medical professionals.
We are committed to publishing for our diverse global readership, and are actively seeking to acquire authors from underrepresented backgrounds. If you feel that’s you, and you have a story to tell that features the key elements below, then we would love to read it!
As with all Harlequin series, we read all submissions and you do not need to have an agent to submit.
Harlequin Medical Romance Key Elements
Contemporary romance novels set in the medical world.
- Focus of the story must be on the development of the central romantic relationship against the backdrop of a contemporary medical setting.
- Dynamic and dedicated medical professional protagonists at the top of their game with hearts of gold.
- Main characters who work together in a medical setting – their working relationship, medical dramas etc. help to drive the romantic relationship.
- Contemporary, international medical settings are, however, integral to the story, and the central relationship should rise out of them.
- A range of sensuality from intensely passionate to warm and tender.
- An emotionally intense read, ranging from the traditional to the ground breaking.
- Innovative emotional conflicts and traditional emotional themes developed in a unique way are all welcome.
- Word count of 50,000.
Featured in Harlequin Medical Romance
A strong focus on the central romantic relationship. Relatable main characters in a medical setting – pulse-racing medical drama that throws them together is crucial. Dedicated top-notch docs, hot-shot surgeons, fearless first responders and even some vets. Engaging medical settings and situations around the world from cozy GP practices and maternity to intense ER and first response, all with a strong sense of community. We find them everywhere – heart and transplant surgeries, city hospitals, pediatrics, IVF clinics, jungle or outback settings and humanitarian missions. Doctors to the stars, royalty or presidents, etc. The characters, their romance, the settings and the drama must be appealing and accessible to a global readership. We are looking for stories with a diverse range of characters, and are happy to see romances between LGBTQ+ characters.
What to Submit
- Your first three chapters
- A 3-5 page synopsis describing your story, including plot outline, character development and conflict resolution/ending.
Harlequin Medical Romance is…
House, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, The Night Shift, The Good Karma Hospital and Doctors for their tone, medical settings and scenarios, complex characters with strong romantic themes, great dialogue and lives and hearts on the edge. However, the key difference is that the focus of each Medical Romance story is first and foremost a heart-racing romance. The novels offer a wealth of experiences: from the high-octane excitement of the ER to the warmth of family GP practice.
Did You Know?
- …Carol Marinelli, Sarah Morgan, Sharon Kendrick, Melanie Milburne, Amy Andrews & Marion Lennox (amongst others!) all began their published writing careers in Harlequin Medical Romance.
- …In Harlequin Medical we encourage a wide diversity of settings, nationalities, physicalities and boundary-pushing themes.
- ...Our Medical Romance writers regularly win national awards, including the RoNA Rose Award, the Romance Writers of Australia Book of the Year Award (RUBY) and the Romance Writers of New Zealand Koru Romance Book of the Year Award.
- ...There are 6 new Harlequin Medical Romance books available each month in both print and eBook format from www.Harlequin.com.
Senior Editor: Sheila Hodgson
Editor: Laurie Johnson
Editorial Assistant: Jenny Macey
Editorial Office: London, UK
N.B. Please note that as per current editorial policy we ask that you do not submit more than one manuscript at a time for our consideration. Please be patient and wait for feedback before submitting your next project.
These stories are all about passion and escape—glamorous international settings, captivating emotional drama and high-stakes seduction.
Harlequin Presents Key Elements
- A hero who will command and seduce. There's nothing in the world his powerful authority and money can't buy…except the love of a woman strong enough to tame him!
- A Harlequin Presents heroine isn't afraid to stand up to the hero in her own way, whether she's at home in his opulent world or not. She can be shy and innocent, feisty and daring or anywhere in between.
- These stories are pure romantic fantasy with glitzy, glamorous, international settings to upstage even the swankiest of red-carpet premieres!
- High sensuality and sky-rocketing sexual tension to quicken your pulse
- Captivating internal emotional conflicts that will sustain the story over the course of 50,000 words.
- Tone should be contemporary but with a strong intensity, delivering an instant hit of powerful emotion
- Give classic themes a fresh 21st century twist - tease, surprise and delight.
Featured in Presents
Harlequin Presents has classic themes, but we're looking for innovative takes. What would you say if a billionaire demanded you agree to a marriage of convenience? Does a secret baby have to mean a shot-gun wedding? Our heroes are 100% alpha but that doesn't mean they're perfect. The Mediterranean, Latin America, South East Asia, Africa…wherever he's from, it's certain that he turns the heads of every woman he passes! We love to see characters from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences – it’s all part of the international flavour of our books! We are also happy to see romances between LGBTQ+ characters.
What to Submit
- Your first three chapters.
- A 3-5 page synopsis describing your story, including plot outline, character development and conflict resolution/ending.
Harlequin Presents is…
- The home of the alpha male.
- A whirlwind of intensely emotional highs and lows.
- International settings from your every fantasy!
We’re actively seeking to acquire romance authors from underrepresented backgrounds – if you feel that’s you, and you’re ready to immerse yourself in the world of billionaires, glamour and sensuality, we’d love to hear from you!
Did You Know?
- There are 8 new Harlequin Presents books available each month.
- It has been scientifically proven that romance readers have more sex!
Fun Facts about the Presents editorial team:
Flo: as an identical twin, Flo has a major weakness for twin characters…especially if they’re gorgeous heroes!
Nic: Nic can’t resist a bad boy hero! Provided they’re suitably redeemed of course…
Charlotte: can’t get enough of a sexy accent…so if you have a delicious hero from a striking, exotic location, send them her way!
Hannah: has been in love with reading about love for as long she can remember…and can’t wait to fall in love with your story next!
Bobbi-Lee: grew up travelling across the world so she loves losing herself in glittering locations…especially when there’s a gorgeous heartthrob there!
Executive Editor: Bryony Green
Senior Editor: Flo Nicoll
Editor: Charlotte Ellis
Editor: Soraya Bouazzaoui
Assistant Editor: Emma Marnell
Editorial Assistant: Bobbi-Lee Wright
Editorial Office: London, UK
N.B. Please note that as per current editorial policy we ask that you do not submit more than one manuscript at a time for our consideration. Please be patient and wait for feedback before submitting your next project.
ALL ABOUT HARLEQUIN ROMANCE
Harlequin Romance stories are all about real, relatable and strong, deeply desirable characters experiencing the intensity, anticipation and sheer rush of falling in love. Get swept away by these emotional, glamorous and uplifting romances!
Key Elements
- A Harlequin Romance novel focuses on the romantic journey of the couple, where the reader feels they are walking in their shoes and experiencing the highs and lows towards the happy ever after.
- The key to a Harlequin Romance heroine is that she's real and down to earth. She's one the reader can believe in, relate to and root for!
- We need a hero we can immediately trust, who is worthy of the heroine. Not all our heroes are super rich international tycoons (although some might be!) but they’re successful in their own right and should be a strong man our heroine would aspire to be with.
- We are also happy to see LGBTQ+ romances that deliver the same feel of sweep you away romances in wonderful locations around the world. Glamorous, international settings are encouraged and work well to add the aspirational element to our romances.
- We welcome protagonists from all backgrounds and nationalities.
- NEW Level of Sensuality: High sensual tension, matched with high emotional connection. While these stories do not have graphic sexual detail, we welcome scenes that go beyond the bedroom door to explore the emotional fulfillment that comes with sexual intimacy.
- Captivating internal emotional conflicts that will sustain the story over the course of 50,000 words.
- Couple-focused with minimal secondary characters to generate emotional depth and intensity.
- Delivers contemporary, fresh takes on classic romance themes.
- This is the home of feel-good, entertaining and fresh paced romance.
- While these romances are tender stories, it doesn’t mean they can’t be edge-of-the-seat exciting! Throw your reader straight into the story!
Featured in Harlequin Romance
Some of our most popular storylines include: Cinderella (rags-to-riches), convenient marriages, runaway brides, weddings, pregnancy, secret babies, billionaires & millionaires, royalty, aristocracy, working together, falling for the boss, couples reunited, friends to lovers, amnesia, single dads, seasonal (e.g. Christmas and summer). Harlequin Romance no longer features small town and Western settings or cowboy and military protagonists.
What to Submit
- Your first three chapters.
- A 3-5 page synopsis describing your story, including plot outline, character development and conflict resolution/ending.
Harlequin Romance is…
One Fine Day for its warmth and tear jerking properties, The Notebook for its emotional depth, The Vow for its emotional conflicts, Dear John for its focus on the central relationship, Life as We Know It, The Proposal and The Back-Up Plan for their fresh storylines.
We are actively seeking to acquire authors from underrepresented backgrounds and nationalities to reflect our diverse global readership. If you feel that’s you, and you have a story to tell that features the key elements above, then we would love to read it!
The Editorial Team
Senior Editor: Sheila Hodgson
Editor: Megan Haslam
Editorial Assistant: Jenny Macey
Editorial Office: London, UK
Follow us on Twitter! @SheilaHodgsonMR @HaslamMegan @JennyMacey22
N.B. Please note that as per current editorial policy we ask that you do not submit more than one manuscript at a time for our consideration. Please be patient and wait for feedback before submitting your next project.
As with all Harlequin series, we read all submissions and you do not need to have an agent to submit.
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.
- Follow the Harlequin Romantic Suspense editors on Twitter -- @PatienceBloom, @EditrixEmma and @megbrod12
Senior Editor: Patience Bloom (she/her)
Associate Editor: Emma Cole (she/her)
Assistant Editor: Megan Broderick (she/her)
Editorial Assistant: Katherine Rushby (she/her)
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
Assistant Editor: Megan Broderick @megbrod12
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 Twitter--@TinaCJames, @MelissaEndlich, @Shana_Asaro and @kmgowrie.
- There are 6 new Love Inspired books available each month.
Senior Editor: Melissa Endlich
Editor: Shana Asaro
Editor: Katie Gowrie
Assistant Editor: Besarta Sinanovic
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 Twitter--@TinaCJames, @MelissaEndlich, @Shana_Asaro and @kmgowrie.
- There are 6 new Love Inspired Suspense books available each month.
Executive Editor: Tina James
Editor: Shana Asaro
Editor: Katie Gowrie
Assistant Editor: Besarta Sinanovic
Editorial Office: NY, NY