Romance novels consistently represent one of the most popular genres, with over a billion dollars in sales each year. There are two basic types of romance novels—category, and single-title books.
Category Romance:
Some publishers release several books in a particular line each month, with strict guidelines as to their word count and structure. This format must be followed for every book in the category, regardless of the author.
Single-Title Romance:
These books are sold individually rather than as a group. The page length is not fixed, and the author has more control over the structure of the story.
In every romance novel, the growing relationship between the heroine and the hero is the most important element of the book. There must be believable conflict causing them to change and grow closer, but subplots must not take on more importance than their romantic relationship. Conflict, both internal and external, should increase emotional tension, but readers expect things to end with the hope of the couple living happily ever after.
The setting and time period can be anywhere, anytime. There can be elements of suspense, mystery, fantasy, etc., but the couple in love must be the main focus of the book. If it isn’t, it isn’t a real romance.
Resources for the Romance writer:
For Romance Readers:
Harlequin ebooks 16 free category romances
Reviews and News for Romance Readers
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Why do you enjoy/hate romance novels? Do you prefer the category romances or single-title books? What’s your favorite romance author or book?
I have a few single category romance authors that I adore because they write so well. Laura Kinsale, Georgette Heyer are two of my favourites. Sherrilyn Kenyon too because of her Dark Hunter world. It’s always fun.
Jai
Jai, I like Georgette Heyer, too. I haven’t read any of Laura Kinsale’s books, but since I love historical romances I have hers on my To Read list.
I have actually tried to read a romance or two but have never been able to get through one. Perhaps I just picked out a couple of poor choices.
I think the closest thing I’ve ever completed was These Are My Words, which had a lot of elements of a romance, but since there is no happily ever after ending I don’t think it would qualify – more of a historical novel. (I recommend it, by the way.)
I believe more romances are sold than any other category of books, so if a person is looking to break into the world getting published they could do worse than bone up on the elements of romance and then start writing. You still have to write well, and have a real story, but there are more opportunities there than in other fields, so perhaps more opportunity for success.
~jon
Jon, as with any genre, some romance novels are better than others. There are also lots of different kinds of romance stories, so perhaps someday you’ll find one you enjoy. After I sell the one I’m working on, I’ll send you a free copy. Maybe it will be the one to change your mind.
Some of your stories have characters that would make wonderful romantic heroes. Max Mann is my favorite, and I thought sure he was going to get involved with that waitress he talks to so often. Have you stuck him away in a drawer, or will you be posting more of his stories this year?
[...] duke1959 Life Leave a comment Romance novels consistently represent one of the most popular genres, with over a billion dollars in sales each year. There are two basic types of romance novels—category, and single-title books. Category Romance: Some publishers release several books in a particular line each month, with strict guidelines as to their word count and structure. This format must be followed for every book in the category, regardless of the author. Single-Title Ro … Read More [...]
I’m reading Jody Hedlund’s historical romance, The Preacher’s Bride, right now. Romance is not the genre I usually read. I read mostly mysteries. I like romance in a mystery as long as it is not the main focus.
Jody Hedlund’s heroine is very sweet, and the romance is secondary to the plot; nevertheless, in a certain context, it IS the plot. I’m enjoying it immensely. Thank you for a helpful post, especially to romance writers. Blessings…
Carol Ann, I love historical romances. I’m working on one set in the Depression Era. The Romance Writers of America consider anything before 1945 as a historical setting. Kind of makes me feel antique as much of my research is from my mom’s first person accounts of that time period.
I don’ t read too much romance. Couldn’t tell you why, except maybe that too many “heroes” I’ve encountered in romance have been real assholes. I know, I know, I’ve probably read the wrong ones, but I’m more interested in romantic subplots than I am main plots.
I wouldn’t be interested in many of the heroes in romance novels either, but I enjoy reading about how the characters work things out for their happy ending. Romantic subplots in a suspense or fantasy novel are good, too.
Once again, I’ve learned something new here Carol
(Category and Single-Title)
I don’t know what it is that turns me off of romance reading. I also can’t watch romantic movies. With them it feels sorta voyeuristic and I don’t like that. Maybe it’s that I don’t want to be involved with other people’s intimacies??? I honestly have no idea
Elizabeth, I don’t enjoy books or movies that go into detail about physical intimacy either. What I like about romances, though, is the feeling of knowing the characters on a personal level and rooting for them to find happiness together.
When characters are fully developed, I feel a connection to their struggles even if they aren’t ones I’ve experienced myself. In my opinion a good book, regardless of the genre, makes a reader feel close to the characters; most romances have the added attraction of the promise of a happy ending. I love happy endings.
For years I complained that any romance I read was syrup and make believe… lacking in any connection to real life. It was the same complaint I had about Christian fiction. So I guess it’s ironic that the last two novels I’ve written have been inspirational romantic suspense. I still don’t like straight romance, maybe for the same reason Elizabeth has mentioned, but I’m creating more of what I like to read… stories steeped in mystery and complicated relationships.
Carol, I used to feel the same way. I grew up reading Grace Livingston Hill, Emily Loring, and Barbara Cartland books, and the older I got the less realistic they seemed. But I don’t enjoy a lot of the stuff many contemporary romances include. Romantic suspense is my favorite genre now and, like you, it’s what I’m writing.
[...] is a genre that’s popular with readers of all ages. Some mysteries involve elements of romance, fantasy, or suspense, and the degree of danger to the protagonist varies. Factual accuracy is [...]
[...] into a story by using multiple viewpoint characters in alternating chapters. For instance, in the romance genre the heroine’s viewpoint is generally the primary one but the hero’s viewpoint is also used, [...]