What do you think when you hear Harlequin Romance? For many, they often think about the diverse range of romance stories that Harlequin publishes. However, Harlequin Romance, the series, is something much more specific. Like all other series that Harlequin publishes, Harlequin Romance has its own individual series promise that readers count on each month.
Today, let’s get to know what makes Harlequin Romance unique. Let’s start by breaking down what Harlequin Romance is and isn’t.
Harlequin Romance IS:
Contemporary and Modern:
Harlequin Romance books deliver fresh takes on popular romance themes and commercial tropes (more on this later!). They feature glamorous international settings which bring an aspirational element to the romance. These romantic escapes should have a contemporary fairy tale feeling.
Highly Couple-Focused:
The goal is to generate emotional depth and intensity between our two protagonists, so there is minimal room for secondary characters in these books. The key to a Harlequin Romance heroine is that she is real and down to earth. She is the one that the reader can relate to and root for. In contrast, the hero should exude extreme wealth and is immediately trustworthy and worthy of our heroine. He should be strong and alpha, whilst also being emotionally accessible. We are also open to romances between LGBTQ+ characters that similarly fulfil the series promise.
Focused on Internal Emotional Conflicts:
The emotional conflicts that will sustain the story over the course of 50,000 words should be primarily internal. External plots should not be the main driver of the story. However, while they are emotional stories, they can also be edge-of-the-seat exciting! We love it when the reader is thrown straight into the story.
Sensually Intense:
While these stories do not have gratuitous sexual detail, they’re welcome to have scenes that go beyond the bedroom door. These scenes should explore the emotional fulfillment that comes with sexual intimacy.
Diverse:
We are committed to publishing for our diverse global readership, and we welcome underrepresented authors and characters from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and lived experiences.
Harlequin Romance IS NOT:
Small-town focused:
Harlequin Romance is all about the glamourous, international escape. These stories should take place in opulent settings, not a small town.
Military or Western:
Harlequin Romance is not the place for Cowboys or Military Veterans. Our books are all about heroes with extreme wealth and lavish lifestyles.
A Catch-All for any Romance:
Often because of the misunderstanding of what the Harlequin Romance series is, people will submit any romance they’ve written. This is not the place for that! Please make sure to read all the submission guidelines and decide which Harlequin series is right for your book.
We have plenty of resources across Write for Harlequin to help you find the perfect home for your story.
- What is Harlequin Series?
- Which Harlequin Series Are You?
- Roadmap to Writing Romance: All About Harlequin Series
Popular Tropes in Harlequin Romance:
Harlequin Romance books are trope-driven romantic escapes. Here are some of the most popular tropes within our line.
- Billionaires (Check out our Billionaires Wanted! Harlequin Romance Pitch Day coming up soon!)
- Modern Day Cinderellas
- Runaway Brides
- Weddings
- Pregnancy / Secret Babies (as part of the conflict only – babies and children are not generally on the page.)
- Royalty
- Office Romance (Read our Trope Spotlight on Workplace Romances)
- Second Chance / Reunion Stories
- Enemies to Lovers (Read our Trope Spotlight on Enemies to Lovers)
Harlequin Romance Comparisons:
If you’ve ever written a quick pitch, you’ll know how important it is to include comparisons! Here is some inspiration from popular movies to give you an idea of what Harlequin Romance feels like…
Crazy Rich Asians for its alpha but emotionally accessible hero, Anyone But You and Ticket to Paradise for their destination wedding settings and second chance storylines, La Dolce Villa for its romantic escapism and Business Proposal for its trope-driven story set in a world of sumptuous glamour.
Editor POV on Harlequin Romance:
If you’re looking for more about Harlequin Romance, watch the Editor POV video with editor Jenny Macey below to get all the details from the editorial team.
The editors at Harlequin Romance are on the lookout for exciting new voices!
Do you love romances that transport you into the world of contemporary glamour and emotion? Then we have the perfect pitch opportunity for you! On April 10th, the Harlequin Romance team will be taking pitches for stories based around three romance scenarios. Find all the details here: Harlequin Romance Pitch Day: Billionaires Wanted! – Write for Harlequin
