Every year here at Romance HQ we’re lucky enough to receive hundreds of submissions from aspiring writers, but we only buy a fraction of these new authors every year. Editors often work with aspiring authors for months, sometimes even years, to help them reach publication standard. But in order for them to invest that time, they need to see something special in the writing. So what is it that makes an author stand out from the rest?
Firstly, the author’s voice: This is absolutely key and it is something that can’t be faked. We’re looking for the author’s natural voice. All too often we receive submissions that may be technically very good but there is no personality or spark to the writing. Sometimes it feels like writers are trying to emulate authors that they have read before. We’re not looking for a paint by numbers romance. So be fresh, be original, be yourself!
Captivate your reader with sparky dialogue and a great interaction between your hero and heroine. It’s crucial to see blazing chemistry between them.
Readers want to be plunged straight into the action with a high octane, emotionally intense situation. A reader wants to see that the characters are on the point of change and have the sense that they will be going on a journey of development in the book.
But even in a dramatic, emotional scenario, humor can work really well to balance this, especially a hero that can make us laugh. We’re not talking laugh out loud or ridiculous here, but some subtle humor can work wonders at engaging the reader.
The characters themselves are crucial. We want to see that there is a potential to dig deeper. They have to be people you like and want to read about and they must be realistic and relatable.
Editors want to see something unique in the story – whether that be a completely different element or a new twist on a classic theme such as the marriage of convenience.
Crucially our editors want to see highly contemporary writing. Your potential readers are from the 21st century so will need to be able to relate to the characters and the situation that they find themselves in, even if the series is Historical Romance.
Happy Writing from the SYTYCW Team!
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!