Harlequin Heartwarming is currently seeking Western romance stories!
Executive Editor Kathleen Scheibling wants you to know exactly what the Heartwarming team is looking for in a Western story that fits this line. Read on for her manuscript wishlist!
I’m looking for:
- Wholesome Western-themed romances that focus on small towns, family, and community.
- These Western-themed stories must have hooks! For example, holidays (especially Christmas); main characters with Western professions (cowboy/cowgirl, ranchers, veterinarians, sheriff, etc.); families with babies and small children, etc.
- Stories with a fresh take on a romance trope: marriage of convenience, friends to more-than-friends, blended families, matchmakers, opposites attract, etc.
Please note:
- These are sweet romances with very low sensuality, so hugging and kissing only, and please no swearing.
I can’t resist:
- A reunion romance, especially if it’s a brother’s best friend! (and he better be a cowboy 😊)
My recommended reads for Harlequin Heartwarming:
- The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby by Cathy McDavid
- Twins for the Rodeo Star by Julianna Morris
- Coming Home to Texas by Kit Hawthorne
- Her Wyoming Hero by Mary Anne Wilson
- A Cowgirl’s Secret by Melinda Curtis
Have you got a Western romance story for Harlequin Heartwarming?
Visit our Submittable page to read our writing guidelines and submit your proposal. We love to see your stories!
2 replies on “Harlequin Heartwarming Wants Your Westerns!”
I am writing my second historical Western romance set in Sacramento in 1850 during the goldrush and covering also the wine region of Napa Valley. 70,000 words.
Titled: The Countess of California. Nearing completion at the editing stage.
I would love to write for Harlequin Heartwarming, a contemporary romance.
My next project is based on the travel industry covering Northern California from an English standpoint and main English viewpoint, would this story line be of interest to you.
Hi Sheila,
It’s hard to tell from a two-line pitch whether or not the story would be suitable for Heartwarming. We’re specifically looking for stories with the hooks indicated in the post above (western settings and characters, focusing on ranches, small towns, cowboys, etc.) You can also check our guidelines at Submittable.com, and we always recommend authors read recent books from the line they’re targeting to get a sense of what we’re currently acquiring. If your book meets our guidelines, please consider submitting! Thanks for your interest!
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!