Senior Editor Kathleen Scheibling introduces us to a classic Harlequin series with a new name.
Harlequin American Romance is now Harlequin Western Romance!
The name has changed but the stories remain the same. American Romance has published family oriented, western-themed stories for years now – so we thought we’d just make it that much easier for readers to figure out what we’re all about. And we’re all about cowboys! And ranchers. And sheriffs. And rodeo riders. And more!
Western Romance Key Elements
- Central romance is driven by the hero’s or heroine’s (or both) desire to be a part of a family or community
- Stories are set in western locales, including ranches and small towns, or in places that showcase a western sensibility
- Hero and/or heroine must have a western profession (cowboy, rancher, rodeo rider) or live in a western setting (i.e., Texas Ranger, sheriff of a small Colorado town)
- Heroes are rugged and strong; heroines intelligent and complex
All stories must feature strong family elements such as pregnancy, young children, blended families, etc. We love stories about babies—particularly multiples!- Warmhearted stories offer a range of tones, from light humor to drama
- Stories are contemporary – no historicals, please!
- Level of sensuality is low to moderate
- Word count of 55,000 means stories must be fast-paced and plot-driven
Western Romance is…
The city vs. country storyline and bull rider hero of The Longest Ride. The TV show Heartland for its extended family drama and ranch setting.
So if the image of a rugged cowboy hero holding an adorable baby makes your heart melt, maybe you should be reading—and writing!—Western Romance.
Meet the Harlequin Western Romance Team on Twitter!
Senior Editor Kathleen Scheibling @KScheibling
Editor Johanna Raisanen @jo_raisanen
Editor Adrienne MacIntosh @adrienneapple
Associate Editor Laura Barth @LauraBarth2011
Assistant Editor Dana Grimaldi @DanaGrimaldi
Administrative Assistant Deirdre McCluskey @Deirdre33
Find the latest Harlequin Western Romance titles at Harlequin.com
Ready to submit to Harlequin Western Romance? Submit here!
5 replies on “Spotlight on…Harlequin Western Romance”
I’m thinking this might be the best series for my Canadian hero to wreck his Mercedes in the Alaskan Bush.
I am working on a historical western where the hero is a cowboy/gold prospector and the heroine is a southern belle. The word count will fall between these guidelines. Would this be a possible fit? Thanks.
Hi Elle,
Harlequin Western Romance is a contemporary romance line, so we don’t publish historical westerns. You might be interested in checking out the guidelines for Harlequin Historical!
Thank you for your quick reply, Diedre. Also, would your line accept previously published works?
Hi Elle,
Sorry for the very slow reply this time! We do look at previously published works, but our preference is for original material specifically targeted to our needs! Happy writing!
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!