Do you write inspirational historical romance and want to submit to Harlequin? Then don’t forget the open submission call for our inspirational historical limited series! Note that this is NOT part of the Warriors Wanted blitz but a separate submission call that’s part of our inspirational limited series. Read on as Editor Leah Mol gives an overview of what we’re looking for!
We’re doing a lot of acquiring here at Harlequin! Right now, we’re on the lookout for wholesome romance for our new Inspirational Historical limited series. Have you got a compelling, uplifting 70,000 word historical story with a Christian worldview? Send it our way!
If you think your idea might work for this series, here are some details to keep in mind…
What is an inspirational historical romance?
Think Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman or Little House on the Prairie. The editors are on the hunt for solid stories and tender romances with a sense of family, community and faith at the core.
What are the editors looking for?
Emotional Conflict: Emotion is key here. We’re looking for emotional intimacy rather than sexual desire. The conflict between the hero and heroine should be emotional and arise naturally from the story.
Faith: The underlying faith element should feel natural and integral to the story rather than seeming didactic or preachy. If you’re struggling with the tone in your historical inspirational story, try reading one of our Love Inspired books to get a sense of how faith is integral to our books without overwhelming the romance.
Strong Characters: We want to see your relatable heroines and honorable heroes, of course, but make sure you also give us strong supporting characters. Family and community are an important part of this series, so while the point of view should focus on your two main characters, don’t ignore their families and friends. And if you’re really looking to hit all our hooks, babies and children are a great addition to an inspirational story!
Fresh Takes on Popular Hooks: We’re always on the hunt for Westerns, especially those featuring cowboys and ranchers. Since this is a historical series, the editors also want to see your mail-order-bride and marriage-of-convenience stories. Be creative with tropes!
Quaint Settings: Your cowboy heroes could fit in perfectly in an Oregon Trail, Prairie, Frontier, or Americana setting—hint, hint! The editors also love seeing Regency and Amish stories. But we’re excited to see what you come up with—if there’s a setting you don’t often see that you think would perfectly showcase the love story you want to tell, go for it.
When should I submit by?
There isn’t a set deadline for this limited series, but the sooner the better. We’ve seen lots of submissions for our limited series, and this opportunity won’t last forever!
Who can submit?
You! We’re open to submissions from everyone for this series. Published author? Great! Never been published? We love discovering new authors! Take a chance and send us your best.
How do I submit?
Head over to the Submittable page to send us your full manuscript.
We hope you find this helpful! We’d love to see your inspirational historical romances and we can’t wait to read your submissions!
Please note: This is a separate submission call from the Warriors Wanted! Blitz, which is seeking non-inspirational historical romances about Vikings, Medieval Knights and Highlanders. Thank you!
5 replies on “We Want Your Inspirational Historical Romances!”
Hi, I am thinking of submitting a story here that might fit the stated bill and was wondering if you will give editorial feedback to all your submissions? Also, my story isn’t western or mail order bride, it’s Elizabethan England and puritanism. Does it qualify for this category? Many thanks
Hi Erin,
Here’s a reponse from the LI team: We will respond to each project submitted. Elizabethan England is not what we would consider the most saleable time period and we’re looking for stories with popular hooks, but we wouldn’t rule it out if the story was amazing. Thanks!
Hi there! Just curious to know if this will stay open through the July 4th holiday weekend. Any idea?
Do you accept Inspy. Historical/Romance?. I have a completed manuscript but do not see that you accept Inspy. Historical. I would love to write for HQ.
Respectfully,
Nanci Rubin
Hi Nanci, there was a limited call for inspirational historicals but this submission call is now closed, unfortunately. If you want to check out current opportunities in our Love Inspired line for contemporary inspirational romance, please see our writing guidelines at https://harlequin.submittable.com/submit. Thanks for your question!
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!