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Help for writers, how to write, writing resources and tips. Learn the art of writing, become an author.
Learn how to build your story or novel. Get the information you need to create your book or short story, and make your words sell!
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By Lori Soard
If you have always believed your fantasies worthy of being read by millions, now is the time to start using your runaway imagination to your benefit. With thousands of romance novels being published each year, it is easier to get published today than it has ever been in the past.
A career in romance writing allows you to work from home, at your own pace, and during the hours you prefer. Romance writing generally pays better than other genres of fiction, so you can make more money, or work fewer hours, whichever you prefer. Finally, this line of work lets you truly touch the hearts of your readers, and give them the confidence to seek love and happiness in their own lives.
No special education or experience is necessary to break into this career. Successful romance writers merely require independence, creativity, and a determination to succeed. If this sounds like you, follow these ten steps based on the FabJob Guide to Become a Romance Writer to make your mark in this field. Who knows, you may be the next rising star!
1. Do some reading
If you already love to read romance novels, you are likely an ideal candidate for writing them. If you are unfamiliar with this type of novel, you will want to start off by exploring the genre. If you haven't read a romance lately, you might be surprised at the new trends within the industry. Try reading a variety of genres to get an idea of what you would enjoy writing, and to familiarize yourself with the conventions of each.
2. Develop your skills
Many of the skills you need to write will be developed as you practice, so keep those pens moving. Keep in mind that becoming a writer is an ongoing process. If you need some feedback, a local or online writers critique group can also help you further hone your writing skills. If you find yourself stuck for ideas, there are creativity exercises you can learn, and if your grammar needs some help, brush up with a book or quick course.
3. Get some experience
So you want to list publishing credits to help your chances of selling, but you can't list those without selling, and it's hard to sell without the credits. Sound like a Catch-22? It is. Fortunately, you can get your feet wet publishing articles and short stories in magazines and ezines. Make sure you are familiar with the writers' guidelines and the publication itself before you submit. You may even consider accepting a couple of non-paying assignments in order to build your credentials.
4. Your proposal package
It is important to create a professional image when you submit your work to an agent or editor, since editors are often swamped with submissions and will only read those that follow their guidelines. Most publishers want to receive a 'proposal,' which consists of the first three chapters, a synopsis of the plot and a cover letter. Send them whatever their guidelines indicate, and don't forget to include a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) for a reply or return of your manuscript.
5. Target a publisher
If you have read widely in the romance genre, you will have an idea of which publishers will be most interested in your style of writing. In addition to the major publishers (Harlequin, Kensington, etc.) be aware that there are thousands of smaller and electronic presses that initially may be more receptive. You will want to send them your proposal package, addressed to the current editor. Directories and the FabJob Guide to Become a Romance Writer are useful for finding contact information of publishers to submit to.
6. Self-publishing
What if your book is so cutting edge that even the small presses don't feel comfortable taking it on? If you have shopped your book around and not received a positive response, self-publishing may be the route for you. Digital printing now allows for the cost-effective printing of as few as one copy of your book at a time, so you can set up your novel for around $100 and have it available to the public within a few weeks.
7. Get an agent
If you've got your sights set on the large publishing houses, or are terrified of negotiating, you may consider getting an agent to help you find a home for your book. Once you have found an agent you'd like to work with, ensure that he or she has a good reputation in the industry. Bear in mind that an agent will take about 10-15% of everything you earn on your book.
8. Dealing with editors
It's important to have a good relationship with someone you hope to be dealing with on an ongoing basis, so once you have interest from an editor, establish and maintain a professional relationship with him or her. Allow three to six months for them to consider novel proposals, and don't pester them with phone calls. Once they have expressed interest, be business-like, and make changes to your work as requested. A little respect goes a long way in this business.
9. Networking
Conferences, local writing workshops and conventions are wonderful places to meet fellow authors, editors, agents and publicists. Many are even set up to allow writers to meet on a one-to-one basis with agents and editors. Not only are these situations great for networking, but just joining a national or local writers organization can bring you knowledge from the workshops and conferences they offer.
10. Self-promotion
Building a readership and increasing book sales are two of the most important things authors can do to promote their careers. If hiring a publicist isn't in your budget (and you may be surprised to find it is) there are a number of things you can do to promote yourself, such as getting media attention, creating a website, and doing book signings. Be creative, and be persistent…it can only benefit you in the long run.
This article is an excerpt from the FabJob Guide to Become a Romance Writer. Visit www.FabJob.com for information.
How to Write a Proposal an Editor will Love
“A common problem is that an author will send in a proposal that has no spark. They’ve done everything right—except imbue the story with spirit.”
— Brenda Chin, Editor at Harlequin
One of the most important parts of your proposal is the synopsis. A synopsis is a short recap of what happens in your book. You sum up the story in 2-10 pages, hitting the high points. Think of the blurb on the back cover of a book, only with more details. I believe a winning synopsis can get you a request for your entire book. The problem is, where do you even start with a synopsis? How do you sum up 50,000 or 100,000 words in 10 or fewer pages?
People often dread writing a synopsis. They moan and groan and gripe and whine. Why do I have to do this? I wrote the book, can’t they just read that? Well, actually, no. Again, editors are really busy. Many have offices that look like they are carpeted in manuscripts.
I remember reading an article by Malle Vallick of Harlequin Duets where she said her dream is to be able to see her carpet and what color it is. She vaguely remembers it as being pink. Imagine, that is the mountain of work with only proposals to read through. Read the whole manuscript? Dream on!
To make things easier for myself, I always write my synopsis before I write a single word of the manuscript: it is part of my plotting. Sometimes it changes, but usually not much. I find I write better this way and the story flows more easily because I have a sense of where I’m going, and I don’t get bogged down in those middle-of-the-book blues. But if you are one of those people who absolutely cannot do this — to do so would cause you to lose interest in the book — then don’t. Finish the book and then write the synopsis. Here are some dos and don’ts to help you with this task.
Dos and Don’ts
Jack Riggs lives life on the edge — in and out of the bedroom. Macy wants a dependable man who will be there when she needs him and sexy, brazen Macy always gets what she wants.
One week before Christmas and a year to the day since he walked out on her, Jack Riggs shows up on Macy’s doorstep. She’s about to slam the door shut in his face, when he collapses. Jack is dangerous and Macy wants him as much as ever, but she’s determined not to go down that guaranteed path to heartbreak a second time.
Jack hadn’t intended to stay away from his beautiful, sassy bride for so long but his job as a Navy Seal often kept him on assignment and unable to call home. Now that he’s home, he’s determined to win his way back into Macy’s heart and her bed.
Macy agrees to help nurse Jack back to health, although other than a slight limp he looks exceedingly fit to her. While she might owe him the human kindness of a place to stay, she doesn’t owe him her heart on a platter, and Jack has made it clear that he intends to go back to Sealing as soon as he recuperates from his injury.
Four anxious wanna-be grandparents add some minor comic relief as they try to figure out ways to keep Macy and Jack together while keeping tabs on how this temporary reunion is coming along. They want these two together and they will do whatever it takes to achieve that and gain a grandchild. They spy, they lie, they push for reconciliation.
When she married Jack, Macy thought she could live with his absences and life-threatening work. She’d quickly discovered the heartbreak of not knowing if your man is alive or dead. She needs stability, security and a partner who will help her raise the children Jack claims he doesn’t want. While she might enjoy their steamy nights, she holds a little of herself back for fear of losing herself forever.
Jack’s physical therapy isn’t going as well as he’d like. The harder he pushes himself, the further he gets set back. Macy begins to hope they might have a chance at a normal life but she fears he will never recover from losing the ability to be a Seal. Jack is determined to overcome his limitations. In the past, he has been able to overcome anything with hard work, and he believes he can do that again in this situation.
Macy is determined to distract him from his own self-destructive determination, and what better place to do it than in the bedroom?
Jack leaves for an appointment with his superiors and Macy is terrified they will send him on an assignment. His leg seems a little better and he’s been restless and moody. What if he disappears again? What if, this time, he never returns?
Jack is offered the opportunity to work as a trainer to new recruits but he chooses to return to Macy. The desire to save the world and seek out dangerous adventure that once ate at him is now gone. Instead, he wants nothing more than to start a family and settle down. Now he only had to convince Macy that this is what he wants.
At first, Macy is uncertain if Jack will truly be happy living a quiet life, but Jack kisses and caresses her doubts away. Brazen Macy can finally make love with all her passion blazing and nothing held back, every night — and day, and midday, and early morning — for the rest of their lives.
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