Romance Writers Beware: 11 Common Scams Targeting Authors and How to Spot Them

Romance Writers Beware: 11 Common Scams Targeting Authors and How to Spot Them

June 17, 2025 in Blog

Anywhere there are people who want something, there is a scammer lurking to take money and steal dreams. Even in the publishing industry. In fact, chances are good you’ll hear from a scammer before you’ll hear from an agent, publisher, or reader. Just check the DM’s in your social media the minute you add “author” to your profile name.

Here is list of common author scams, how to spot the red flags, and what to do if you suspect you’ve been targeted. Plus, I offer a few tips on how to investigate resources to determine if they’re on the up and up.

1. Pay-to-Publish Scams (Vanity Presses in Disguise)

Vanity presses work to pass themselves off as real publishing houses, but in reality, they make their money from authors, not for authors. They often claim to be “full-service publishers” or “boutique publishing companies” and market themselves as a viable alternative to traditional publishing.

These companies prey on the emotions of new or hopeful authors, especially those who feel frustrated by rejection or overwhelmed by self-publishing, and convince them they’re offering a prestigious deal. But instead of investing in your book’s success, they charge you thousands of dollars to publish, edit, design, and market your book, often poorly or not at all.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • They email or call you first praising your book without reading it, often using vague compliments like “your voice is so strong” or “we see bestseller potential.”
  • They accept every submission and offer a contract within days.
  • They require thousands upfront, but the breakdown of costs is unclear or inflated.
  • They take a cut of royalties or rights, even though you’re footing the bill.
  • Their publishing “package” includes basic services you could get elsewhere for a fraction of the cost (and likely better quality).
  • They bundle in overpriced “marketing” services like book trailers, press releases, or social media posts that have little-to-no impact on actual sales.
  • They guarantee bookstore placement, bestseller status, or media attention.
  • They use manipulative language, like “limited slots available,” or shame authors who hesitate.
  • You can’t find real reviews or authors who’ve had success with them.
  • Their contracts are vague, especially about rights and termination.

Are all vanity presses scams? Not necessarily. Many vanity presses are basically printers. They’ll take whatever book you want to publish and print it. But it’s expensive because they usually require you to print a set amount (e.g. 1,000 copies). If just want your book in the world, you can use Amazon’s KDP publishing platform for free.

The questionable vanity presses we’re talking about here are the ones who pretend to be traditional publishers, make promises they can’t deliver, and are more about taking your money than publishing a book.

What about Hybrid publishers?

A hybrid publisher blends aspects of traditional and self-publishing. The author usually contributes to production costs but receives professional-level services and keeps higher royalties. Hybrid publishers are a viable option for getting your book into the world (do you due diligent research though).

Key traits of Hybrid Publishers:

  • Selective about the manuscripts they accept. Hybrid publishers vet manuscripts the same way traditional publishers do.
  • Offers professional editing, cover design, marketing, distribution
  • Author invests money but retains rights and transparency in royalties
  • Is upfront about costs, expectations, and the business model
  • Actively markets books to readers, not just sells services to writers

Comparison of  Vanity Press vs. Hybrid Publisher

Feature Vanity Press ❌ Hybrid Publisher ✅
Manuscript selectivity Accepts anything Selective (like a publisher)
Upfront costs Very high, often hidden Reasonable, clearly stated
Professional services Poor quality or overpriced Industry-standard
Royalties Often low or convoluted Higher rates, transparent
Author rights May claim rights or exclusivity Author retains full rights
Distribution & marketing Limited or nonexistent Real efforts to reach readers
Reputation Frequent complaints Positive reviews, verifiable
Business model Makes money from authors Makes money from book sales

2. Fake Literary Agents

Literary agents NEVER charge you for services, with the exception of copying and postage that doesn’t usually happen anymore now that manuscripts can be emailed. Any agent that charges a “reading fee” or “editing fees” is not a legit agent.

These scam agents often use professional-sounding titles, impressive but unverifiable client lists, and websites that mimic legit agencies. They may reach out via phone, email, or social media, praising your manuscript, even if it’s unpublished or hasn’t been widely shared, and offer to represent you, for a fee, of course.

Note that agents don’t get paid until authors do, which can be one to three years from signing an author. Because of this, some agents offer services OUTSIDE agenting that include editing or coaching to help pay their bills. BUT this is separate from their agenting services, and ethically, they won’t offer representation to you if you’ve hired them for editing or coaching. The scam agents will outright charge you for representation or pressure you into buying coaching or editing services.

Common Tactics Fake Agents Use:

  • Charging a “reading fee” or “evaluation fee” to consider your manuscript
  • Offering a representation package that includes editing or submission prep for a price (note that some agents will edit your MS, but they won’t charge you)
  • Referring you to a paid editor, book coach, or consultant (often their own alias or a kickback arrangement)
  • Promising to submit your book to Big Five publishers, but only after you pay for their in-house “book doctor” or developmental editing services
  • Providing fake updates or “exclusive access” to publishers as long as you keep paying

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • They ask for money upfront for reading, editing, marketing, or anything else
  • They contacted you first, especially if you haven’t queried anyone (Note that if you’re an indie author selling very well, it’s possible an agent will reach out to you, but they won’t charge you for anything).
  • They’re pushy, using urgent or flattery-heavy language like “You’re exactly the kind of author we’ve been looking for”
  • They offer vague answers when asked about their sales history or current clients
  • No online footprint or suspiciously generic websites and testimonials

What Legit Agents Do:

  • Review queries and manuscripts for free
  • Earn 15–20% commission only after they sell your work to a publisher
  • Have a verifiable track record, often listed in databases like QueryTracker, Publisher’s Marketplace, or Manuscript Wishlist
  • Never require you to pay for editing or submission materials as a condition of representation

3. Bogus Awards or Contests

Winning an award can be a powerful marketing tool because it lends credibility, gives you bragging rights, and can even boost sales. But not all contests are created equal. In fact, many awards are nothing more than money-making scams that prey on authors’ desire for recognition.

These bogus contests often send out mass invitations via email or social media, praising your book. They typically charge high entry fees, accept nearly every submission, and then try to upsell you on expensive “winner packages” like press releases, certificates, trophies, or marketing bundles that offer little to no real visibility.

Some authors don’t even realize they’re being scammed because the contest looks professional and even lists real authors who’ve won before, many of whom may not know what they were a part of.

How These Contests Work:

  • Anyone can enter as long as they pay.
  • Winners are often pre-determined or chosen arbitrarily (i.e. everyone gets a prize).
  • “Judging panels” are rarely disclosed or are filled with vague or unverifiable names.
  • After “winning,” authors are pushed to buy promotional materials, medallions, book fair placement, or overpriced features in shady catalogs.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • High or unclear entry fees (especially if the prize money is low or non-existent)
  • No judging criteria or vague language like “based on merit”
  • No list of judges or a panel that seems random and unqualified
  • Everyone wins something, multiple tiers, honorable mentions, or unnecessary categories
  • Immediate upselling after winning (e.g., “For just $399, we’ll promote you to 10,000 readers!”)
  • Aggressive pressure to buy add-ons like plaques, medallions, and banners
  • No real exposure, just a digital badge you have to pay extra to use

Legitimate Contests Will:

  • Be transparent about judging criteria and selection process
  • Clearly list qualified judges with publishing or literary credentials
  • Offer reasonable fees, often under $100, with a clear breakdown of what your fee covers
  • Publish past winners and their books, many of whom you can look up or contact
  • Provide real benefits, such as cash prizes, industry exposure, or connection to agents or publishers

Some authors still choose to enter pay-to-win awards for the perceived value of a badge or title, and that’s a personal decision. But it’s important to go in with eyes wide open, knowing whether it’s truly prestigious or just prestige-priced.

4. Pay-for-Review Scams

Reviews are one of the most powerful tools in a romance author’s marketing toolbox. They influence buying decisions, boost visibility, and contribute to your book’s credibility. So it’s no surprise that scammers have found a way to exploit this by selling fake or inflated reviews in exchange for money.

These scammers often pose as review services, “book promotion experts,” or even readers on social media and offer glowing 5-star reviews for a fee. While it may be tempting, especially for new authors trying to gain traction, this is a major red flag.

Buying reviews is not only unethical, but it also violates Amazon’s review policy and can lead to your book being flagged, delisted, or your entire account being suspended.

 How These Scams Work:

  • The scammer promises “honest” reviews but strongly implies they’ll be positive.
  • They guarantee 4- or 5-star reviews within a few days.
  • Some sell bulk packages (e.g., 20 reviews for $250) claiming “verified purchasers.”
  • They often use fake accounts or bots to leave the reviews, or worse, plagiarized text (Today, many likely use AI to craft their reviews).
  • After payment, reviews may never arrive, or they’ll be posted and quickly removed when flagged by platforms like Amazon.

In some cases, they will also offer “review swaps” or giveaways that are designed to manipulate the system without disclosure, which can also get you penalized.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Promises of “guaranteed 5-star reviews”
  • High fees for quick visibility or bulk review packages
  • Vague explanations about where or how the reviews will be posted
  • Offers through unsolicited DMs or emails
  • Use of platforms that violate terms of service, like Fiverr gigs that claim to “boost rankings overnight”
  • Encouragement to post false reviews on your behalf

What about BookSprout, NetGalley, Kirkus, and Booksirens?

This is where things get confusing because these services cost money, which appear to break the “don’t pay for reviews” rules. But in the case of these resources you’re not paying for reviews per se. You’re paying for a service to distribute your book to reviewers who will leave an honest review, even if it’s a one-star.

What Legitimate Review Practices Look Like:

  • ARC teams and street teams who receive a free copy in exchange for an optional honest review (It’s against Amazon TOS to require a review from a free ARC).
  • Blog tours or review services that disclose gifted copies and don’t guarantee a positive rating
  • NetGalley, BookSirens, and similar services that offer books to vetted readers, with no review required or biased results
  • Reader magnets and newsletter swaps that encourage reviews but never demand them

Remember: Amazon’s guidelines specifically prohibit paid or incentivized reviews unless disclosed, and they monitor IP addresses and accounts for suspicious activity.

 Safer Ways to Get Reviews:

  • Build your own review team of loyal readers and fans. You can do this through BookSprout which not only will distribute the book, but keep track of who has it, send reminders about posting a review, and cull your team if they don’t leave reviews.
  • Use BookFunnel or StoryOrigin to distribute ARCs securely
  • Apply to NetGalley via a co-op (cheaper than going solo)
  • Participate in book blogger outreach or small influencer promos
  • Run Goodreads giveaways, which often generate early buzz

Word of Warning:

If you’re caught violating review policies, even unknowingly, you can lose more than just the fake reviews. Amazon has permanently banned authors for repeated violations. As the number one-book seller in the world, not being on Amazon can make becoming a successful author harder.

Bottom line? If someone promises a glowing review for cash, walk away. Building reviews the ethical way may take time, but it’s safer, smarter, and builds true reader trust.

5. Overpriced or Useless Marketing Packages

You know I enjoy a good book drama discussed on YouTube, and recently, I came across one involving a woman who offered “coaching” for book sales, but not only failed to deliver on promises, she’d berate her clients and hang up on them. It’s no surprise she’s had to rebrand several times. She’s even profiled in Writer’s Beware.

But as I already mentioned, where there is a pain point, a scammer is ready to exploit it, and marketing is a huge pain point for many authors. These scammers often claim to specialize in helping authors build a platform, grow their audience, or hit bestseller lists. But instead of a real, strategic marketing plan, what you’re getting is often:

  • Inflated fees for minimal results
  • Copy-paste “press releases” nobody reads
  • Radio or podcast interviews with irrelevant or made-up audiences
  • Email blasts to outdated or non-targeted lists
  • Social media shoutouts to ghost followers or bot accounts

What These Scams Typically Offer:

  • “Amazon Bestseller Packages” – often relying on gaming obscure categories for a brief sales spike
  • “Media Exposure Services” – claiming they’ll get your book on CNN, NPR, or “top book podcasts” with no proof
  • “Author Platform Boosting” – where they post about your book to spammy Twitter/X or Instagram accounts with no engagement
  • “Book Fair or Catalog Placement” – where your book is buried among hundreds in a generic PDF or catalog no one reads

Many romance authors are drawn in by the promise of big results without realizing that these services often don’t understand the genre, the market, or your audience.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Vague buzzwords like “guaranteed exposure,” “boost your success,” “get discovered,” or “exclusive platform promotion”
  • No portfolio or vague case studies (“We helped hundreds of authors succeed!” with no names or links)
  • No clear deliverables (They won’t tell you where or how your book will be promoted.)
  • Massive price tags ($500 to $5,000+) for services that could be done for far less or for free
  • Bundled packages with inflated value (e.g., “$10,000 worth of services for just $999!”)
  • Pushy sales tactics or time-limited offers: “Only 2 slots left for our elite romance author promo”

What Legitimate Author Marketing Looks Like:

  • Clear deliverables and timelines (e.g., 5 email newsletter features, 1 BookBub Ad campaign, etc.)
  • Specific targeting to your niche (e.g., “Clean & Wholesome romance list of 10K+ engaged readers”)
  • Transparent pricing and service menu
  • Proven results with testimonials and portfolio examples (links to other authors or campaign metrics)
  • Custom strategy that considers your brand, goals, and heat level—not a one-size-fits-all package

 Questions to Ask Before Paying for Marketing:

  1. What exactly am I getting? (Be specific!)
  2. Who will see my book and how will it be promoted?
  3. Can I see examples of past campaigns in my genre?
  4. Are the followers or subscribers targeted to romance readers?
  5. Will I have access to performance metrics or post-campaign reporting?
  6. Is there a contract or scope of work I can review?

If they can’t answer those questions clearly, it’s a red flag.

Safer Alternatives for Romance Authors:

  • Reputable promo sites: BookBub, EReader News Today, Fussy Librarian, Robin Reads, Written Word Media
  • Facebook/Instagram ads (once you learn how to use them properly)
  • Newsletter swaps with other romance authors (Bookclicker and Bookfunnel have swap features or search for FB author swap groups)
  • Your own ARC/review team for organic buzz
  • Specialized blog tours or BookTok campaigns, if you can verify their reach and results

6. Fake Publishing or Movie Deals

I regularly get emails about turning one of my books into a movie. What cracks me up about it is that the book is a non-fiction writing for money book. Who wants to watch a moving on blogging and freelance writing? (I get calls about this book all the time too).

Imagine seeing your characters come to life on the screen. What author doesn’t want that? Scammers know it and will sent out the “We discovered your book!” pitch, an unsolicited message that claims your work has caught the eye of a major publisher, Hollywood producer, or international rights buyer.

Do not fall for this! This is the publishing world’s version of catfishing. They hook you with praise and promises, then bleed you with fees for “processing,” “legal review,” “translation,” or “representation.”

How These Scams Typically Work:

  • You receive an email or DM that says something like:
    • “We’re interested in adapting your novel for a Netflix deal…”
    • “Your book has caught the attention of our foreign rights division…”
    • “We’re offering you a traditional publishing contract, just one step left to finalize…”
  • You’re then told there’s a small fee required to process the contract, hire an agent, review legal terms, or package your book for submission.
  • Some scammers go even further, posing as legitimate companies like Netflix, Paramount, or Amazon Publishing by spoofing email domains or creating near-identical logos.

But real publishers and film producers do not ask authors for money upfront, and legitimate foreign rights or licensing reps negotiate for you, not with you.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Unsolicited contact praising your book out of the blue, especially if your book has had limited visibility
  • Vague affiliations, like “We work with streaming platforms” without naming any
  • Immediate financial request: legal fees, translation costs, agent fees, etc.
  • Fake urgency: “You must respond in 48 hours or we’ll offer this to another author.”
  • Sketchy contracts that demand money before anything is delivered
  • No verifiable names or credentials (and often fake ones, too)

Legitimate Deals Look Very Different:

  • Real publishers and media agents do not charge authors to sign a contract
  • Film/TV agents or rights managers are usually referred through your agent or approached through professional channels (like agencies or publishers, not cold DMs)
  • Foreign rights deals are negotiated on your behalf by a literary agent or publishing house with a legal team, not handled via PayPal or wire transfer

How to Vet a Deal or Offer:

  • Search the company and representative on Google, LinkedIn, and Writer Beware
  • Ask author groups: “Has anyone heard of ___?”
  • Request a full contract before discussing any payment or commitment
  • Look for actual contact details, not Gmail addresses or WhatsApp messages
  • If you have an agent or publishing lawyer, have them review any contract before signing

Scammers often say they’re affiliated with real companies (like Netflix or Simon & Schuster). Always verify those claims. Real executives don’t use Gmail addresses, and real deals come with proper legal vetting—not vague invoices.

7. Data Harvesting via Fake Anthologies or Collaborations

Multi-author anthologies and collaboration projects are a fun and creative way to build your audience, connect with peers, and generate buzz when they’re legitimate.

But scammers have caught on. Posing as “organizers,” they invite you to join a promising-sounding project, such as a holiday romance collection, a themed charity anthology, a boxed set for bestseller status. They might say they found you on social media or in a writing group, and they often use language like “exclusive,” “limited slots,” or “curated authors.”

But their real motive isn’t collaboration, it’s data harvesting.

Their end goal? To:

  • Collect personal information like your full name, address, email, and tax ID
  • Gain access to your social media accounts or mailing list
  • Pitch you paid services once they’ve earned your trust
  • Sometimes even reuse your work without permission

Because these offers are often wrapped in the friendly, supportive language of the romance author community, they can be harder to spot, especially for new or eager authors.

What These Scams Look Like:

  • You receive an invitation via DM or email to join an “exciting” or “high-exposure” anthology or project
  • You’re asked to fill out a form that includes personal or financial information
  • No formal contract or clearly defined royalty structure is provided
  • The organizer is vague about who else is participating or who owns the rights
  • Later, you’re pitched expensive services like editing, marketing, coaching, or cover design, sometimes with pressure tactics or emotional manipulation

In some cases, the anthology may not exist at all. In others, it’s poorly executed, never launched, or you’re ghosted after providing your contribution.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • No contract or vague details about rights, distribution, or royalties
  • No past projects or verifiable publishing track record
  • No website or professional presence for the organizer
  • You’re asked for sensitive information early (bank info, EIN, etc.)
  • They request admin access to your social media or newsletter platform
  • Sudden pitches for unrelated paid services (“We love your writing! Want to book a $997 publishing package?”)

Legit Anthology Organizers Will:

  • Have a history of completed, successful projects
  • Offer a clear and professional contract, outlining rights, deadlines, royalties, and expectations
  • Be transparent about who’s involved, how the project will be published, and what’s required of you
  • Use secure platforms for payment and communication
  • Be open to questions and due diligence, not defensive when you ask

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Ask for a contract before committing or submitting work
  • Research the organizer’s name. Google it, check author groups, and verify past publications on Amazon
  • Never give out your login credentials or mailing list access
  • Be cautious if they ask for your EIN/SSN without explaining how royalties are handled
  • Trust your gut. If the tone feels rushed, vague, or overly flattering, it’s worth a second look

Safer Ways to Join Collaborations:

  • Participate in anthologies run by authors you know or who come recommended
  • Join reputable author groups where projects are vetted and peer-reviewed
  • Look for calls for submissions posted by small presses or known indie groups with a track record
  • Use platforms like Duotrope or Submittable to find legit calls for anthology submissions

A true collaboration benefits everyone involved and protects all contributors. If someone is more interested in your data or your wallet than your story, it’s not a partnership, it’s a trap.

8. AI or Book Upload Services That Take Control

Publishing platforms like Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark have made it easier than ever for authors to self-publish professionally. But that simplicity also invites a new wave of scammers and opportunists who claim to help you upload and manage your book when in reality, they’re looking to take control of your accounts, rights, and royalties.

These so-called “assistants” or “automated publishing experts” may offer services like:

  • Uploading your manuscript to multiple platforms
  • Creating and managing your metadata (title, keywords, categories)
  • Formatting and publishing your eBook or paperback
  • Running AI-generated ads or optimizing your blurb

It sounds helpful, especially if you’re overwhelmed by tech or first-time publishing. But many of these providers ask for your login credentials, offer to “manage” your dashboard, or tie your book to their own publishing account, not yours. Once you hand over control, you may lose access to your:

  • Royalties
  • Publishing rights
  • Amazon or D2D dashboards
  • Ability to make changes or unpublish your book

What These Scams Look Like:

  • A freelancer or service offers “done-for-you” publishing with no effort required on your part
  • They ask for your KDP, D2D, or IngramSpark login info
  • They tell you it’s easier if they “just upload it for you under their account”
  • They offer to publish via “AI tools” that automatically format and publish, usually with no transparency
  • They keep partial royalties, demand a percentage of sales, or charge a monthly fee for “managing” your book

In many cases, authors don’t realize they’ve lost control until they try to update pricing, fix a typo, or switch platforms and are told they can’t.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Requests for your Amazon or Draft2Digital login credentials
  • Vague or bundled service packages that include “publishing support” or “account setup”
  • They want to publish under their own name or dashboard
  • They don’t let you retain full administrative access
  • No formal agreement on rights, royalty splits, or account ownership
  • They won’t show you how the backend works. They just promise to “take care of it”

 What Legitimate Services Will Do:

  • Guide you through the publishing process without taking over your account
  • Provide transparent formatting, blurb writing, or metadata assistance, but leave publishing to you
  • Use shared screen tutorials, checklists, or walk-throughs to empower you, not trap you
  • Encourage you to retain full control of your KDP, D2D, and ISBN information
  • Offer contracts that respect your rights and intellectual property

Safer Alternatives:

  • Use reputable freelancers for formatting or cover design, but always upload your files yourself
  • Hire coaches or consultants who teach you how to do it without asking for login access
  • Consider trusted author resources like:
    • Reedsy vetted professionals
    • BookFunnel for ARC distribution (not publishing)
    • SelfPubBookCovers or Vellum for cover and formatting
  • If you need help, hire a VA (virtual assistant) with clear task-based agreements and never give them full account access

Your publishing dashboard is like your bank account. It controls your income, your intellectual property, and your ability to make career decisions. Never hand over the keys. If someone says, “I’ll take care of everything for you,” make sure they don’t mean ownership, royalties, and rights too.

9. Phishing Emails from Fake “Amazon” or “Goodreads”

Phishing scams are some of the most dangerous and deceptive tricks targeting authors. These scams don’t try to sell you something, they try to steal your credentials, gain access to your accounts, and potentially hijack your book income.

Scammers send emails pretending to be from Amazon KDP, Goodreads, social media, PayPal, or other platforms, claiming there’s a problem with your account. The message may sound urgent or alarming, such as:

  • “Your Amazon KDP account is under review for suspicious activity.”
  • “Your book has been reported and may be removed unless action is taken.”
  • “You’ve violated Goodreads’ community guidelines. Click here to appeal.”

They’ll include a link that looks legitimate at first glance, but when you click, it takes you to a fake login page that captures your username and password. Once they have your credentials, they can:

  • Access your royalties
  • Change or unpublish your books
  • Lock you out of your KDP or other accounts
  • Even request tax or bank info under your name

These phishing attempts are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Many mimic official formatting, logos, and language, but there are still clues if you know what to look for.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Urgent language: “Immediate action required,” “Your account will be deleted,” or “Final warning”
  • Misspellings or awkward grammar in subject lines or body text
  • Suspicious sender email addresses, like kdp-alerts @ amz-secure.com instead of @amazon.com
  • Links that don’t match the domain (hover over link but don’t click to preview)
  • Generic greetings like “Dear user” instead of your name or pen name
  • Attachments claiming to be “proof” or “violation reports”

 What These Scams Look Like:

A typical scam email might say:

Dear Author,

Your account has been flagged for violating Amazon’s content guidelines. If you do not appeal within 24 hours, your books will be unpublished.

Click here to review the claim: [Fake Amazon Link]

Sincerely,
Amazon KDP Compliance Team

It might even include Amazon logos and formatting that looks legitimate. But a quick look at the email address or URL shows it’s not from Amazon.

What Real Platforms Will Do:

  • Amazon and Goodreads never ask for passwords or login verification through email links
  • If there’s a real issue with your account, they will:
    • Use your official author name or pen name
    • Ask you to log in through the actual site (not a link in the email)
    • Use a professional domain, like @amazon.com, @goodreads.com, or @draft2digital.com

How to Stay Safe:

  1. Never click on links in unsolicited emails claiming account violations. Go directly to the website (open your browser and type in the website) and login from there.
  2. Hover over links to check the actual URL destination (does it really say amazon.com?)
  3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Amazon account for extra protection
  4. Bookmark official sites like KDP, Goodreads, and Draft2Digital and always access them from those bookmarks
  5. Report phishing attempts:

Note that phishing doesn’t stop at email. Some scammers also send fake messages through Facebook or Instagram, pretending to be KDP reps or customer service bots. Amazon never conducts account business over social media.

Don’t let urgency or fear cloud your judgment. If something feels off, it probably is. Always pause, verify, and protect your login info like your career depends on it—because it does.

10. Fake Freelancers on Social Media

With social media becoming a central hub for author networking, it’s no surprise that scammers have flooded platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), posing as professional freelancers. They often pretend to be cover designers, editors, formatters, or book marketers, but they’re running a con.

These fake freelancers often:

  • Steal portfolios from real designers or editors
  • Create fake testimonials
  • Use AI-generated sample covers or mockups without disclosing that’s what they’re using
  • Demand payment upfront through unsafe methods like CashApp, Venmo (Friends & Family), Western Union, or cryptocurrency
  • Disappear after being paid or deliver a low-quality, unusable product

Some even repackage free templates as custom work, or resell your book files without permission.

What These Scams Typically Look Like:

  • A direct message (DM) out of nowhere: “Hi, I saw you’re an author. I’m a professional book designer—want a gorgeous cover for your next book?”
  • A portfolio filled with beautiful covers or reviews, all stolen from real professionals
  • They offer discounts for “new clients” or “limited-time bundles” that pressure you to act fast
  • No contract, no invoice, just a request for payment through non-refundable channels

This is especially common in the romance community, where high-frequency releases often require authors to hire freelancers on tight deadlines.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Contacting you first through unsolicited DMs or comments
  • No website or only a basic social media page
  • No contract or scope of work
  • Insist on payment via untraceable or risky platforms (e.g., CashApp, crypto, PayPal Friends & Family)
  • Unwilling to offer a sample or reference
  • They discourage phone calls or Zoom meetings, everything stays in chat
  • Their “portfolio” includes work you’ve seen before under another name

What Legitimate Freelancers Will Do:

  • Have a clear website or professional profile (even if it’s hosted on platforms like Reedsy or Upwork)
  • Use contracts or service agreements that outline:
    • Deliverables
    • Timeline
    • Revision policy
    • Payment terms
  • Offer secure payment methods like PayPal Goods & Services, Stripe, or invoices via platforms like HoneyBook or FreshBooks
  • Provide references or client testimonials that you can verify
  • Allow video calls or respond professionally via email, not just DMs
  • Are open to questions, quotes, and samples before beginning work

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Always request a contract or at minimum a service agreement that outlines expectations
  2. Use traceable payment methods that offer buyer protection
  3. Reverse image search their portfolio samples to make sure they’re not stolen
  4. Ask other authors for referrals. Word of mouth is one of the safest ways to hire freelancers
  5. Don’t fall for “too good to be true” pricing. If someone offers a full custom cover, edits, and marketing strategy for $100, it’s a scam
  6. Join vetted marketplaces like:

Safer Hiring for Romance Authors:

  • Build a freelancer roster of trusted professionals over time
  • Start small with a test project or audit before committing to a large job
  • Always confirm you retain rights to the work, especially for design and formatting

Your cover, edits, and launch materials represent your brand and hard work. Don’t hand them over to someone with no proof of experience.

11. Conference and Event Scams

It’s no secret I love conferences and encourage all authors to attend them. Events offer a perfect opportunity for networking, learning, pitching to agents, and connecting with fellow authors. But scammers have found a way to exploit that enthusiasm by organizing fake writing conferences, retreats, or award galas that exist solely to take your money, gather your information, or upsell overpriced services.

These scams often appear legitimate, with sleek websites, impressive-sounding names, and even “testimonials” from fake attendees. Some are purely fake, while others are poorly run vanity events that charge high fees for very little value.

Note that some events just fail from poor planning and execution, as I believe what happened to the Million Lives Book Festival and Readers Take Denver events.  But the first event I signed up for, the organizer took the money and ran.

What These Scams Typically Offer:

  • Invitations to speak, attend, or be honored at a conference or award ceremony you’ve never heard of
  • Steep registration fees with vague details about venue, speakers, or schedule
  • Offers to sell you award packages, book tables, or press exposure
  • “Speaker” or “VIP” packages that cost hundreds, or thousands, of dollars
  • Limited or no refunds, last-minute venue changes, or events that never take place

In some cases, they even use stolen branding from real events to trick authors into registering or submitting payment.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • You receive an unsolicited invitation to speak, attend, or receive an award
  • No clear agenda, speaker list, or location details
  • The event website lacks basic contact info or verifiable history
  • The “organization” behind it has no presence in the author community
  • You’re asked to pay large upfront fees for participation or “award packages”
  • You can’t find any real photos, reviews, or attendees from previous events

What Legitimate Conferences Look Like:

  • Hosted by known organizations (e.g., RWA, WFWA, SCBWI, or recognized indie communities)
  • Offer detailed schedules, confirmed speaker lineups, and professional communications
  • Allow for early bird pricing, transparent refunds, and clear terms
  • Have a history of past events with reviews or social proof
  • Promote learning, networking, and professionalism, not just flashy promises

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Research the event name and organizer. Google them with terms like “scam,” “review,” or “complaints”
  2. Ask author communities: “Has anyone been to ___?”
  3. Check whether speakers or sponsors listed on the site actually support the event (some scammers list names without permission)
  4. Don’t pay for “VIP status,” “award dinners,” or “book tables” without vetting
  5. Be wary of virtual-only conferences that charge premium prices but don’t deliver usable content

Safer Ways to Attend or Pitch at Conferences:

  • Stick with events hosted by well-known writer organizations or reputable indie networks
  • Attend virtual events hosted by communities you already trust (like 20BooksTo50K, Inkers Con, or local RWA chapters)
  • Look for recorded sessions or sample workshops to preview content quality
  • Budget for educational value and ROI, not vanity perks

A great conference should leave you inspired, educated, and more connected to your writing community, not broke, confused, or ghosted. If it sounds too good to be true or no one in your circles has heard of it…do some digging before you hit “Register.”

How to Spot a Scam

Scams can be slick, but there are always signs. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Unsolicited Contact: They reach out to you, often via email or social media DMs.
  • Upfront Payment: Reputable agents, publishers, and reviewers don’t ask for money up front.
  • Too Good to Be True: Big promises with little detail, like “make your book a bestseller overnight!”
  • No Verifiable Track Record: No testimonials, website, or real clients you can confirm.
  • High-Pressure Tactics: Phrases like “act now” or “limited opportunity” are meant to rush your decision.
  • Shady Payment Methods: They request PayPal “friends and family,” CashApp, or cryptocurrency, making it hard to dispute if you get scammed.

How to Research a Resource or Service Before You Say Yes

Before you pay for a service, sign a contract, or hand over your manuscript, it’s essential to do your homework. Here’s how to vet a resource or person to determine if they’re legitimate and trustworthy:

1. Google Their Name + “Scam” or “Review”

This simple step often reveals red flags. Look for complaints on forums like Absolute Write, Reddit’s r/selfpublish, or Writer Beware. Be cautious if you find:

  • Multiple complaints with similar patterns
  • Vague or repetitive five-star reviews on questionable websites

2. Check for a Professional Website and Portfolio

A legit service provider should have a clear, professional site with:

  • Examples of past work (covers, edits, press releases, etc.)
  • Testimonials from named authors (Google them!)
  • Clear pricing, services, and contact info

Red flag: Only social media presence, no trackable clients, or fake testimonials.

3. Ask for Author References

If you’re unsure, request to speak with a previous client. Legit editors, marketers, and designers won’t hesitate to provide referrals. Reach out to those authors independently to verify.

4. Look Them Up on Reputable Databases

Use these trusted sites to check their track record:

5. Join Author Groups and Ask

Communities like:

These are great places to ask, “Has anyone worked with ___? What was your experience?”

6. Check Their Payment Terms

Legitimate professionals:

  • Use contracts or service agreements
  • Offer secure payment methods (PayPal Goods & Services, Stripe, etc.)
  • Do not demand full payment before delivery for large projects

Red flag: Requests for friends & family payments or non-refundable fees with no clear scope of work.

What To Do If You’re Targeted

If you suspect a scam, or fell for one, you may not get your money back, but you can fight back:

1. Stop Communication: Don’t respond further or send more information. Block their contact.

2. Report It: 

3. Protect Your Accounts

  • Change passwords immediately.
  • Enable two-factor authentication.
  • Check your KDP and social logins for any unusual activity.

4. Warn Others: Share your experience with fellow writers. It helps others stay safe and builds awareness.

 

As romance authors, we wear many hats, and that makes us vulnerable to those who prey on our ambition and trust. But knowledge is power. By staying aware of common scams, questioning offers that seem too good to be true, and building a network of trusted author friends, you can protect your career and thrive without falling victim.

Have you encountered a scam? Share your story in the comments or join our romance author community to connect with others who’ve been there.

Top Tools for Romance Authors 2025

Top Tools for Romance Authors 2025

June 3, 2025 in Blog, Tools & Resources

Table of Contents

If you’ve been on my email list for any length of time, you’ll know I’m a tool junky. I’m always looking for the tools and resources that will make tasks easier and save me time.

There are so many moving parts to writing, publishing, and marketing romance books. You can spend more time doing busywork than writing, which can get frustrating.

Here are some of my favorite tools, plus a few others I know other authors swear by.

Research Organization

NotebookLM

I’m digging Google’s Notebook LM because of how easy it is to save any type of content (webpage, uploaded PDF, video etc), and then use the Chat feature for help in pulling out the information needed in research and saving it as a note. For example, let’s say you’re researching an occupation. You can add your research sources (e.g. webpage link, PDF doc, videos, etc), and then ask Chat questions you want to know about that job. It scans the sources and provides the info for you. Then you can save those results as a note.

I like this option over ChatGPT because you can vet your sources to make sure you’re getting good info.

It’s free!

Check out NotebookLM

Google/FireFox/Bing

You can use any search engine to research. I use Google.

Source

I often go directly to specific websites to learn what I need to know for my books. If I want to see examples of houses in a specific city, I’ll use Zillow.

Books

I have a ton of books for research. Books on faeries or witches. Books on pirates. Books about Appalachia history, culture, and folklore. Currently I have bought several books on New Orleans, and Cajun and Creole history, culture, and language. If you don’t have the budget to buy them, check your library. Even if they don’t have a book, they should be able to get it through interlibrary loan.

Writing Tools

Word

Yep, I use MS Word to write. I’ve tried others, and always end up back in Word. I suppose it’s a situation of being an old dog and not able to learn a new trick. What I like about Word is:

  1. I know it.
  2. Comments: When I write or revise and need to leave myself a note, I use the comment feature. It’s easy to go straight to the areas I need to address.
  3. Spell/Grammar Improved: The editing features have improved over the years. Click the Editor icon and indicate your writing style (formal, causal, etc) for an overall score. Plus you can check specific editing areas such as spelling and grammar, and under refinements, you can check for clarity (e.g. passive sentences), inclusiveness, conciseness, etc (the options here change depending on writing style selected).
  4. With Microsoft 365 (business), I can easily save to One Drive and access on other devises.
  5. Dictation built in: Back in 2021, I developed a repetitive strain injury in my fingers making it painful to type. At the time, Dragon Naturally Speaking was my only option for quality dictation. Now Word has it built in.
  6. Transcription: I prefer to dictate into a recorder while on a walk. Again, originally I had to use Dragon (the expensive version) to have the transcription option. Word can now transcribe up to 30 minutes of MP3 audio.

NovelCrafter

Similar to Scrivener, NovelCrafter helps you organize all the elements of your book in one place. What I like about it over Scrivener is that it isn’t overwhelming. I also like that all the features are integrated for easy reference during writing. NovelCrafter offers a Codex where all the information about characters, locations, items (e.g. magical stuff), and more including plot summary can be stored. You can outline and view in various formats, have chapter summaries for easy reference, notes (Snippets) and NovelCrafter also offers an AI element for when you need brainstorming or other help (it connects through Open Router).

You can write in Novel Crafter and it’s easy to create Acts, Chapters, and Scenes. With your codex to the left and your summary to the right of the writing space, you have all your reference material for easy access.

But where it gets interesting is that if I mention something in the book text, like a character, that is in the codex, the word is highlighted and I can hover it to reference what I have about it in the codex.

Further, the codex and chapter summaries are integrated into the book project so if you need for brainstorming, it’s Chat feature knows the reference materials so that it gives you ideas based on the project.

While I still write in Word, I like NovelCrafter for setting up my book bible and plot summaries. Since it’s online, I can access it from multiple devices as well.

Novel Crafter is $4 to $20 per month depending on the features you want. For AI use, you’ll need to use Open Router, which depending on the LLMs you use, can have an extra fee.

Learn more at NovelCrafter

Scrivener 

Scrivener is a long-standing writer’s tool that helps you organize your writing project in one place. From outlines to research, you can keep it all in the same place as your writing. Plus, you can find free romance templates for Scrivner at Gwen Hayes or Jami Gold’s websites. WWH Members can access a Scrivener romance template in the Freebie area of the site.

I own Scrivener but don’t use it, only because my writing process doesn’t quite fit with it.

Scrivener is a one-time cost of $59, which is a great deal for everything it does. The only downside is that it’s computer-based, so switching between devices requires you to save your Scrivener file in the cloud for access to the other device.

Learn more at Scrivener 

Digital recorder

You can use your phone to record, but I use a small Sony Recorder that has the USB plug built in. I record on my walk, and then plug the recorder into my laptop. Then I can use Word to transcribe right into my story document!

Editing Tools

Like I said up in the Word section, its editing features are improved, but still aren’t as robust as some other options.

AutoCrit

After revision in Word, I use AutoCrit to do my final editing. AutoCrit is a fiction-focused writing and editing tool. Here are the features I like best:

  • Story Analyzer will analyze your novel overall or chapter by chapter, and provide you with an  score and summary of your book. Plus it gives information about conflict, characters, contradictory events, timeline, world building and more. It’s helpful in identifying developmental edits.
  • Backwards Blueprint is a newer feature that will analyze what you’ve already written and  reverse outline. This can be helpful if you’ve been pantstering, and need an overall assessment of your premise and plot to move forward.
  • Reports: Autocrit evaluates your book based on your genre, and can access and help you improve:
    • Pacing and Momentum
    • Dialogue including dialogue tags and adverbs in dialogue
    • Strong writing including use of adverbs, passive sentences, tense consistency, showing vs telling, cliches, redundancies, and filler words. This assessment alone can help you improve the quality of your writing.
    • Word choice, such as varying names and pronouns, varying sentence starters (I use But, So, and And too much), POV consistence, descriptions, power words and more.
    • Repetition, such as repeated words, and word or phrase frequency
    • Readability through metrics like Flesch-Kincaid grade level, Dale Chall readability for fiction, and complex words

Like all other writing and editing tools out there, Autocrit offers AI features in it’s Inspiration Studio, where you can get help with “What Happens Next,” improve emotional power with Change the Mood, a contextual thesaurus, and help with brainstorming.

AutoCrit offers notecards and boards. You can insert notes into your text through a bookmark feature.

A new feature I haven’t tried is its Marketing Tool that can help you find your audience, pre-validate story ideas, and assist in copy writing (marketing text). I plan to use it on my next book project.

Autocrit also has goals and productivity features including word count tracker and sprint and Pomodoro timers (with or without music).

Autocrit can format your manuscript, but it’s not as feature-filled as using Vellum or Atticus. I simply export to Word and then use Vellum.

There is a free option, that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. The Pro plan is $30 a month or $15 per month if you pay annually (as of this writing). Sometimes they offer deals for lifetime access, which I have.

Learn more at AutoCrit

ProWritingAid

This is a popular editing tool. I have the free version that I use for online writing (like this blog post). I used to have the paid version, but now I just use Word’s built-in editor and Autocrit.

ProWritingAid has expanded it’s features beyond just spelling and grammar to include:

  • Manuscript Analysis
  • Virtual Beta Reader
  • Chapter Critique
  • And more

It too has an AI feature to rephrase or help you through writers block.

One advantage over AutoCrit is that it integrates with many other apps online and off.

Pricing varies. There is a free version, but for all the bells and whistles, the price is $30 to $36 per month (you get more Sparks and Chapter Analysis with the higher level). A better deal is to pay annually, which comes to $10 to $12 per month, or buy the lifetime access $399 or $699.

Check out Prowriting Aid here.

Book Covers

Canva

I’m a big believer that fiction novels should have a professional cover design. Covers are the first thing readers see and yes, they do judge books by their cover. But if money is tight or you have experience in graphic design, Canva is a great tool to make covers. They have templates, graphics, and a variety of fonts.

Canva has a free version, but the paid will get you access to all the bells and whistles, graphics, and fonts, and integrated apps.

Check out Canva here.

Getcovers.com

There are many places you can order bookcovers. I’d been hearing a lot about this one in author Facebook groups and decided to check them out. They can do ebook and print covers, but also audio book, posters and other bookish art. The basic ebook cover is $10 and print is $20. For $35 you can get both plus the source file.

For the Moonlight and Margaritas anthology, we ordered the $35 package.

Check out Getcovers.com here.

Hire designer

This is the route I’ve gone with for all my previous self-published books. I use Yoly at Cormar Covers, but there are many, many others. I recommend checking with other authors (check out WWH groups to ask for referrals).

You can pay anywhere from $50 to $1,000 for a design depending on the designer.

Publishing

Publisher Rocket

Especially if you plan to write to market, Publisher Rocket is a great tool to help you understand what’s selling well now. But even if you don’t write to market, Publisher Rocket can help you identify the best keywords to use in your book’s retail page profile. The tool allows you to spy on your competition and assists in creating Amazon Ads.

Publisher Rocket has been a one-time price, but on June 8, 2025, the price will go to an annual fee.

Learn more about Publisher Rocket

Book Description Creator

Right behind cover design, book blurbs are essential in attracting book buyers. Many people are using ChatGPT or other AI to help them with this, but Kindlepreneur has a free tool that helps you tweak your blurb based on book retailer and will help you format it (H tags, bold, etc).

Check out Book Description Creator here

BookFunnel

BookFunnel is basically a tool that will help you deliver your book. Need to deliver your lead magnet? Bookfunnel can do that. Selling your books direct from your website and need several ebooks delivered at once? Bookfunnel can do that. Have audio books to deliver. Bookfunnel can do that too.

Bookfunnel integrates with many services such as email list services, and Shopify and Payhip ecommerce platforms. You can limit downloads, send certified email for ARC delivery, and a whole lot more.

Plus through Bookfunnel you can do newsletter swaps or sign up for giveaways, which are great ways to grow  your email list especially if you’re a new author.

There are various pricing levels depending on your needs. The lowest tier is $20 per year for one pen name, 500 downloads a month, unlimited books, and access to group promos and author swaps.  Higher tiers offer more pen names and downloads, plus other features such as email list service integration for $100 to $250 per year or $10 to $25 per month.

Check out Bookfunnel here. 

Draft2Digital

Looking to sell your books wide through multiple platforms such as Kobo, Nook, iBook, libraries and more? Draft2Digital is a resource that can help you do it. Draft2Digital merged with Smashwords, so you now get all the cool stuff from both such as universal book links, preorder setup with most venders, coupon generator, and more.

Note that if you want to sell on Amazon, you should set up your book directly through KDP. But for everywhere else, you can use Draft2Digital.

It’s free to join and your costs are 10% of the sale for ebooks (note this is from what D2D receives which is probably 60% after the retailer takes their cut).

Learn more at Draft2Digital

Amazon KDP

Amazon is the largest bookseller on the planet, so it makes since to have your book there. Royalties are up to 70% for ebooks (priced $2.99 and above) and 60% for print (books priced $9.99 and above as of June 2025). Amazon wants to own the world, so they have their KDP-Select program for ebooks, in which you can make your books available to Kindle Unlimited readers and exclusive to Amazon. In return, you can get paid through KU page reads, and have access to marketing perks. Note that if you put your book in KDP-Select, you CANNOT have the book available anywhere else. So if you’re selling wide (e.g. also using Draft2Digital), you can’t be in the KDP-Select, but you can be in the regular KDP.

You can create print books as well through KDP. Amazon will give you a free ISBN if you want, or you can buy one through Bowker (see below). If you use the free ISBN, it can only be used through Amazon as the ISBN will be associated with their publishing house. (This is true of any platform that offers free ISBN such as Ingram Spark or Draft2Digital. It can only be used through their service as the ISBN is associated with them as the publisher).

It’s free to join, but there are fees associated with book size for download. For print, there are printing fees.

Learn more at Amazon KDP.

Ingram Spark

I’ve never used Ingram, but I know many authors do. It used to cost money to set up through Ingram Spark, but it’s free now. Royalty is 85% of net revenue (profit after costs) for ebooks. They charge $0.60 a page to convert a print book to ebook (seems to me you can just upload your own ebook file to avoid this fee).

Ingram Spark has global distribution like Amazon. And your book is available for order from any bookstore, libraries, and universities. It has a program by which you can accept returns which can increase the chances of your book being stocked in a bookstore. If the book doesn’t sell and the bookstore returns it, you may end up owing money. Here is information on book returns through Ingram Spark.

Learn more about Ingram Spark

Book Vault

Is a publisher like KDP and Ingram Spark, but it offers another perk the others don’t…Drop Shipping. If you’re an author who’d like to sell directly to readers (as opposted through book retailers), Book Vault can publish and ship books sold directly through your website. It itnigrates with major online ecommerce sites such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Payhip, Wix, Kickstarter or an API.

Want to create a special edition with sprayed edges? Foil? Box sets and slip cases? Endpapers? Book Vault can do it.

There are several levels of service. The free plan has a title set up fee of $24.95 (members of ALLi or the IBPA have access to unlimited free title upload codes every month). Bulk discount is 3% to 10%. You can sell worldwide and have access to Book Vault tools. For extras like sprayed edges, there is an additional price per book.

Learn more at Book Vault.

Direct to Retailer

Many indie authors swear by publishing their book direct retailers such as iBooks, Kobo, and Nook, instead of using Draft2Digital or other ebook distributor. By publishing direct, you can often earn a higher royalty (sine the 3rd party isn’t taking a cut), plus have access to special perks offered by the retailer to it’s authors such as sales or special promotions. Reedsy has an article outlining some of the perks of wide destruction and direct publishing.

Website/Email

Momwebs

I’m a WordPress snob. I’ve been using it since 2010. Every one of my websites (including Write with Harte) is built using WordPress. But to use WordPress, you need a webhost. I use MomWebs. I’ve been with different hosts, but MomWebs has been the more reliable and responsive host I’ve ever used. If I have an issue, I hear back quickly.

The mini plan is $5 per month for a single domain. You can get your domain through them, or buy elsewhere and use at MomWebs. It comes with an SSL certificate, email, and more.

Learn more at MomWebs

Shopify

Shopify is an ecommerce platform, but it can your do-all-be-all website as well. You can blog, sell books, and more. If you want to sell direct, Shopify integrates easily with BookFunnel and BookVault to distribute your books.

Learn more about Shopify

Systeme.io

I haven’t used Systeme.io yet, but I’ve been intrigued by it for years. My only hold back is that some of the tools I use (e.g. Bookfunnel) doesn’t have a direct integration, so setting up emails to go from Bookfunnel to Systeme.io would require a third party such as Zapier. Or I can move them manually.

However, what I like about this platform is that it offers EVERYTHING. You can have a basic website landing page (e.g. for email capture). Set up a membership area (for super fans). Sell direct. Blog. Affiliate program (pay people to help you sell your book). Webinars. Courses. And more.

Best yet, it’s free up to 2,000 subscribers. I’ve seriously considered moving JennaHarte.com here.

While a lot of it can be drag and drop use, there is some techy stuff that goes with setting up email sign ups, domains, etc.

Check out Systeme.io here.

Wix

I’ve never used Wix, so I can’t speak to it. But I know MANY authors who do use it, and seem content with it. Apparently there is a free option, but I don’t see it on the pricing page. However, I did find this info on the Wix website about a free plan.

Aweber

I’ve used Aweber forever, so I’m a bit biased. I like Aweber because I have multiple lists, can segment my lists, build campaigns and more. It offers landing page building (or any sort of page building), so you could actually just have Aweber and not a website if you wanted. You can sell directly through Aweber as well. Support is great. I’ve always used the chat option, but there’s phone and email help as well.

There is a free plan up to about 500 subscribers. Like all lists, prices go up depending on the size of your list.

Check out Aweber

MailerLite

This is a popular email service provider for authors. I helped my sister set up her email list through MailerLite. We selected this option over some of the others (e.g. MailChimp), because it has a free option that includes features you need such as an autoresponder. The free plan is up to 1,000 subscribers. It also offers landing pages.

Learn more about Mailerlite

Marketing Graphics/Videos

Canva

Canva is great for all things marketing whether it’s social posts, videos, bonus content, swag and more.

Check out Canva here.

Author Scale

This is a new but growing tool to turn your book into slides/video for TikTok (or Reels or Shorts). It will identify hooks in your book and create a 10-slide series (or several series). You can then edit the slide and add pictures either through their graphic library, AI generation, or upload your own. You can post directly to TikTok through the app or download.

I grabbed a lifetime offer when it was available. It’s lowest plan is $19.99 per month ($13.33 if you pay annually) for unlimited books, unlimited hooks, connecting 1 TikTok account to schedule/post, and 100 design credits per month for backgrounds.

Check out Author Scale 

Here is the video I made for It’s About Damn Time lead magnet.

@jennaharte Lifelong friends fake a kiss…or do they? Free #friendstolovers #romcom ♬ original sound – Jenna Harte ❤️ Romance Author

Marketing

Genius Link

I put this under marketing because it offers a way to have one page with all your book links (e.g. if you’re selling wide.) Here’s mine for Deadly Valentine.

It works as a link shortener, ideal for affiliate links or those long Amazon links. It tracks who clicks it so you can figure out who and where people are clicking. You can create different links to track various marketing results, such as having one link for TikTok and another for your email list.

It will monitor links so that if one stops working, you’ll know. You can add tracking pixels to build custom audiences. And more.

It’s $6 a month.

Learn more at Genius Link

BookSprout

You need reviews…Booksprout can help you get them.

While you can build and manage your ARC team on your own, it can be tedious and frustrating. BookSprout has an existing reader community you can tap into as well as build your team through your social media and email.

Booksprout tracks who requested the book, automatically emails reminders for their reviews, and if you want, will purge people from ever getting a book from you if they don’t leave a review. You set conditions for receiving the book, such as an Amazon review is required, a Goodreads and Bookbub review would be nice, but not required. Since readers are getting an ARC, they can message you privately if there are issues you should fix before launch.

The lowest plan is $9 per month which includes 1 active book campaign, up to 25 reviews, access to BookSprout’s reviewers, ARC distribution, and review reminders. Higher tiers get you a bit more such as more campaigns, more reviews, audio book reviews and more.

Note that I pay for the service when I have a book launch, and then cancel when I don’t.

Learn more at BookSprout

SocialBee

SocialBee is my social media scheduling tool. I have all my profiles (Jenna, Write with Harte, etc), with all my social (Facebook page, Instagram–post, reels, stories, TikTok, etc.

SocialBee integrates with Canva so you can create or pull in your creative right into the post. You can have hastag lists, vary the post content for each platform in one post, and my favorite, reschedule content automatically.

You can categorize your posts and have a day and time each week posts from that category out. Plus you can track your stats knowing what’s working and what isn’t.

Right now, until June 9, 2025, SocialBee is having a 70% off  first 3 months or 30% yearly plans with code: SBDAY2025

Normally it’s $29 per month and up depending on the plan. (I was fortunate to get a lifetime plan through AppSumo but this is gone now.)

Check out SocialBee

Bookclicker

Need to build your email list or promote your book? BookClicker is a FREE resource that can help you do that. BookClicker offers email swaps, where authors agree to send info about each other to their lists. Generally, you want to target lists that have the same reader market and around the same size list as you.

If you’re list is new or tiny, you can pay for a feature. Starting at $5 (and going up usually with list size…note the bigger the list isn’t necessarily better in terms of results), you can have your lead magnet (or whatever book you want) sent to someone’s list. I used this option to build the new Tender and Tempting Tales list.

Note that you can offer paid promos as well, giving this a nice way to make a few extra bucks.

Learn more at BookClicker

Meet the BookTokers

I have not used this yet, but plan to. Book influencers sell books! Colleen Hoover blew up because of readers on BookTok. This resource can help you connect with book influencers, get reviewers, and beta readers. It’s free to join, but it appears there are some paid promo options to get your book noticed.

Learn more at Meet the Booktokers

Vocable AI

If you have an author website, this could be a helpful tool to generate promotional content. Enter your URL and Vocable AI will search your site and map out 30-days of multi-channel (blog, Instagram, etc) content. You can then edit and post directly from the app.

Right now, you can get lifetime access through AppSump. Tier one is only $79…forever. I picked up tier 2 for $169 but that’s because I have more than one business and I wanted the channel integration.

When this deal leaves AppSumo, you’ll only be able to get Vocable AI by subscription which starts at $13 per month. I’m not sure how long this deal will be on AppSumo so grab it now if interested.

Learn more about Vocable AI

Check out other AppSumo deals.

KingSumo

Another tool from AppSumo, KingSumo is a great way to run a givaway/contest that builds your social media following and email subscriber list. Through this tool you can set up your giveaway, manage entries, and offer more entries for certain tasks such as following on social or visiting a website. When your contest is done, KingSumo will randomly select your winner.

There is a free plan or for all the bells and whistles, you can get the app for $49 lifetime access.

Learn about KingSumo

Additional Money Makers

These are all resources to help you earn a bit more beyond selling books.

Buy me a coffee – Use this as a basic donation link or set up subscription membership similar to Patreon and Ream. (BTW…want to buy me a coffee…or in my case, chocolate…Check out my Buy Me a Coffee Page. It’s free to join, and Buy Me a  Coffee takes 5% for a fee.

ReamStories– Ream is a Patreon-like platform designed specifically for authors. You can set up subscription levels for content. Many authors make significant income through subscription.  Ream has a library of content that offers tips, ideas, and more on how to use subscription as a monetization option. It’s free to join. Ream takes a fee (10% plus payment processing fee) from any subscription income.

Printify – Want to make merch featuring you and your books. Through Printify you can create t-shirts, totes, mugs, notepads and so much more. Create your design, upload to Printify, and then sell. You can integrate Pritnify with Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce and more.  Here is Write with Harte merch to see an example.

Check out this post for more income ideas for authors.

Do you have a tool you love that’s not listed here? Let me know in the comments below. 

 

“Why Did They Do That?”: Understanding Character Motivation in Romance

“Why Did They Do That?”: Understanding Character Motivation in Romance

May 27, 2025 in Blog, Writing Romance

Have you ever read a romance where a character made a decision that didn’t make sense? Maybe the heroine suddenly ran from love with no real reason, or the hero sabotaged his relationship for what felt like drama’s sake. When character actions feel random or unjustified, readers stop believing in the romance and lose interest fast.

That’s where character motivation comes in. Motivation is the “why” behind every choice your characters make. It drives their decisions, shapes their relationships, and gives your plot meaning. In romance, it’s especially important because we’re not just watching two people fall in love. We’re watching them overcome fear, pain, or doubt to choose love.

What Is Character Motivation?

At its core, character motivation is the reason behind everything your character does. It’s the why that drives the what. Motivation can be internal (emotional) or external (goal-based), and the strongest romance stories use a mix of both.

Think of internal motivation as the emotional engine. It’s the past wounds, fears, beliefs, or desires that shape how a character sees and acts in the world.

External motivation is the visible goal they’re working toward, like saving a business, winning a contest, or going through with a fake engagement.

It’s important to distinguish motivation from goal. A goal is what your character wants. Motivation is why they want it.

  • Goal: She wants to find a new job.
  • Motivation: She’s been laid off and is about to be evicted.

See the difference? The goal tells us what she’s after. The motivation tells us what’s at stake.

When your characters have clear motivations, their choices feel authentic even when they make mistakes or resist the love right in front of them.

Why Motivation Matters in Romance

In romance, character motivation is an essential element of the story. Why does someone agree to fake date? Why don’t they walk off the job when they realize their ex will be their boss? Why give an ex a second chance if it went wrong before?

Weak motivation is a pet peeve of mine. It makes characters seem wishy washy, weak, or inconsistent. When readers are rolling their eyes or upset at a character’s behavior, it’s often because of weak motivation.

Motivation is what makes your characters’ choices believable and their emotional journey compelling. Here’s why it matters so much:

1. Motivation Makes Actions Believable: Romance readers will go along with just about any setup, whether it’s a fake relationship, surprise royalty, pr an accidental Vegas wedding, as long as the characters have clear reasons that make sense for their behavior. When motivation is solid, even the most over-the-top tropes feel grounded in truth. If a heroine agrees to a marriage of convenience, we need to know why it makes sense to her, even if it wouldn’t make sense to us.

2. Motivation Creates Emotional Depth: Readers don’t just want to see two people fall in love, they want to feel it. That emotional investment comes from understanding what drives the characters. Why is the grumpy boss afraid of love? Why does the sunshine heroine pretend everything’s fine when it’s not? How is it possible these two opposites can give each other the time of day, much less fall in love? When readers know what’s at stake, they root harder for the lovebirds to find their HEA.

3. Motivation Drives the Plot: Motivation shapes everything your characters do and moves the story forward. Why do they stay in a situation? Why do they resist the other person? And, ultimately, why do they change? It’s motivation that fuels every choice. A character who’s afraid of being hurt might push love away, while a character desperate for connection might cling too tightly.

4. Motivation Grounds the Conflict: Romantic tension doesn’t exist just because two people bicker or misunderstand each other. It exists because each character has something they want (or something they’re afraid of) that puts them at odds. Motivation is what makes the conflict real and relatable. Without it, you risk creating melodrama instead of meaningful emotional stakes.

Internal vs. External Motivation

To create well-rounded, emotionally compelling characters in romance, you need both internal and external motivations. These two layers work together to explain not just what your characters do but why it matters to them.

Internal Motivation

Internal motivation comes from within, such as a character’s emotional wounds, fears, beliefs, or desires. These are often shaped by past experiences and form the emotional core of the romance. Internal motivation is what gives your story depth and resonance because it taps into universal emotions like fear of rejection, longing for love, or the need to feel worthy.

External Motivation

External motivation is tied to outside forces, such as family obligations, career goals, financial pressures, or societal expectations. These motivations often drive the plot and set up the situations your characters must navigate.

Why You Need Both

Internal and external motivations work best when they’re layered and, ideally, in conflict.

For example, let’s say our hero has no interest in marriage because his parents’ toxic relationship and unhappy lives aren’t something he’s interested in having in his own life (internal motivation). But to save the family business, he agrees to an arranged marriage (external motivation). In a romance, we know he’ll fall in love, but much of the conflict at the beginning of the marriage will come from his attempts to maintain distance emotionally from his wife.

Here are a few examples to show how motivation shapes characters in love stories:

  • Internal Motivation:
    • Fear of vulnerability after a painful divorce
    • Belief that love always ends in betrayal
    • Desire to be seen for who they truly are, not who people expect them to be
  • External Motivation:
    • Inheriting a struggling family business and needing to turn it around
    • Being forced to work with an ex due to a job assignment
    • A family obligation to marry someone for the sake of tradition or alliance

When characters are pulled in opposite directions by their internal and external motivations, the stakes feel real. It’s becomes about what will they have to risk, change, or sacrifice to choose love?

How Motivation Affects Romantic Arcs

Character motivation is the driving force behind every key moment in a romance. From that first spark to the emotional payoff, motivation shapes the entire romantic arc.

Motivation Drives the Meet-Cute (and the Conflict That Follows)

When your characters first meet, their motivations influence how they interact, and what keeps the couple apart emotionally. Conflict in romance comes from what each character wants and fears clashing with the other’s desires.

In Naked in Death by JD Robb, both Eve and Roarke have heinous childhoods, but while Eve keeps most people at a distance and definitely isn’t looking for love, Roarke is intrigued by his attraction to her and is willing to jump in headfirst in love. Eve is attracted to him, but her history and the fact that he’s a suspect in a murder adds to the tension and conflict. Her internal motivation is to keep people emotionally at a distance and her external motivation is to solve the murder.

Motivation Shapes the Black Moment

The black moment is the emotional low point where it seems like love is lost. Here, motivation plays a pivotal role. Why do the characters walk away, lash out, or give up? It’s because their deepest motivations, often rooted in fear, insecurity, or belief, come to the surface. Maybe the heroine believes she’s unlovable, so she pushes the hero away before he can do it first. Maybe the hero thinks choosing love means sacrificing his life’s purpose. When characters face the emotional consequences of their motivations, it creates a gut-punch moment that readers feel.

Of course, the black moment may not be one in which the characters give up or walk away. In a romantic suspense, that moment could be danger, but the character’s motivation put them in danger and in a position to lose love.

Motivation Fuels Growth and Romantic Payoff

By the end of the story, your characters should confront and reevaluate their motivations. Maybe the heroine learns that love doesn’t have to mirror her parents’ mistakes. Maybe the hero realizes that protecting his legacy doesn’t mean closing himself off from happiness.

The best romances show transformation, and when characters choose love in spite of their fears and wounds, or even because they’ve healed them, the payoff is deeply satisfying.

In Drawn to Her by yours truly, Drake spends the entire book holding on to his goal of beating his brother to gain control of the family company (external motivation). He does it by hiding anything like sentiment or kindness that might make him look weak in his grandfather’s eyes (internal motivation).

All the while, Lexie, his grandfather’s nurse, is making him feel and want things that he believes will make him look weak. But at the end, on the cusp of taking over the company, he realizes that the life he’s worked hard to achieve isn’t the one he really wants (transformation).

Tips for Crafting Compelling Character Motivation

Here are tips to help you craft character motivation that keep readers turning the pages of your book:

1. Start with the Big Three: Want, Why, and What’s in the Way

Ask yourself:

  • What does this character want?
  • Why do they want it?
  • What’s stopping them from getting it?

This simple framework helps you define clear emotional and plot-driven stakes. For example:

She needs a new job (want) because she was laid off (why), but her ex she never got over is the one doing the interview (what’s in the way).

2. Tie Motivation to Backstory 

Motivation is most powerful when it’s rooted in past experience. Maybe your hero has a history of abandonment, or your heroine lost a loved one. Let their motivation come from that pain. But don’t info dump backstory. Instead, reveal it organically through behavior, internal thoughts, and carefully timed reveals. That way, readers learn why the character acts the way they do, and the emotional stakes become clearer with every scene.

3. Align Motivation with Your Romance Trope

Tropes come with built-in expectations, and motivation is what makes them fresh and believable.

  • Enemies-to-lovers: Motivations might include betrayal, pride, or protecting a secret.
  • Fake dating: One character may need to impress family, the other to land a promotion.
  • Second chance: Motivation often ties to past heartbreak and fear of being hurt again.

Use tropes as a guidepost for exploring deep emotional needs and then subvert or elevate those ideas with unique personal stakes.

4. Give Both Characters Strong (and Sometimes Conflicting) Motivations

Romance is about two people growing together, but they each need their own emotional journey. Make sure both characters have clear motivations, and that those motivations clash and complement in interesting ways.

For example:

The heroine wants independence after years of relying on others.
The hero wants to prove he can take care of someone after letting down his family.

Their desires conflict, but also create opportunities for growth and romance.

5. Let Motivation Evolve Over Time

Your characters should not end the story wanting the exact same thing they wanted at the beginning. As they grow and fall in love, their motivation should shift. Maybe what they thought they wanted (control, solitude, success) gives way to what they truly need (connection, trust, vulnerability). This was the case for Drake, in Drawn to Her. He’d been seeking acceptance and love from his grandfather through ruthless business success, but in the end found the acceptance he needed by opening himself up to love and be loved by Lexie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best romance ideas can fall flat if character motivation isn’t handled well. Here are some common pitfalls that can weaken your story—and how to steer clear of them.

1. Characters Doing Things “Just Because the Plot Needs It”

Nothing pulls a reader out of a story faster than a character making a choice that feels forced or out of character. If your heroine suddenly confesses her love or your hero walks away with no clear reason, readers will feel confused or cheated.

Fix it: Always ask why a character is making a decision in that moment. If the answer is “because the plot needs it,” dig deeper. Their actions should come from their internal or external motivations, not just your outline.

2. Over-Explaining Motivation in Backstory Dumps

It’s tempting to lay everything out in chapter one, especially when you know your character’s history is rich with emotional depth. But front-loading their motivation through long blocks of exposition or inner monologue can slow your pacing and lessen emotional impact.

Fix it: Reveal motivation gradually through action, dialogue, and reaction. Let readers learn why a character fears commitment through the way they resist intimacy, not just a single info-heavy flashback.

3. No Clear Emotional Stakes Tied to Their Goals

It’s not enough for your character to want something (what). They need a personal, emotional reason for wanting it (why). A heroine who wants to win a baking competition because she loves cupcakes is cute. A heroine who wants to win for the prize money she can use to start her bakery and prove to her unsupporting family she’s capable is more interesting.

Fix it: Ask, “What does this goal mean to them emotionally?” Tie every external goal to an internal motivation for stronger stakes.

4. Romance Without Inner Conflict

If your characters don’t have emotional baggage, fears, or personal growth to work through, the romance can feel one-dimensional. Love stories are about more than attraction, they’re about transformation.

Fix it: Give each character something they need to overcome within themselves. That inner conflict is what makes their romantic arc powerful and believable.

At the heart of every unforgettable romance is a character who feels real ,and that starts with motivation. Character motivation is what transforms attraction into connection, conflict into growth, and happy endings into something truly earned.

Challenge

Revisit your current work-in-progress and ask yourself:

  • Do your characters have clear, compelling motivations?
  • Are their actions rooted in emotional truth?
  • Does their romantic journey reflect not just what they want, but why it matters?

 

How to Revive a Stalled Romance Novel

How to Revive a Stalled Romance Novel

May 20, 2025 in Blog

I recently came across booktube videos discussing author Britt Andrews and her failed Kickstarter campaign (here’s a pretty thorough overview of all that’s happened by Book Lover Laura). Some have gone so far as to say she scammed her readers, but considering she’s a successful author, I’m choosing to believe she had every intention of completing her campaign that asked for $5,000 but ended up making $95,000. The campaign ran in Sept 2023 with a launch of January 2024, that was pushed back to Summer 2024 (if I’m understanding it correctly). But now, in May 2025, it appears the book still isn’t written, and the campaign is still not fulfilled.

Britt has been off and on in terms of explaining why the book is unwritten. Let’s face it, life can get in the way and sometimes the obstacles are emotionally challenging. In her case, she invested in a restaurant and went through a divorce.

I’m not here to discuss this situation specifically, but to point out that she set up a Kickstarter with the goal to have a book written and ready for release by early or mid-2024, and in May 2025, it’s not written (none of her updates indicate what, if anything, she’s written).

I get it. Sometimes it’s hard to have the emotional bandwidth needed to write. Every writer I know has an unfinished story collecting digital dust. Maybe it lost its spark. Maybe life got in the way. Maybe you just didn’t know how to fix that one scene that never quite worked.

You’re not alone.

It’s completely normal to set a story aside. Creativity isn’t always linear, and sometimes we need space to return with fresh eyes and new energy.

That said pressure, whether it’s the sort Britt is under, or just from yourself and not liking that you have a story dangling unfinished, is uncomfortable too.

The good news? That story you once loved still has potential. It’s not too late to revive it. Here are tips on how to do that:

1. Reconnect With Your Story

Before you can move forward, you need to remember why you started.

Start by rereading your manuscript, notes, or outline without judgment. This isn’t about editing or criticizing. Just let the story wash over you. Try to experience it as a reader would, paying attention to the parts that still make you smile, cringe, or feel something.

For some authors, just the re-immersion into the story is enough to jumpstart ideas. But if not…

Journal about the story. Why did this idea capture your imagination in the first place? What made you excited to tell this particular love story? What themes, tropes, or characters sparked joy for you? Getting back in touch with your original inspiration can rekindle the emotional connection that’s been missing.

Reacquaint yourself with your characters. Consider writing mini interviews asking them questions like “What do you want most right now?” or “What secret are you keeping?”

Or, write a short scene that doesn’t need to go into the final book. Let it be fun, messy, and pressure-free.

This stage is all about falling in love with your story again without expectations, just curiosity and connection.

2. Identify the Roadblocks

Before you can restart your novel, it’s helpful to understand what caused you to stop in the first place.  Why did you set the story aside? Was it a loss of interest? A plot hole you didn’t know how to fix? A shift in life circumstances that stole your writing time or energy?

Here are a few common roadblocks to finishing a novel:

  1. Plot Problems
    • You wrote yourself into a corner
    • The conflict feels weak or unsustainable
    • The middle is sagging or repetitive (this is a biggie for me 🫤)
    • You lost track of your outline or don’t have one
  2. Character Issues
    • Characters feel flat or inconsistent
    • Lack of chemistry between the romantic leads
    • Character motivations or arcs aren’t clear
  3. Lost Interest or Excitement
    • The original spark is gone
    • You’ve fallen in love with a different story idea
    • You’ve read it too many times and can’t “see” or “feel” it anymore
  4. Fear and Perfectionism
    • Fear it’s not good enough
    • Worry about what others will think
    • Over-editing as you go, rather than finishing the draft
  5. Life Interruptions
    • Personal or family issues
    • Work or schedule changes
    • Burnout or mental health struggles
  6. External Distractions
    • Starting too many new projects at once (this is an issue for me as well!)
    • Comparison to other writers or books
    • Getting caught up in social media or marketing tasks
  7. Unclear Direction
    • No clear ending or resolution
    • Not sure how to tie plot threads together
    • Shaky grasp of genre expectations or structure
  8. Lack of Support or Accountability
    • No one to share progress with
    • Feeling isolated or discouraged
    • Missing deadlines or feedback loops

Whatever roadblock you face, take a few minutes to jot down anything that feels like a hurdle. Don’t worry about solving the problems right now, just name them.

Once you’ve identified the roadblocks, it becomes easier to map a way around them. The goal here isn’t to overwhelm yourself with a giant to-do list. It’s simply to become aware of what’s standing in your way so you can move forward with clarity and purpose.

3. Re-evaluate with Fresh Eyes

Now that you’ve reconnected with your story and identified what might have gone wrong, it’s time to take a fresh look and assess whether this novel still feels right for you.

Ask yourself: Can this story still work? Does it still excite me?

Sometimes the core idea is solid, but your skills, tastes, or perspective have evolved since you last worked on it.

Look at the tropes, character dynamics, and overall structure. Would updating these elements bring new life to the story? Maybe the grumpy/sunshine pairing needs more tension, or your slow burn could use a bit more spark. If your novel leans into subgenres like historical or paranormal romance, consider revisiting your research or worldbuilding. Time away can reveal outdated references, missing details, or better ways to ground the setting.

This step is all about approaching your work like a developmental editor would. You’re not rewriting yet, you’re simply checking to see what needs refinement so the story can evolve into something even stronger.

4. Create a Mini-Plan

Once you’ve reconnected with your story and evaluated where it stands, it’s time to map out your next steps with a mini-plan. The key here is to keep it manageable and motivating.

Start by setting a realistic goal. Maybe you commit to revising one chapter a week or writing 500 words a day. Choose something that fits your current schedule and energy level. Remember, consistency matters more than speed.

If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, use a romance-specific beat sheet or outline to rebuild your roadmap. These resources give you a clear path to follow without boxing in your creativity.

Finally, decide what “done” means for this project. Are you aiming for a completed first draft? A polished manuscript ready for querying or self-publishing? A story you plan to release in serial format? Knowing your destination will help you stay focused.

5. Make It Fun Again

When a project has been sitting for a while, it can start to feel like a chore instead of a passion. To shake off the pressure and rekindle your excitement, focus on bringing the fun back into your writing process.

Try changing formats to re-engage your brain in a new way. Dictate scenes while walking, jot ideas on index cards and shuffle them around, or write out-of-order to explore moments you’re excited about.

Maybe finding a new writing nook will help get your creative juices flowing. Sometimes just breaking the routine or scenery can spark fresh inspiration.

Write “missing scenes” that might never make it into the final draft. These scenes don’t need to be perfect or polished. They’re meant to reconnect you with the emotional heart of your romance. Plus, later when the book is published, you can use them as bonus content for your fans.

6. Protect Your Progress

Once you’ve restarted your novel, the key is to keep going, which means protecting the momentum you’ve worked so hard to build.

Start by creating a writing routine or ritual that signals it’s time to focus. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Maybe it’s playing the same playlist, lighting a candle, pouring your favorite drink, or writing in a specific spot. Small rituals can train your brain to shift into creative mode more easily.

To stay accountable, consider joining writing sprint groups or participating in challenges. Whether it’s a daily word count goal or a weekend writing marathon, having a community cheering you on can help you push through resistance and show up consistently.

Finally, track your progress visually. Use a word count tracker, calendar, or even a sticker chart to celebrate each writing session. Seeing your progress build over time is a great motivator, and a reminder that you’re moving forward.

7. Get a Fresh Perspective: Hire Help or Ask for Feedback

Here’s a confession… When I was writing book three of my cozy mystery, I was stalled out. It was the middle of covid and I just couldn’t figure out whodunnit and why. As a ghostwriter, my client sometimes sends me plots created by someone else and I decided that maybe I could hire a plotter to help me. I sent what I had already written about the book and my characters, and received a chapter by chapter outline for the unfinished chapters back. Interestingly, only a handful of the ideas were used in the final book. But what the plotter provided was enough to get my muse musing again and for me to get the book finished.

I tell this story because sometimes we’re so stuck, it’s like we have blinders on. We can’t see a way to make the story work. That’s where a fresh perspective can make all the difference. If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain, getting outside input might be exactly what your story needs to move forward.

There are several options depending on your needs and budget. You can hire a book coach, developmental editor, or freelance editor to review your manuscript, critique your outline, or help you shape your story’s structure. Or do what I did and hire a plotter, which was less expensive (I think I paid $70). Professional feedback can offer clarity, encouragement, and actionable next steps.

If you’re not ready to invest financially, reach out to a trusted writing friend or critique partner. Ask them to read a few chapters or your story summary and tell you what stands out, what confuses them, or what they want more of. Sometimes, just talking through your ideas can unlock a new path.

Don’t forget the value of writing communities, both online and local. A supportive romance author group can provide everything from quick feedback to long-term accountability.

And note that sometimes the help you get won’t work, but those ideas can help trigger new ones that will work.

8. Use AI as a Creative Partner

Okay, so this might be controversial, but if you don’t have the money or time to find an editor or writing buddy, AI can make a good brainstorming partner.

There are several ways to use AI to breathe new life into your story idea. You can ask it to summarize what you’ve written so far, helping you refocus on your plot and themes.

If you’re struggling with structure, you can generate plot beats or outline ideas tailored to your current draft.

Stuck on character development? Ask for suggestions on emotional arcs or how to deepen a character’s motivation and conflict.

You can also use AI to map your story to popular romance framworks, or even a specific trope structure. This can help you spot gaps in pacing or plot and give you a clearer sense of direction.

Autocrit has a story analyzer that looks at timelines, character arcs, conflicts, plot progression, potential contradictions, foreshadowing and more.

Or, if you just need a brainstorming partner, you can use use ChatGPT or Claude, or if you use NovelCrafter (sort of like a Scrivener-lite but with chat feature), the AI can easily use your codex (story bible) and already written chapters as a reference so that you get ideas best suited to your story.

Of course, AI can’t replace your unique voice or emotional insight, but like a human writing buddy, it can give you ideas and the creative spark you need to keep going.

9. Know When to Let Go (or Transform It)

Not every story is meant to be finished in its original form, and that’s okay. Sometimes the best way to revive a neglected novel is to let it go, rewrite it from a new angle, or transform it into something completely different. My mafia romance in New York idea has morphed into a secret society romance with a little woo woo in New Orleans.

If you’ve tried reconnecting, revising, and planning, but the story still isn’t clicking, take a step back and ask: Is this still the story I want to tell?

Maybe the characters deserve a different plot. Maybe the premise would work better in a new subgenre. A contemporary romance could become a romantic suspense. A single POV could shift to dual. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

And if you do decide to move on, don’t think of it as a failure. Every draft teaches you something whether it’s about your writing style, your voice, or your process. You might reuse a side character in a future book, or discover a plot twist that inspires a whole new series.

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up. It means making room for something better to grow.

Tell us in the comments—what’s your forgotten story about? Or your tips for reviving a story after you stall.

Making a Scene: Writing Scenes in Romance Novels

Making a Scene: Writing Scenes in Romance Novels

May 13, 2025 in Blog

Table of Contents

Scenes are the heartbeat of every romance novel. They’re where characters fall in love, make mistakes, share secrets, and reveal the deepest parts of themselves. Whether it’s a flirty first meeting, a passionate encounter, or a devastating breakup, each scene delivers an emotional punch that keeps readers turning the page.

In romance, scenes do more than just move the plot forward, they build connection. They create the tension, chemistry, and vulnerability that make a love story feel real and unforgettable.

In this post, we’ll break down what a scene really is, the essential elements that make it work, and practical tips to help you write romance scenes that are emotionally rich, purposeful, and impossible to skip. Whether you’re just starting a new draft or refining your current manuscript, this guide will help you elevate every moment on the page.

What Is a Scene? 

At its core, a scene is a unit of storytelling that includes three vital ingredients: action, emotion, and change. It’s not just a place where things happen, it’s where your characters want something, face challenges, and leave the moment transformed in some way, even if subtly.

Every scene in your romance novel should serve a clear purpose. It might reveal character motivations, deepen emotional connections, introduce or escalate conflict, or push the plot forward. If a scene doesn’t change something, whether it’s a character’s outlook, a relationship dynamic, or the stakes, it risks being filler.

To be effective, a scene should:

  • Be grounded in time and place so the reader feels anchored in the story world.
  • Include tension or conflict, even in soft or intimate moments such as a lingering look that isn’t returned, a hesitation before a kiss, or a truth left unsaid.

In romance specifically, scenes are where the magic happens. They’re where characters flirt, fight, fall in love, or fall apart. These are the moments readers remember, the crackling chemistry, the aching vulnerability, the breathtaking kiss. Whether it’s a meet-cute, a first kiss, or a last-chance confession, romance scenes carry emotional weight and are the foundation of the love story you’re telling.

Core Elements of a Strong Scene

Writing a memorable romance scene isn’t just about what happens, it’s about why it matters. Every great scene is built on a foundation of five key elements that work together to create emotional depth and narrative drive. Whether you’re writing a heated argument or a stolen kiss, keeping these components in mind will help you craft scenes that hook readers and pull them deeper into your characters’ love story.

a. Goal

Every scene starts with desire. What does your character want in this moment emotionally, physically, or romantically? Maybe they’re hoping for reassurance, trying to hide their feelings, or seeking intimacy. Understanding your character’s goal will guide their actions and reactions throughout the scene.

b. Conflict

Something or someone should always be in the way. It could be an external obstacle like a rival love interest, or an internal struggle like fear of rejection, past trauma, or pride. In romance, even small conflicts (a misunderstood comment, an unspoken truth) can create tension that keeps readers engaged.

c. Emotion

Romance thrives on emotional resonance. Readers want to feel what your characters feel, whether it’s longing, joy, heartbreak, or desire. Show emotion through:

  • Body language: clenched fists, trembling lips, lingering touches.
  • Dialogue: loaded words, teasing banter, honest confessions.
  • Inner monologue: the fears, hopes, and hesitations that add layers to every interaction.

d. Change/Turning Point

By the end of the scene, something should be different. Has the relationship shifted? Did a secret come out? Did a character lower their guard or put it back up? Even subtle emotional shifts, like a new realization or deepening trust, signal progress and keep the story moving.

e. Setting

Don’t treat setting as wallpaper. Use it to amplify mood and meaning. A candlelit kitchen can heighten intimacy. A bustling café can add chaos to a moment of vulnerability. A rainy street might reflect internal conflict. Let the environment echo the emotional tone of the scene.

Together, these elements transform a simple exchange into a layered, emotionally rich moment that deepens connection between your characters—and keeps your readers invested in every page.

Common Types of Romance Scenes

Romance novels are powered by emotionally charged moments that bring characters together, tear them apart, and ultimately lead them to love. These scenes, often called “beats” in story structure, form the emotional arc of the story, creating peaks and valleys that keep readers invested. While every romance is unique, most will include some or all of the following scene types, each serving a specific purpose in building connection, conflict, and payoff.

Meet Cute

This is the moment your romantic leads first interact, and it’s your chance to hook the reader with sparks, awkwardness, humor, or intrigue. Whether it’s an accidental coffee spill, a tense work meeting, or a mistaken identity, the meet cute sets the tone for their dynamic and foreshadows the chemistry to come.

Slow Burn Moments

These scenes build tension and anticipation. Think long looks across the room, almost-confessions, brushed hands, or banter with unspoken feelings simmering beneath the surface. Slow burn moments stretch out the attraction and deepen emotional stakes without immediate payoff, which keeps readers craving that eventual release.

The First Kiss

A pivotal scene in any romance, the first kiss needs to feel earned. It’s a culmination of tension, emotion, and vulnerability. Whether it’s hesitant or heated, unexpected or long-anticipated, this moment should reflect your characters’ current emotional journey and hint at what’s still to come.

Note that in sweet romances, there may not be a kiss, and yet there needs to be a moment of emotional intimacy, anticipation, and symbolic gesture that gives away the growing attachment between the couple. Think of this scene as the emotional tipping point, the moment when the reader (and often the characters) realize this connection is something more than friendship, flirtation, or convenience.

Instead of a kiss, consider using:

  • A lingering touch (a hand brushing hair from a face, fingers touching by accident but neither pulling away).
  • An intense, silent moment where words falter, but the air crackles with feeling.
  • A shared vulnerability, a secret revealed, a confession of fear or desire, or a moment of mutual understanding.
  • A meaningful gesture, fixing a scarf, holding a gaze too long, stepping closer than necessary.

In sweet romance, it’s the intention and emotional significance of the moment that carries the weight of a kiss. Make it tender, meaningful, and unforgettable, and your readers will feel all the butterflies, no lip-lock required.

Heartbreak or Breakup

Conflict is a core element of romance, and often the relationship must break down before it can be rebuilt. This scene hits when stakes are highest, secrets revealed, trust broken, fears confirmed. Done right, it rips the reader’s heart out and makes them desperate for a resolution.

Note that this moment doesn’t have to involve fighting or fear.  But even in cozy or lighter-toned romances, a moment of emotional separation is necessary, but it can be a gentle pulling away, a moment of doubt, or a temporary setback that feels real and relatable.

Lauren Blakely does this in many of her romances in which there’s a moment when the relationship seems over because one is moving or a deadline has been met (e.g. fake relationship). The moment is filled with sadness, not anger.

In cozy romance, heartbreak often comes with tenderness, not trauma. Still, it adds just enough tension to make the eventual reconciliation feel earned and satisfying.

The key is to give your characters and readers a chance to miss the connection… just long enough to know it’s worth fighting for.

Reunion or Grand Gesture

This is the emotional payoff readers have been waiting for. After conflict and separation, the reunion scene delivers catharsis and joy, often with a declaration of love, a sacrifice, or a bold act of vulnerability. It reassures readers that love is worth the struggle.

Everyday Intimacy

Romance isn’t just about big moments, it’s also found in quiet, mundane scenes that show partnership in action. Cooking together, folding laundry, or sharing a look across a crowded room, these ordinary interactions can be deeply intimate and reveal how love lives in the details.

Each of these scene types adds emotional texture to your romance, guiding your readers through the rollercoaster of love with heart, tension, and satisfaction. When planned and executed thoughtfully, they ensure your story hits all the emotional beats readers crave.

Tips for Writing an Effective Romance Scene

Writing a romance scene that resonates isn’t just about what your characters say or do, it’s about how and why they do it. Great scenes are emotionally layered, purposeful, and immersive. Use the following tips to elevate your romance scenes and keep readers emotionally invested from the first spark to the final sigh.

a. Know the Scene’s Purpose

Before you write, ask yourself: What is this scene doing for my story? Every scene should:

  • Reveal something about the characters (a fear, desire, or vulnerability).
  • Advance the romance or the plot.
  • Change something emotionally or situationally.

Scenes without purpose risk slowing your pacing or diluting emotional impact.

b. Balance Dialogue, Action, and Internal Thought

Romance thrives on emotional layering. Use:

  • Dialogue to reveal personality and create tension or connection.
  • Action to show how characters behave and interact physically.
  • Internal thought to expose hidden feelings and desires.

c. Avoid “Talking Head” Syndrome

Don’t let your characters float in empty space. Anchor them in their environment. Use sensory details, character movement, and physical surroundings to bring the scene to life. Let them sip wine, pace the room, feel the brush of fabric, anything that grounds them in the moment.

d. Use Emotional Beats to Create a Rhythm

Romance scenes should ebb and flow emotionally. Give your characters moments of vulnerability, hesitation, tension, or joy. This rhythm of emotional highs and lows keeps scenes dynamic and mirrors real-life emotional experiences.

e. Start Late, Leave Early

Cut straight to the moment that matters. Skip setup or transitional fluff and jump into the heart of the action or emotion. Then, end on a strong note, before the tension drops off, so the scene stays sharp and memorable. Note that you don’t need a cliffhanger at the end of every scene (or even every chapter), but there shouldn’t be a feeling of completion either.

f. Focus on Subtext in Dialogue

In romance, what’s not said is often just as important as what is. Let characters:

  • Avoid certain topics.
  • Say one thing while meaning another.
  • Hold back feelings or desires.
  • A gesture or expression that hints at what isn’t being said.

Subtext adds tension, authenticity, and intimacy to your scenes.

g. End on a Hook or Reveal

Every scene should leave the reader wanting more. Consider ending with:

  • A revelation or emotional shift.
  • A surprise action or decision.
  • An unanswered question or cliffhanger.

These hooks propel the story forward and keep readers engaged in the romantic journey.

Tips for Choosing the POV Character in a Romance Scene

In romance, especially dual POV stories, whose head you’re in matters. The point-of-view (POV) character determines what emotions, thoughts, and reactions the reader experiences firsthand. Choosing the right POV can make a scene more powerful, intimate, and emotionally resonant.

Here’s how to decide who should narrate the scene:

1. Whose Stakes Are Higher?

Pick the character with more to lose or gain in the scene. If it’s a moment of confession, choose the one making it. If it’s a rejection or revelation, the one experiencing the emotional fallout might be the better choice.

Example: If a character is about to walk away from the relationship, being in the other character’s head heightens the tension and heartbreak.

2. Who’s Going to Feel the Shift Most Deeply?

Choose the character who will experience the greatest emotional change in the scene. This allows the reader to fully experience the transformation, whether it’s a moment of vulnerability, jealousy, longing, or clarity.

3. Whose Perspective Keeps the Mystery Alive?

Sometimes, choosing the less aware character preserves tension or surprise. If one character is hiding something or planning a romantic gesture, staying in the other’s POV creates curiosity and anticipation.

4. Who Needs the Spotlight Right Now?

Romance is a relationship-driven genre, but individual character arcs matter. If one character’s emotional development has been quieter, giving them POV in a pivotal scene can deepen reader connection and balance the story.

5. Go With the Most Emotionally Charged Lens

Even in playful or quiet scenes, go with the POV that delivers the most emotional punch. The reader wants to feel everything, the flutter, the ache, the yearning. Pick the POV that brings that feeling to life.

How Long Should Scenes Be in a Romance Novel?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but a good rule of thumb is that a scene should be as long as it needs to be to serve its purpose.

Most scenes in romance novels fall between 800 to 2,000 words, but that can vary depending on the pacing, intensity, and style of the story. Here’s how to think about scene length:

  • Shorter scenes (500–1,000 words): Great for quick emotional beats, transitions, or moments of rising tension. They work well during fast-paced sequences like arguments, realizations, or when switching points of view.
  • Medium-length scenes (1,200–1,800 words): These are the workhorses of most romance novels. They allow room for emotional layering, character development, and meaningful dialogue.
  • Longer scenes (2,000+ words): Best used sparingly for big moments like a first kiss, major conflict, or emotional climax, times when you want the reader to linger and feel immersed.

The most important thing is to stay focused. A scene should begin when something changes or needs to be revealed, and it should end once that change or emotional beat has landed. If a scene starts to drag, look for ways to tighten the pacing or split it into smaller moments that each have a clear emotional or plot purpose.

How Many Scenes Should Be in a Chapter?

There’s no hard rule, but most chapters in romance novels contain 1 to 3 scenes, depending on the pacing, tone, and structure of your story.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • 1 Scene per Chapter: Common in emotionally intense or character-driven moments. This allows readers to sink into a single emotional beat or turning point without interruption. Ideal for slow-burn scenes, big romantic reveals, or deep introspection.
  • 2–3 Scenes per Chapter: Offers variety and keeps the story moving. These chapters often blend different types of moments, like external action followed by emotional reflection, or a romantic high followed by rising conflict.
  • More than 3 Scenes: This can work in fast-paced or plot-heavy stories, but be cautious. Too many scene shifts can overwhelm the reader or reduce the emotional impact. Make sure each scene earns its place and transitions smoothly.

Pro Tip: Use chapter breaks to signal change such as a new emotional beat, a shift in time or place, or a rise in stakes. If a group of scenes serves a shared purpose or emotional arc, they likely belong together in a chapter.

Ultimately, your chapters should feel intentional and balanced. What matters most is that each chapter leaves the reader wanting more.

Weaving in Backstory and Worldbuilding Without Slowing the Scene

Backstory and worldbuilding are essential especially in romance, where character wounds, emotional history, and unique settings shape how love unfolds. But a scene should NEVER be only about backstory or world building, as they can bog down a scene, pulling readers out of the moment. The key is to blend them in organically, not a dump.

Here’s how to do it smoothly:

1. Use Character Reactions

Let the past surface through how characters think, feel, or respond in the moment. For example:

She hesitated at the sound of footsteps behind her, just like she had at eighteen, the night she was robbed at gunpoint. 

This reveals backstory without stopping the scene to explain it.

2. Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of describing the world or history in exposition, show it in action:

Instead of “He grew up poor,” try:
He scanned checked the price tag on the sleeve, fingers twitching at the prices. Back home, his clothes were passed down from his eldest brother, to the middle brother, before finally reaching him. 

3. Break It Up

Avoid long paragraphs of history. Sprinkle in small details throughout the dialogue, setting, or internal thoughts to build a picture gradually. This can go a long way to creating interest for the reader as they become curious about the character’s history as it’s woven in bit by bit.

4. Let the POV Character Guide

Only include what the point-of-view character would naturally think about in that moment. Don’t force in information just because you think the reader needs it. If it’s not relevant to their current emotional state or goal, save it for later.

5. Tie It to Emotion

Backstory is most powerful when it connects to the character’s emotional stakes in the scene. Make it personal, not just informational.

Bonus Tips for Writing Strong Romance Scenes

1. Don’t Skip the Small Moments

Big scenes like kisses, breakups, and declarations matter, but so do the quiet ones. A shared look, a brush of hands, or folding laundry together can reveal just as much about a relationship. Small, everyday moments build emotional intimacy and realism.

2. Let Characters Be Messy

Perfect characters are boring. Let them fumble, misread signals, or say the wrong thing. Romance scenes are more compelling when characters are human, vulnerable, flawed, and trying.

3. Build Tension Before You Release It

Whether it’s a kiss or a confession, make the reader wait. Hold the tension with inner conflict, near misses, or external interruptions. The longer the build-up (without dragging), the more satisfying the payoff.

4. Read the Scene Out Loud

If something feels flat or forced, try reading it out loud. Awkward dialogue, pacing issues, or emotional gaps often reveal themselves when you hear the rhythm of the scene.

5. Avoid Repetitive Emotional Beats

Don’t repeat the same emotional moment in different scenes. If your character already felt jealous in Chapter 4, give them a new flavor of emotion, such as resentment, longing, or guilt, in Chapter 5. Keep evolving the emotional arc.

6. Use Physical Touch Strategically

In romance, physical touch isn’t just about attraction,it’s communication. Use it to show shifting boundaries, trust, hesitation, or comfort. A hand on a back can say I see you; pulling away can say I’m scared to let you in.

7. Let the Scene Echo the Story Theme

If your story is about learning to trust, create scenes where trust is tested or tentatively given. If your theme is about healing, include scenes that reflect emotional wounds and small steps toward closure. Let your scenes reinforce the bigger picture.

8. Cut the Scene When the Emotion Lands

Don’t overstay the moment. Once the emotional beat hits, whether it’s a realization, decision, or shift in relationship, end the scene or transition. Let the impact linger rather than dilute it with extra filler.

Scene Checklist for Romance Writers

Offer a handy list authors can use during drafting or editing. Check that each scene as at least one:

  • Plot purpose
  • Character goal
  • Action to advance plot
  • Action to increase tension

It should have two of the following as well:

  • Character development
  • Cause for character conflict or
  • Effect of character conflict
  • Raised stakes or
  • Reinforcement of stakes
  • Character motivation

A scene can also have the following, but it should be woven in with the other elements above:

  • Character backstory
  • World building
  • Tone/mood
  • Theme
  • Foreshadowing

If you have questions or feedback on scene writing in romance, let me know in the comments below!

10 Tips for Writing The Male POV

10 Tips for Writing The Male POV

May 6, 2025 in Blog, Writing Romance

By Dana Wayne

One of the many challenges I faced with my first book was learning to write from both male and female points of view. Obviously, I connected with the female side pretty easily, but the male side took some practice. I love dual POV because I believe that style enhances the reader experience.

While I have not found any hard and fast rules for accomplishing this, I did come across some general tips to help bridge that gap.

1. People watch.

People-watching is fodder for a writer’s brain. Before I retired, I traveled for a living, spent a lot of time in airports, restaurants, hotels, etc., and fell in love with people-watching, especially males. I studied how a guy walked, entered a hotel bar, and studied the room before sitting. How does he decide which girl to approach? How does he take rejection? What does his body language say about his disposition? With some practice, you can spot someone on the prowl, nursing a broken heart, or his general attitude by observing his body language.

2. Talk to guys.

Sounds simple, right? It’s not always easy, but it’s essential to understanding what a man says and how he says it. Every time you step out of the house, every encounter or social event presents an opportunity to study how men talk. Use your family and friends as guinea pigs. Ask questions, engage them in casual conversation, and examine how they respond.

From Chasing Hope:

“You said you couldn’t go because you had to work,” said Cade. “So I got someone to work for you.”

Max watched Sky’s transformation with a heady mixture of delight and desire. Face awash with color, eyes shooting daggers at Cade, her chest rose and fell rapidly as she struggled for control.

It was hot. And entertaining as hell.

“How dare you.” Sky took a step forward, hands fisted at her side. “You had no right to do that.”

Cade flashed his trademark smirk. “You need some fun in your life, babe, instead of being tied down with the kid and work all the time.”

Max almost felt sorry for the self-centered imbecile as he dug the hole deeper. Almost.

Cade reached for her hand, his timbre low and seductive. “Come on, babe. Stop with the games. You know you wanna go out with me.”

3. When does your story take place? Who is your character?

How old is your character? What’s his occupation? What’s the setting for the story? How did he grow up? Only child? Large family? The answers impact how you write his POV. A twenty-something guy today will not think, act, or speak the same way a thirty-something man. And guys today behave differently from guys in the mid-1800s. So, research is essential to getting the nuance right.

From Mail Order Groom:

“Got a smart mouth on her, though,” declared another from the group. “Don’t know a woman’s place.”

“Yeah,” said Lucky. “She runs Twin Oaks like a man. Even wears britches!”

“And that’s bad?” Ty’s question held a note of sarcasm the group didn’t appear to notice.

“Well, yeah,” said the leader of the group. “A woman should be doing woman stuff like cookin’ and havin’ babies, not branding cattle.”

“I help out from time to time,” offered the man nearest Slim. “Last year I seen her wrestle this bull calf to the ground and castrate him right then and there.”

Lucky actually shuddered. “A woman ought not do that.”

4. Men talk less

I read somewhere that men speak 7000 words a day and women 20000 or more. I don’t know how true those stats are, but I do know men tend to be less vocal. But just because your guy is silent doesn’t mean he isn’t thinking. Introspection is a great way to convey information to the reader that reveals character traits, wants or needs.

 From Texas Winds: Jake couldn’t get that damned kiss off his mind. He hadn’t planned on doing anything more than pick up the stupid dog and leave. But the site of her in the laundry room, lop-sided bun on top of her head, and those sexy librarian glasses perched on her nose was too much. And picking her up—again, wasn’t the smartest thing to do, either. Maybe he should just send her to the cabin now while he still maintained a scrap of restraint.

The woman had him tied in knots, unable to focus. How could it feel like he’d known her forever instead of just a few days?             

5. Men are visual.

As a general rule, if a guy sees something, it’s more likely to stay with him, so your male POV will have more seeing. Thoughts and feelings are easily stimulated by what he sees.

From Whispers On The Wind (MMC is a cop):

He froze mid-step.

It was her. The woman from his dream last night.

What the hell?

No mistake about it. Every detail was present. The gash on her forehead, the dried blood in the corner of her mouth, and crusted in her nose. He stared for several heartbeats, unable to process the fact she was the woman in the dream. He clamped his jaw tight and focused on the job.

6. Just the facts.

Most men are big-picture kinda guys and not detail-oriented. Unless, of course, your guy is a cop or Spec Ops guy on assignment, then the opposite is true. But, generally speaking, men don’t care about the label or style of the woman’s dress. He cares that the sleek, black dress fits her like second-skin and shows a mile of shapely legs.

From Whispers On The Wind (MMC is a cop):

Coop glanced at the driver’s license photo and leaned forward. “I think I’ve seen her before.” Thick browns drew together in a tight line as he racked his brain for information. “It’s the hair. You don’t see that white-blonde color very often. He tapped the photo. “I’m pretty sure she’s been a guest at Eva’s. I’ll be back shortly. If she was a guest at The Grove, Eva will remember. Maybe help us piece together a timeline.” He grabbed his hat on the way out. “In the meantime, see what else you can find out about her. Where she was going, anything.”

7. Men are logical.

You’ve had a bad day and just want a hug and kind words. However, he wants to tell you how to keep that from happening again because he’s a fixer. Something’s wrong, you fix it. That’s how a guy operates. And they don’t understand tears. Very few men I know can handle anything involving tears. If you’re lucky, you get a pat on the shoulder and the old “it’s gonna be alright’ speech. They’re guys. They need to fix it. Hugs don’t fix things.

From Texas Winds:

“Bobby was right. We should have had you checked out at the hospital.”

“…no.”

“You could be—”

Silent tears leaked from her tightly clenched eyes, and he froze. What the hell did I do wrong?

“…don’t.”

“Don’t what? If the pain is so bad it makes you cry, then something is seriously wrong.”

Her lips quivered and a soft sob escaped.

No he felt like an ass. On top of bering hurt and sick, he4’d made her cry. Humbled, he rubbed the ack of his neck. “Look, I’m sorry if I upset you, Lexie, but this can’t be normal.” Like I got a clue about what constitutes normal female behanior in this situation.

… She sniffled and hiccuped twice. “I…hate crying.”

“If anyone has a right to, it’s you.”

She whimpered and clenched her eyes again. “…don’t…be nice.”

He sat back and stared. Don’t be nice? What the hell? “I’m just trying to help.”

Granted, he probably sucked at it, but he was trying. He shook his head. It was an exercise in futility to figure out how a woman’s mind worked. And he had no time for lost causes. “Fine. I won’t be nice.”

8. Men touch, women feel.

Sex is an essential aspect of the male POV. But guys don’t always think about sex. Of course, it does cross their mind, but not every waking hour. When writing from the male POV, remember that men generally connect through physical touch, whereas women connect emotionally.

From Texas Winds: The moment she leaned against him, he shot into sensory overload. Dormant nerve endings rapidly stirred to live. Everywhere they touched tingled. His pulse quickened, and a ripple of excitement raced through him. Each rapid beat of his heart became a drumbeat in his ears. Her light floral scent and the smell of warm rain-soaked skin teased him. He couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe.

9. The second look.

A guy will always notice a girl walking by, regardless of her general sex appeal. That first look is impulse – she walks by, he notices. It’s the second look, that double-take, that signifies interest. That interest can be good or bad or anything in between, but it’s still the second look that indicates interest.

From my current WIP Firestorm:

Hell, he’d even cut the damn thing out and kept it in his desk drawer. How pathetic was that? Silently labeling her The Ice Queen hadn’t helped at all.

Seeing her in person tonight, all prim and proper, like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, the label jumped out at him, even as his crazy heart raced like a runaway train.

Everything from her regal posture to how she sipped the wine screamed money and class. Coffee-colored hair pulled into a tight bun at the nape, and pearl studs in her ears emphasized the delicate bone structure of her face and the fullness of ruby-colored lips. The basic black dress and single strand of pearls would look simple on most women. On her, it was elegant.  

When their gazes locked briefly, the jolt of desire was so potent it shocked him.

The returning look of interest took his breath.

10. Make the voice fit the man.

It’s not just what he says, but how he says it. The words must fit the man. A no-nonsense, ex-military cop will speak differently than a book-smart lawyer—both in the words he uses and how he uses them. If the words don’t mesh, if they aren’t believable for your character, the story will fall flat, and your reader will be gone.

Whether I write one POV per chapter or switch within a chapter depends entirely upon the story and the scene. When both are in the same chapter, I finish one, do a scene break and begin the other.

The POV switch is critical and must be distinct and timed right. Too early or too late can break the flow and become a stumbling block for the reader.

If you spent half the morning working on a female-centric viewpoint and must now convey the male side, it may take your brain time to refocus on the new character, their thoughts, and feelings. Depending on the situation, you may reread a scene with him in it. If you’re on a roll, it may be as simple as picturing the situation in your mind and writing what you see.

Writing the male POV isn’t easy, but it can strengthen your writing and enhance the story.

 

Dana Wayne fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a published author in 2016 at the age of sixty-six. She has self-published seven highly regarded and award-winning novels and a cookbook. Among her work's honors are several international awards, including the prestigious Best Indie Book Award, Bronze Medal from Readers Favorite, the International Impact Book Award and a Semi-Finalist Kindel ebook Award for 2024. A sought-after speaker and frequent guest on various writing blogs, she’s a die-hard romantic whose heart-warming stories are filled with strong women, second chances, and happily ever after. When she isn’t writing or spending time with family, she is an avid crafter, especially Christmas- related items, her favorite being tabletop Christmas trees, a craft she learned from her mother. Visit Dana Wayne’s website.

6 Things Every Romance Writer Should Know About Genre Expectations6 Things Every Romance Writer Should Know About Genre Expectations

6 Things Every Romance Writer Should Know About Genre Expectations

April 29, 2025 in Blog, Writing Romance

I spent two years working as a literary agent, and two things I quickly discovered about emerging authors is that one, too many don’t read submission guidelines (that’s a whole other post), and two, too many don’t understand genre. In fact, a misunderstanding about genre led me to do a workshop on it to help writers better identify agents and publishers to pitch their works too.

But understanding genre isn’t just about finding an agent/publisher. It’s essential in marketing and finding the ideal reader for your books.

The issue is partly not understanding genre expectations but also in thinking that having a genre element is enough to squeak a book through as something it really isn’t. Pet Cemetary features a family, but you wouldn’t sell it as domestic fiction. Yet many authors have a love interest in their story and think they can sell it as a romance.

Romance readers are passionate, loyal, and know exactly what they want when they pick up a book labeled “romance.” If your story doesn’t deliver on those expectations, even beautifully written prose won’t save it from disappointing your audience.

In this post, we’ll walk through six key things every romance writer needs to know about genre expectations, so you can avoid the common pitfalls, write with confidence, and build lasting reader love.

1. A Central Love Story is Non-Negotiable

This seems obvious, but it’s also the concept that stumps many writers. I can’t tell you how many queries I received in which the author was telling me it was a romance when it wasn’t. A love interest doesn’t automatically make a book a romance.

So what is a romance? At its core, romance is about the emotional journey of two (or more) people falling in love and building a relationship. No matter what twists, mysteries, or battles unfold along the way, the romance—the romantic relationship between the people—must stay front and center. If the love story isn’t the driving force of the plot, the book is something else, most likely women’s fiction, fantasy, or suspense with romantic elements.

Does it matter? Yes! Remember, romance readers have expectations. A book with a romantic element is actually something else that may or may not meet those expectations.

Subplots are absolutely welcome and can even make a romance richer, adding stakes, external conflicts, or world-building layers. However, those subplots should support, not overshadow, the romantic arc. Readers come to a romance novel expecting to see characters meet, connect, struggle, and ultimately choose love, and if that emotional journey gets lost, so will their engagement.

Whether you’re writing romantic suspense, paranormal romance, rom-coms, or historical romance, the same rule applies: the love story must be the heartbeat of the book.

Here’s a test: Which of these books are technically NOT a romance? (Answers at the end)

  1. Bridget Jones’ Diary – Helen Fielding
  2. The Hating Game – Sally Thorne
  3. Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchel
  4. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
  5. Naked in Death – JD Robb
  6. The Duke and I – Julia Quinn

2. The Happy Ending (HEA or HFN) is a Must

Romance readers pick up a book with one core promise in mind: love will win. Whether it’s a Happily Ever After (HEA) (think engagement, marriage, commitment, or lifelong love) or a Happy For Now (HFN) (a satisfying resolution with hope for the future), your story needs to end on an emotionally uplifting note.

This expectation isn’t optional.

If your couple doesn’t end up together, or if the story concludes with heartbreak or loss, it’s not considered a romance. It might be romantic in theme, but it falls into a different genre. Think Nicholas Sparks’ Nights in Rodanthe or John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. Both are about a couple who fall in love, but both…spoiler alert…end with one characters’ death. 

Why does this matter so much? Because it builds reader trust. Romance fans invest emotionally in the journey, and they want the payoff. If you break that trust, you risk alienating your audience, not just for one book, but long term.

On the flip side, consistently delivering satisfying, heart-happy endings helps build loyal readers who will follow you from book to book, knowing you’ll make their hearts swoon and smile by the final page. This is why authors like Emily Henry, Ali Hazelwood, and Abby Jimenez reach best-seller status with every book.

Exceptions…

Are there exceptions to this rule? There are some, but they’re risky. Ending on a cliffhanger risks angering readers who paid for a book expecting a full story arc.

3. Readers Expect Familiar Tropes—With a Twist

Tropes are the beloved building blocks of the romance genre. From enemies to lovers to fake dating, secret baby, grumpy/sunshine, and friends to lovers, these familiar setups deliver the emotional satisfaction readers crave. They’re popular for a reason: they work.

Romance readers often seek out specific tropes because they want a particular emotional experience (think Universal Fantasy). A forced proximity story promises tension and vulnerability. A second chance romance offers redemption and emotional healing, and my favorite, destined one true love. These tropes create reader expectations and help them quickly decide if a story is right for them.

But here’s the key: don’t just copy the trope, make it your own. Readers love tropes that feel fresh. Maybe your fake dating story takes place on a reality cooking show. Or your enemies-to-lovers couple are rival podcast hosts. This is about reimagining tropes in new, engaging ways. Many of the books that go viral do so because they’ve taken something old and made it new again.

For example, there were a ton of romances featuring football players and then someone (I don’t know who) wrote about a hockey player. And now hockey romances are the rage.

Fifty Shades of Gray is credited with being the book that created the New Adult category (now filtered in with regular romance), which are books featuring characters 18 to 26. It’s why we see many college romances alla Elle Kennedy and Hannah Grace (who also has hockey).

A few top-selling tropes to consider (you can check out Amazon’s Best Seller list to see what’s trending now).

  • Enemies to lovers
  • Friends to lovers
  • Forced proximity
  • Billionaire romance
  • Small town romance
  • Secret baby
  • Marriage of convenience
  • Opposites attract
  • Best friend’s sibling
  • Second Chance
  • Age gap

Using tropes thoughtfully lets you meet genre expectations while still surprising your readers, which is the sweet spot where memorable romance is born.

4. Emotional Pacing Matters

In romance, how the relationship unfolds is just as important as the ending itself. Romance readers expect a gradual build-up of emotion, tension, and intimacy, not an instant love connection without any groundwork (although there is a market for insta-love). The emotional journey should feel natural, earned, and satisfying.

This is where emotional pacing comes in. Key emotional beats help guide the reader through the ups and downs of the love story:

  • Meet Cute: The first encounter by the characters in the book, whether awkward, electric, or adversarial, sparks interest.
  • Deepening Connection: Characters get to know each other, revealing vulnerabilities, hopes, and flaws.
  • Conflict: Internal fears or external circumstances threaten their budding relationship.
  • Climax: A pivotal moment forces a choice: fight for love or let it slip away.
  • Resolution: Emotional and romantic closure involving one or both characters making themselves vulnerable to other in revealing their true feelings, rewarding readers with a satisfying, hopeful ending.

If these beats are rushed, skipped, or crammed together, readers can feel cheated or disconnected.Write with Harte Beat Sheet

Give each emotional stage enough time to breathe and grow. Slow down the moments where characters open up, clash, or change. Build longing, tension, and anticipation to keep readers hooked.

Tip: Use your chapter structure and scene breaks to mirror the emotional arc. Higher emotional intensity should lead to more dramatic scenes, while softer moments give readers, and characters, a chance to reflect and deepen their bond. Check out the WWH Beat Sheet for help.

Mastering emotional pacing ensures your readers aren’t just rooting for your characters, they’re feeling every step of the journey right along with them.

5. Heat Level Should Be Clear and Consistent

One of the fastest ways to lose reader trust in romance is to mislead them about the heat level of your story. Whether your romance is sweet and closed-door or steamy and explicit, readers expect transparency about the level of intimacy, and they expect that tone to stay consistent from beginning to end.

From sweet to steamy, all heat levels are valid and loved, but mismatched expectations can lead to disappointment, bad reviews, and lost readers.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. Does sweet meet nothing, not even kissing or hand holding? What’s the difference between a spice level of 4 and 5? Just like review ratings, we all have different ideas about each heat level means. (You can see my suggested heat level scale here).

With that said, if there is no sensuality or spice, you’re pretty safe with “sweet” or “cozy.” You can bet readers looking for a 5-spice want long, hot, sweaty, details.

Here’s how to clearly signal your heat level:

  • Blurb: Use language that hints at the tone. Words like “sweet,” “clean,” “heartwarming,” or “cozy” suggest low heat; words like “steamy,” “passionate,” or “spicy” signal higher heat.
  • Cover Design: Light, whimsical covers with illustrated couples often suggest sweet to medium heat, although these days, that’s changing. Darker, sultrier, or more sensual covers typically hint at higher spice levels.
  • First Chapters: Set the tone early. A cozy, character-focused opening leans sweet, while high sexual tension or physical attraction signals more heat to come.

Consistency is key. If you advertise a sweet romance but include a graphic sex scene halfway through, readers will feel blindsided. If you market a steamy, spicy romance but fade to black at every intimate moment, your target audience will feel equally let down.

Tip: Always match your heat level to your intended audience and be proud of the lane you’re writing in. Romance readers love every flavor of love story, as long as you deliver what you promised.

6. Genre Blending is Okay—But Romance Rules Still Apply

Romance is one of the most flexible genres out there. Right now on my TBR I have romance involving the four horsemen of the apocalypse, a thruple between a woman and two aliens, a couple in regency times, a couple who steal (heist), a woman kidnapped by a mafia don, a couple needing to solve a murder, a couple running from bad guys, the remaining ACOTAR books, several rom-coms, and more.

It’s common, and often very successful, for writers to blend romance with other genres like mystery, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, or even horror. These cross-genre stories open up exciting new worlds and high-stakes plots, while still delivering the emotional payoff romance readers love.

But no matter what other genres you weave in, the romance must remain the central story (re-read #1). Readers will happily follow characters through magical realms, murder investigations, epic battles, or time travel, but they still expect the emotional core to be the love story, and they still expect that story to end with a satisfying HEA (Happily Ever After) or HFN (Happy For Now).

Key expectations when blending genres:

  • Tone: Make sure the tone supports the romance. If the other genre elements are very dark, gritty, or violent, balance them carefully so the emotional bond between characters still feels real and hopeful.
  • Setting: Whether it’s a small town, a futuristic planet, or a Victorian estate, the setting should enrich the love story, not overshadow it.
  • Genre Conventions: Respect the major rules of both genres. If you’re writing romantic suspense, readers want both a compelling love story and a satisfying suspense payoff. In paranormal romance, they expect believable world-building and strong romantic chemistry. With that said, the romance is first and foremost, so you’ll want to insure you hit those beats, and mix in the secondary genre beats with the romance.

 

When writing romance, it’s important to remember that the key element of the story needs to be the couple (or group) and the relationship that grows into a commitment. Without that, your story is something else with a romance element.

 

Answers to number 1:

Note that all these books include a romance and many end in an HEA, but they’re not all technically a romance.

  1. Bridget Jones’ Diary – Helen Fielding: Technically not a romance. This is more accurately women’s fiction about Bridget coming into her own. (While considered the first domestic romance author, I’d classify Jane Austen, whose Pride and Prejudice inspired Bridget Jones, as women’s fiction. But I love Mr. Darcy and Captain Wentworth!)
  2. The Hating Game – Sally Thorne: This is a romance as it focuses on the relationship between Lucy and Joshua who are rivals at work in this enemies to lovers book.
  3. Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchel: Not a romance. For one, it ends with Rhett leaving Scarlett (although we know she’ll win him back, right?).
  4. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte: While we all ship Rochester and Jane, this book is technically more women’s fiction as it’s all about Jane and her coming into her own from a difficult childhood, challenges with Mr. Rochester, forging a life alone, and eventually coming back to Rochester.
  5. Naked in Death – JD Robb: I love Eve and Roarke, but these books are police procedurals (crime fiction), not romance.
  6. The Duke and I – Julia Quinn: Y’all know this is a romance!
How to Write a Swoon-Worthy First Kiss Scene

How to Write a Swoon-Worthy First Kiss Scene

April 8, 2025 in Blog, Writing Romance

You’ve read romances and you know there are few moments that carry as much emotional weight or reader expectation as the first kiss. It’s the spark that ignites passion, the culmination of rising tension, and often the turning point where attraction transforms into something deeper.

But writing a truly swoon-worthy first kiss scene takes more than just bringing lips together. It’s about capturing the emotional stakes, the buildup, the chemistry, and the vulnerability that makes the moment unforgettable.

Here are tips to set up, execute, and end a first kiss in your romance.

Build the Anticipation

A swoon-worthy first kiss doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. It’s the result of slow-burning tension and emotional buildup that makes readers ache for it. To make that kiss land with real impact, you need to stir anticipation long before lips ever meet.

Start by layering emotional and physical tension in earlier scenes. Maybe your characters have shared lingering glances, brushed fingers while reaching for the same coffee mug, or leaned in too close only to pull away. These almost-moments are golden. They create expectation, desire, and a bit of delicious frustration for both the characters and the reader.

Think of every glance, every accidental touch, every stolen moment as a spark. When the kiss finally comes, it’s not just a kiss, it’s the explosion that ignites everything that’s been simmering beneath the surface.

Tip: Don’t rush it. The first kiss should feel earned. The longer you draw it out (without losing momentum), the more emotionally satisfying it becomes. When the reader is practically screaming, “Just kiss already!”—you know you’ve done it right.

Here is a sample of a near miss from Drawn to Her

Drake nodded as Lexie rinsed the dishes. She bent over to put them in the dishwasher, giving him a stellar view of her round, firm backside. Christ. Desire washed through him like a tidal wave. All the reasons he told himself he shouldn’t touch her vanished. He couldn’t help himself, even if he wanted to. As she stood, he caught her arm and pulled her to him.

“I wasn’t going to say anything about last night.” He tugged one of the curls he’d dreamt about running his fingers through. It was softer, silkier in reality.

There were those wide, expressive green eyes again. “That’s probably a good idea.”

He was pleased to see the flash of heat in her eyes and the quickening pulse at the base of her neck. At least he wasn’t alone in this overwhelming lust.

“Perhaps you got what you wanted last night.” He referred to the notebook she’d finally gotten away from him. “But I didn’t. I spent the whole damn night dreaming of this mouth.” His thumb traced her plump, pink lower lip.

In the background, a door closed. “I smell cooking! Is someone cooking in my kitchen?”

Drake’s eyes narrowed as he continued to hold Lexie firm against his body, knowing the evidence of his desire pressed against her belly, and not giving a damn.

“Saved again,” he whispered as he released her and stepped away.

Know Your Characters’ Emotions

The most memorable first kisses in romance aren’t just about heat. To make the moment truly swoon-worthy, you need to tap into what your characters are feeling in that exact moment.

Before the kiss happens, ask yourself: What are the emotional stakes?

Is one character afraid to take a risk? Are they relieved that the tension has finally boiled over? Are they hesitant because of past wounds, or exhilarated because everything finally feels right?

Explore those feelings in the scene. Maybe one of them is terrified of ruining the friendship. Maybe the other has been yearning for this kiss for ages, but never dared hope it would actually happen. The vulnerability, the hesitation, the surrender, those are the emotional threads that pull readers in.

Don’t be afraid to slow down the moment. Let your readers feel the thudding heartbeats, the held breath, the internal tug-of-war between should I? and I need to. That emotional honesty is what makes the kiss resonate.

Tip: Use internal monologue to let us peek into your characters’ minds. Let the reader see the flickers of doubt, the flash of realization, the silent this is it. That emotional transparency turns a good kiss into a great one.

Here’s an example of a lead up to a kiss from Drawn to Her

His steel gray eyes stared at her in hunger. “You really don’t know your effect on me, do you?”

Lexie had thought long and hard after her encounter with Drake on the porch and in the kitchen days before. She’d come to two conclusions: One, it wouldn’t be wise to get involved with Drake Carmichael. And two, despite his actions, someone like Drake couldn’t really be attracted to someone like her. He was sophisticated and posh. She was just a small-town, southern girl.

But she couldn’t explain away the things he’d said to her about wanting to relieve the sexual tension. Or how he’d nearly kissed her in the kitchen. And now, here he was holding her again, intensity rolling off him in waves she thought would drown her. His eyes were narrow and intent but also confused, as if he couldn’t figure out why he was feeling the way he was. Well, that made two of them. Lexie had no illusions of forever after with Drake, but that didn’t mean she didn’t want to indulge in the excitement being near him evoked.

Use the Five Senses

To pull your reader fully into the kiss, don’t just describe what your characters do, describe what they feel. The five senses are your best tools for creating an immersive, emotionally rich moment that readers can experience right alongside your characters.

Touch: Go beyond “his lips brushed hers.” What does it feel like? Is his touch tentative or confident? Are her fingers trembling against his chest? Is the air between them buzzing with energy?

Sight: What do they see in each other’s eyes before the kiss happens? Maybe there’s a flicker of hesitation, a silent question, or pure need. Does the world blur around them, or do they hyper-focus on each other?

Sound: Is the room silent except for their breaths? Is there music playing in the background, footsteps approaching, or a heartbeat thudding in someone’s ears?

Smell: The scent of their cologne, rain on their clothes, or even the sweetness of the cupcake they just shared, details like these create atmosphere and intimacy.

Taste: What does the kiss taste like? Coffee? Champagne? Something more metaphorical, like relief or longing finally fulfilled?

Use sensory detail not all at once, but intentionally and sparingly. Pick two or three sensory impressions that reflect the emotional tone of the scene.

Tip: Choose sensory cues that match the emotional stakes. A desperate kiss might focus on fast breaths and clumsy fingers. A soft, slow kiss might highlight warmth, the brush of fingertips, and the sound of rain tapping on windows.

Here is an example from It’s About Damn Time (free lead magnet!)

The world narrows to the soft press of his mouth, the warmth of his hand at my neck, the familiar scent of his cologne mixing with coffee and cookies.

Let the Setting Amplify the Mood

Where your characters share their first kiss can be just as important as how they kiss. The right setting can heighten the emotional stakes, deepen intimacy, and make the moment unforgettable.

Think about how the environment reflects or contrasts the emotions in the scene. A quiet, candlelit room can create a sense of safety and tenderness. A chaotic street after an argument might add urgency and intensity. A rainy night might bring melancholy or catharsis, while fireworks overhead might reflect explosive chemistry or celebration.

Use the setting as more than a backdrop. Let it interact with the moment:

  • Does the heroine shiver from the cold, and the hero wraps his arms around her?
  • Are they in a forbidden place, where the risk of being caught adds to the tension?
  • Is there symbolic meaning in the setting, like a bridge (transition), a doorway (crossing into something new), or a storm (emotional upheaval)?

A well-chosen setting can add emotional depth and physical cues that make the kiss even more powerful.

Tip: Don’t over-describe. Choose two or three setting details that enhance the tone, like flickering firelight, the distant sound of thunder, or the way city lights reflect in a window. Let those details echo what the characters are feeling inside.

Here’s an example from an unpublished story I have given to my readers, Destined Forever. In it, for seven years, Matt has regretted letting his wife walk away from their marriage. They meet again by accident. It’s New Year’s Eve and snowing, a setting made for new beginnings and magic.

He turned and made his way back to her place. The snow was falling, swirling. It was New Year’s Eve, a perfect night for magic. As he got closer, he saw a figure moving toward him, quickly. He was about to step aside to give it room.

“Matt!” She rushed towards him. He watched as the snow glistened in her hair, her cheeks rosy from the cold.

It took him a moment to understand what was happening. But when he realized she was coming for him, he rushed to her, reached for her, gathered her to his body, and held tight. This time, he’d never let go.

“Grace.” He pressed his face to her neck. Her fingers cling to his coat as she wept. He cupped her face with his palms, tilted her head until he could look into her whisky colored eyes he’d loved for so long. Snowflakes clung to her lashes as she looked up at him.

He dipped his head, brushing his lips over hers. She hadn’t said a word, so he wasn’t sure he was doing the right thing. But then her lips parted, invited him in. He was tasting her again and was nearly drunk from it. Her kiss was all he remembered and more. It was a renewal. 

Keep It True to Your Characters and Tone

No matter how steamy, sweet, or suspenseful the moment, the kiss should always feel authentic to your characters and the tone of your story. A kiss that doesn’t fit who they are or how your story is unfolding can feel jarring or forced.

Ask yourself:

  • Would they kiss like this? A bold, confident heroine might grab the hero by the shirt and pull him in, while a shy, emotionally guarded character might hesitate, trembling on the edge before leaning in.
  • Is this the right moment for this kind of kiss? A rom-com might lean into awkward, hilarious kisses (think bumping noses or being interrupted), while a darker romance might lean into raw intensity or quiet, aching vulnerability. A fantasy or historical romance might heighten the formality or forbidden nature of it all.
  • Who initiates? Who hesitates? Who surprises the other? An impulsive heroine might jump right into a kiss. Someone who thinks the kiss is a bad idea might hesitate.

Let their personalities shape the physicality, pace, and emotional tone of the kiss. That way, the moment doesn’t just advance the plot, it deepens character development and emotional connection.

Tip: Avoid writing a “one-size-fits-all” kiss. Let the scene be specific, shaped by your characters’ quirks, fears, desires, and dynamic. That’s what makes it feel personal—and unforgettable.

Here’s a sample from It’s About Damn Time. It shows Emery’s playful, impulsive, joyful spirit.

My heart is thumping out of my chest as Drew’s words sink in. He’s loved me the whole time.

A laugh bubbles up from my chest. I launch myself at Drew, my arms wrapping around his neck as my lips find his. This kiss is different from the one in his car. No pretense, no cover story, just raw emotion pouring out after years of holding back.

His arms circle my waist, pulling me closer as he deepens the kiss. The scratch of his beard against my skin sends tingles down my spine.

When I finally pull back, I rest my forehead against his. “Does that answer your question?”

What Happens After the Kiss?

The kiss might be the climax of the scene, but what happens after can be just as important and sometimes even more emotionally charged. The aftermath reveals your characters’ emotional reactions, true feelings, and whether this kiss brings them closer together or complicates everything.

Maybe one of them pulls back too quickly, flustered and unsure. Maybe the other leans in, ready for more. Or maybe they both stand there in stunned silence, hearts pounding, wondering what just changed between them.

This is your moment to dig deep into the fallout:

  • Do they regret it because of timing, circumstances, or emotional baggage?
  • Do they embrace it and let go of the tension they’ve been carrying?
  • Do they panic, deny it happened, or pretend it meant nothing (even though it meant everything)?

The aftermath lets readers feel the weight of the moment and gives your characters space to process what just happened. It’s also a great way to set up the emotional stakes moving forward.

Tip: Use body language, dialogue, and internal thoughts to show the ripple effects of the kiss. Let the aftermath carry emotional momentum into the next scene, whether it’s filled with joy, awkwardness, fear, or longing.

Example from Deadly Valentine:

That was when her brain finally regained control, and she jerked away from him. That had been way more than a little kiss. Too much more.

“Tess.” Jack dropped his brow to hers. 

She reassembled her senses, rebuilt the wall that had for three years kept her heart safe. She pulled completely away, moving her chair back to its starting position. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” She grabbed a napkin to clean up the spilled ice cream.

“Leave it.” His voice was dark, rough.

“I can’t leave a mess like this…”

He let out a frustrated sigh. “How can you do that?”

“What?”

“I feel like I just had a life-altering experience and you’re acting like it was nothing.”

“It was just a kiss, Jack.”

She saw hurt and irritation in his eyes. “That was more than just a kiss.”

“We haven’t seen each other in a long time. It’s only been a few days. It can’t possibly be more.”

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in a First Kiss Scene

Writing a first kiss scene is a balancing act. Too much, and it feels overdone. Too little, and it lacks emotional punch. Here are a few things to watch out for as you craft your swoony moment.

AVOID….

  • Overly Flowery or Purple Prose: Avoid getting lost in a sea of metaphors or overwrought descriptions. Lines like “her lips were like rose petals brushing against a moonbeam” might sound poetic, but they risk pulling readers out of the scene. Use clear, emotionally grounded language that reflects the tone of your book.
  • Weird or Cringe-Worthy Euphemisms: Stick to words that feel natural and appropriate for your characters and audience. Terms like “mouth cave” or “love button” can derail a romantic moment fast. Don’t be afraid to use real, simple language, especially if your tone is modern, steamy, or sweet.
  • Too Much Focus on Mechanics: While some physical detail is important, avoid turning the kiss into a step-by-step play-by-play.  Just like sex scenes, you don’t need to describe every head tilt or hand movement. Specifically, avoid too much tongue play. Sure, the tongues can dance, but sentence after sentence of dancing, tangling, thrusting, etc isn’t sexy. Focus more on the emotion and sensation than the choreography.
  • Rushing the Moment: If the kiss happens too early or without enough buildup, it won’t carry the emotional weight it needs. Make sure you’ve earned this moment through tension and character development so it feels satisfying when it happens. That’s not to say a surprise, impulse kiss can’t happen. What it means is that the reader should be feeling the attraction between them, so when it does happen, the surprise of it still feels real.
  • Ignoring Consent or Emotional Cues: Even in a high-tension or impulsive moment, readers want to feel like both characters are emotionally and physically on board. A kiss that happens “out of nowhere” without any indication the other person wants it can feel jarring or worse, unsettling. Yes, a kiss can come out of the blue, but readers and the characters need a sense that it’s desired by both parties.

A swoon-worthy first kiss isn’t just about two characters finally locking lips. It’s about everything that leads up to that moment and everything that follows. When you build anticipation, tap into deep emotions, engage the senses, use your setting strategically, and stay true to your characters, you create a kiss that feels real. One that readers remember. One that lingers.

And don’t forget that sometimes, it’s not the kiss itself, but the emotional shift it causes that makes the scene unforgettable. So take your time with it. Let it breathe. Let it mean something.

Swoon-Worthy First Kiss Scene Builder

Now go write that kiss and make your readers swoon. To help you, I have a free worksheet to guide you through all of the above elements of a great first kiss. It’s free to Write with Harte Members (you need to be logged in to access this area).

Not a member? You can join free here.

If you have questions or comments about writing the first kiss scene, let me know in the comments below.

Romance Author Guide to Getting an Agent

Romance Author Guide to Getting an Agent

April 1, 2025 in Blog, Publishing

Table of Contents

Once you’ve written your book, your next step is publishing. First you need to decide if you want to self-publish or traditionally publish. If you decide to find a traditional publisher, then you should consider getting a literary agent. While not always necessary, there are benefits to having an agent.

A literary agent doesn’t just submit to and negotiate with publishers to sell your book rights. They can also:

  • Negotiate audio (if you indie published your book in print/ebook or your traditional publisher didn’t ask for audio rights). For example, I sold (as my own agent) audio rights to my indie published romance series.
  • Negotiate other rights, including foreign rights and TV/movie deals.
  • Help you improve your manuscript based on what they know publishers are looking for
  • Be a buffer between you and your editor (trust me, this can be invaluable if you’re having challenges with your editor)
  • Guide you through the business side of publishing so you can spend more time writing

One of the biggest benefits is that agents have contacts and established relationships with editors at publishing companies. While some publishers will take unsolicited manuscripts from authors, editors often prefer agented books because they’ve already been vetted.  Further, in large publishing houses, there could be several editors for the romance genre, and an agent can know which editor is best for your book (you can’t pitch all editors at a single publisher.)

The process of finding an agent can feel overwhelming, especially with so many rules, rejections, and unknowns. But it can be done.

BTW…much of what I’m sharing here is based on my experience in pitching and getting an agent, as well as working as an agent.

Here are the steps to get a literary agent to sell your romance novel:

Get Your Manuscript Ready

Before you even think about querying an agent, your manuscript needs to be complete. By complete, I mean revised and edited. I’ve spoken to writers who say, “Agents or editors are going to edit my book, so it’s good enough.” Good enough isn’t good enough when you’re competing with hundreds of other manuscripts. Consider that agents work with authors for a year or two before they’re ever paid for their efforts (agents only get paid when authors do). Agents want top quality manuscripts that need minimal work so they can get them out and sold faster.

Finish Your Novel: While it might seem obvious, agents will not consider unfinished manuscripts from debut authors. Your story should have a satisfying arc, fully developed characters, and, of course, that all-important happily ever after (or happy for now) ending that romance readers expect.

Revise Your Novel: Once your draft is complete, it’s time to revise and revise again. This is where a good freelance editor can be worth their weight in gold. If hiring an editor isn’t in your budget, consider joining a critique group, ideally one focused on romance. Fellow romance writers can help you catch pacing issues, strengthen emotional beats, and refine your use of genre tropes. A tool like Autocrit can also help you find pacing and craft issues in your manuscript.

Format Your Novel: Most agents have formatting guidelines that you should follow. In most cases, agents expect the following formatting:

  • Times New Roman in 12 pt font
  • Double-spaced
  • 1-inch margins on all sides.
  • Chapters starting on a new page using the Page Break function, not section break
  • Chapter titles centered at the top of the page

Know Your Book: You’d be surprised how many submissions I received that were pitched as romances that weren’t actually romances. Some were women’s fiction. Others were stories that had a romantic element. It’s important that your romance fit the expectations of the romance genre (the main plot of the story is the romantic relationship between characters).

Further, you need to know your category and tropes. Is it a steamy contemporary billionaire romance? A sweet small-town friends-to-lovers story? A time-traveling historical with magical elements? Knowing how to categorize your book helps agents determine if it fits their list and helps you pitch it more effectively.

Tip: Find authors and books that are similar to your book. It can help agents understand your book if you can compare it to a similar author or book.

Research Literary Agents Who Represent Romance

Don’t underestimate how important this step is. Getting your manuscript to the right agent saves you time and rejections. Remember how I said people pitched me books that weren’t technically romances? I ended up saying no and that’s no fun for either of us.

But you also have to consider what types of romances the agent represents. Not every agent represents every subgenre, so doing your homework now can save you time and increase your chances of success. I didn’t represent historical romances. Some might not represent dark romance. I knew an agent once who didn’t like books in first person point of view.

As you research agents, read carefully what they say they represent and look at the books and authors they’ve already represented.

Start with tried-and-true resources like:

  • Talk to other authors. I got my last agent by talking to authors in my writing organization. This helped because when I emailed her, I could say, “Sally Author recommended I contact you…”
  • QueryTracker: A free (or paid) database where you can search for agents by genre, track your submissions, and read other authors’ comments on response times and feedback.
  • Manuscript Wish List (MSWL): A site where agents and editors list exactly what they’re looking for, including subgenres, tropes, and themes. You can search by genre, agent, or keyword.
  • Publishers Marketplace: A paid resource where you can see recent deals made by agents. This is useful for identifying who is selling romance and which publishers they work with. I highly recommend paying the $25 for a month of access and researching what agents are representing the type of book you’ve written and what publisher they’ve sold too. You can cancel after a month.
  • Twitter/X Hashtags: Search hashtags like #MSWL, #AmQuerying, and #QueryTips to find agents posting real-time updates on what they’re seeking. Many agents tweet wish list items or open periods for submissions.

⚠️The platforms are helpful for quickly finding agents, but visit the agent’s website for updated information and guidelines, as they don’t always keep their profiles on other platforms up to date. Sometimes agent change what they represent or leave the business.

When reviewing an agent’s profile or wish list, look for signs that they’re passionate about romance. Do they mention specific tropes you use (like grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, or fake dating)? Do they represent authors whose books feel similar in tone or style to yours?

Don’t think you can squeak your manuscript into a genre that it’s really not in. For example, I represented romance and romantic mysteries, but not women’s fiction or cozy mysteries. The latter two might have romance elements in the book, but they’re not romances. Again, this is where knowing your book is very helpful.

Create a spreadsheet or use a tracking tool to stay organized. The Romance Authors Novel Organizer includes tracking for agent submissions. Include columns for the agent’s name, agency, submission guidelines, what they’re looking for, date submitted, response received, and any notes (like personal preferences or previous communication). This will help you avoid duplicate submissions and allow you to follow up professionally if needed.

Research might feel tedious, but it’s a crucial step in targeting your query to the agents who already love the kind of stories you’re writing.

Write a Synopsis of Your Romance

Personally, I find writing a synopsis almost the worst part (taglines are the worst!). Condensing your 70,000 word book down to two pages is not easy. But it’s necessary to sell romance fiction. Check out this post on writing a synopsis, but here are the basics:

1. Write the synopsis using the same tone and style of the book. If it’s a dark romance synopsis needs to convey that.
2. Get right to the meat of the story. Don’t get bogged down in the setup.
3. Include character descriptions, motivations, conflict and goals as part of telling the story.
4. Stick to the key plot points. Provide the major thrust of the story and don’t worry about subplots.
5. Focus on the main conflict and how it’s resolved.
6. Provide the full story arc (beginning, middle, and end). Leaving off the ending won’t entice an agent to contact you to learn how the story ends. If you send a synopsis without the ending, it will be rejected as it suggests you don’t know how to write a full story.
7. Use strong, active verbs.
8. Write in the present tense.
9. Polish and edit until it’s tight and compelling.

Again, check out this post on writing a synopsis for more details and tips.

Prepare the First Three Chapters

Most agents will ask for a synopsis and either the first 3 chapters or sometimes a specific word count, such as the first 5,000 words. Note that they always ask for the “First” chapters or words. If you want to send later chapters because you think they’re better, then your book isn’t ready for submission. Readers always start at page one and may or may not have the patience to wait until page 20 for the book to get good. Your book needs to start off strong from the first line and keep readers engaged. If you don’t feel your opening chapters are good enough, then you need to fix or perhaps delete them (maybe your book starts later).

In a romance, your first three chapters should introduce your characters, their goals, the conflict, and the inciting event that thrusts them into the story. Your meet-cute should occur within these chapters as well. Personally, I wouldn’t accept a romance novel in which my characters weren’t together on the page within the first three chapters. Why? Because a romance is all about the characters’ relationship, so I need to see the tension and conflict between them on the page.

Make your opening page the best it can be. You have about half a page, maybe a full page, to grab the agent’s interest. Then you want to hold on to it for the rest of the three chapters.

Potential problems:

  • Avoid prologues. There are agents who won’t consider a book with a prologue.
  • Avoid info dumping backstory in the opening chapter. Backstory should always be woven in through the actions and thoughts of the character.
  • Avoid too much set up. While the opening of a book is often “normal life,” readers want things to start happening ASAP. Large amounts of exposition in the beginning are boring. Get to the good parts of the story quickly.

Format the chapters per the agent’s guidelines. If the agent doesn’t provide formatting guidelines, use New Times Roman 12 pt font, one-inch margins on all sides, and double space. (See formatting your book above).

Write the Query Letter

Your query letter is a short, compelling pitch that makes an agent want to read more. Think of it as the back cover blurb of your book, paired with a quick introduction to who you are as an author. In just a few paragraphs, you need to hook the agent, summarize your story, and share a bit about yourself.

Whenever possible, personalize your query to the agent. Mention if you’re reaching out because they’re looking for a specific trope or subgenre you write. This shows you’ve done your research and aren’t just sending a mass email.

Tone matters, especially in romance. While your query should be professional and error-free, don’t be afraid to let your voice shine through. If your book is fun and flirty, a bit of wit is welcome. If it’s emotional and angsty, your query should reflect that too.

Query Outline

  • Address the agent by name, e.g. Dear Ms. Smith
  • Hook agent/publisher immediately
  • Provide book genre, word count, and a BRIEF plot or book summary. Also if this book is part of a series, provide a BRIEF (line 1 line or 2) summary of the other books
  • Indicate the target market (This is where sharing the authors/books that are similar to yours can help)
  • Tell the agent about you
  • Offer brief overview on how you’ll market the book
  • Let the agent know what you’ve attached
  • End with a thank you and closing
  • Read and re-read before hitting send

Sample Query

Note that this is a sample using one of my books, but it’s not a “real” query that I sent out. Also, FYI…103,000 words is too long for a romance. Not sure how I got away with that one, but the following books are shorter, the 60,000 to 70,000 range. This is just a sample of what a query looks like.

— Start Sample Query–

Dear Ms. Smith,

He tastes like chocolate and sin, but is he a murderer?

Tess Madison walked away from her two-timing fiancé, a multi-million dollar trust fund and a cushy corporate law job to pursue the single life indulging in chocolate and fancy French underwear. But when she finds a dead body at a dinner party, she’s pulled into a murder case that pits her wannabe-boyfriend detective friend against Jack Valentine, a sexy, charming man from her past and the prime suspect. Tess doesn’t believe Jack’s guilty, and despite her better judgment, she agrees to represent him. As secrets unravel and sparks fly, Tess must decide if risking her career and her heart for Jack is worth it.

Deadly Valentine is a 103,000 word romantic mystery and the first book of a proposed series featuring sleuthing couple Tess Madison, a French lingerie connoisseur and Jack Valentine, her handsome, self-made billionaire love interest.

Future books in the series include:

  • Old Flames Never Die: Can new love survive the lure of an old flame and murder?
  • With This This Ring, I Thee Kill: Planning a wedding is murder.

The Valentine Mysteries have the lightness of cozy mysteries with the steam of a romance. Think modern day Nick and Nora Charles or Jonathan and Jennfer Hart, but with open door spice. Comparable books would be:

  • Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson Grim Reaper Series (except without the paranormal)
  • Marie Force’s Fatal and First Family Series (except lighter in tone)

I’m Jenna Harte and am the author of the cozy Sophie Parker Coupon Mystery series (Camel Press) and the Southern Heat (1st Ed. Penner Publishing) contemporary romance series. I own and manage an online romance author community at WritewithHarte.com. When I’m not writing my own stories, I work by day as a romance ghostwriter, having penned over 80 romance books in the last 6 years.

To help promote Deadly Valentine and subsequent books, I have a website, weekly email newsletter, and social media platforms where I’m building my reader community. Launch efforts will focus on obtaining advanced reviews and connecting with book influencers. Continued marketing will be done through my author platform and outreach activities, such as in-person or virtual events and podcasts.

I’ve attached the synopsis and the first three chapters per your posted guidelines.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing your response.

Sincerely,

Jenna Harte

(Contact info)

–End Query Sample–

Follow the Guidelines on the Agent’s Website

The biggest surprise I had as an agent is the number of writers who did not follow the guidelines for submission. It was mind-boggling to me how many writers couldn’t be bothered to read and follow them.

Consider this: Agents have hundreds of queries to work through. They need a quick way to work through and weed out the duds. One such way is to reject the ones that don’t follow the guidelines.

That might sound harsh, but think about what it says to an agent when a writer doesn’t follow the instructions. It says that writer doesn’t care or know how to follow a set of guidelines. (Bad first impression). The publishing process is a long one with many hoops to jump through. A writer who off the bat indicates they have trouble following instructions is going to make an agent pause. Remember, they don’t get paid until you do, so one consideration they have is how much work will you be. No agent wants to work with a writer who is going to make the process harder by not doing what needs to be done to get their book sold and published.

So…Follow the guidelines!! Send agents what they ask for, no more, no less.

TIP: I recommend not submitting to all your agents at the same time. Submit in batches. This way, you can assess responses or lack of response, and tweak future submissions if needed.

Prepare for Responses

Once your queries are out in the world, it’s time to settle in and wait, but also to understand what those responses might look like. Literary agents receive hundreds of queries each month, and response times can vary widely. Some will reply in days, while others may take weeks or even a few months. They may tell you the expected response time on their website. Note this in your spreadsheet or notes. Do not nudge agents before this time UNLESS you get an offer or representation from another agent.

Here are the most common types of responses you might receive:

  • Form Rejection: A standard, often impersonal response. It usually reads something like, “This isn’t the right fit for me, but thank you for submitting.” These are common and not necessarily a reflection of your talent. It simply means the story didn’t resonate with that particular agent.
  • Personalized Rejection: A rejection that includes specific feedback. If an agent takes time to point out something they liked or a reason they passed, take note. Personalized rejections are not as common and are a good sign that writing stood out, even if it wasn’t the right match.
  • Partial Request: The agent wants to read more, often the first 50 pages or a few chapters (This is most common if the guidelines haven’t already asked for the first few chapters). This is a promising step! Make sure your manuscript is polished and formatted correctly before sending.
  • Full Request: The agent wants to read the entire manuscript. Celebrate this milestone! It means your query and sample pages did their job.

If you receive feedback, especially the same note from multiple agents (e.g., pacing issues, lack of emotional depth, unclear stakes), consider revising. Constructive feedback is gold and can help you get closer to that coveted offer of representation.

If you get only form rejections, check that you’re following the guidelines and consider revising your query and/or synopsis to make them standout. This is why you submit in batches. It gives you the chance to improve your query, synopsis, and manuscript and submit to more agents.

Throughout the process, try not to obsessively refresh your inbox. Keep working on your next project or revising other stories.

When an Agent Calls

If you get an email in which the agent asks to call you (many Zoom or video call now), this is a good sign that they’re interest in representing you. It can be nerve-wracking, but remember, you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you. This conversation isn’t just about getting answers, it’s about getting a feel for their enthusiasm for your work, their vision for your career, and whether your personalities mesh. An agent-author relationship is a long-term partnership, and you want to make sure it’s built on trust and clear communication.

What to expect on the call…

I can’t speak for all agents, but the few I’ve had when seeking an agent and when I worked as an agent, the calls usually involved:

  • Agent says something nice about your book and why they liked it
  • Agent asks you questions about your writing goals
  • Agent explains how they work (agent and agency bio, communication, contracts, etc)
  • Agent answers questions you have
  • Agent indicates they want to make an offer to represent your book
  • You and agent discuss deadline for your response (You read that right! You don’t have to respond right there on the call. This gives you a chance to let other agents know you have an offer. See blow for what to do when you get an offer.)

Some questions you might have, if the agent doesn’t cover them when they share about themselves and the agency are:

  • How do they communicate with clients? (Email, phone, frequency)
  • What’s their editorial approach? Do they offer feedback before submitting to publishers? Some agents do a full developmental edit while others don’t do anything.
  • What publishers do they envision submitting your book to?
  • How do they handle foreign, film/TV, and audio rights? (Some try to retain some rights, such as audio or film from publishers, allowing them to sell them separately, which is often better for you.)
  • Will you be working directly with them or someone else on their team?
  • What happens if the book doesn’t sell?
  • What are the terms of their agency agreement?

What to Do If You Get an Offer

You’ve done the work, sent the queries, and now an agent wants to represent you. Happy dance!

But before you say yes on the spot, take a deep breath. This is an exciting moment, but it’s also a business decision. You want to make sure this partnership is the right fit for your long-term career.

First, notify any other agents you’ve queried (especially those who have your full or partial manuscript). It’s standard and courteous to let them know you’ve received an offer and to give them a timeframe, typically one to two weeks,to respond if they’re still interested. This can lead to more offers and give you the chance to choose the best match.

Finally, remember: you can say no. If the offer doesn’t feel right, if you’re unsure about the agent’s vision, communication style, or contract terms, it’s okay to walk away. You deserve an agent who believes in your work and will advocate for you at every step.

Understanding and Reviewing Agent Contracts

Before you officially sign with a literary agent, you’ll receive an agency agreement, essentially, the contract that defines your professional relationship. It’s important to understand what you’re signing and to feel confident about the terms.

Here are some important elements typically included in an agency contract:

1. Commission Rates

  • Most agents take a 15% commission on domestic book sales and 20% on foreign or film/TV rights, which is industry standard.
  • These commissions are deducted from the author’s earnings before the rest is paid out. (Publisher sends advances and royalties to the agent, who takes their cut and sends you the rest).

2. Scope of Representation

  • The contract may cover just the book/series you’ve queried, or your entire body of work moving forward.
  • Be sure to clarify whether the agreement is book-specific or career-wide.

3. Duration and Termination

  • Look for how long the contract lasts and how either party can terminate the agreement.
  • You want clear language on how to end the contract if things aren’t working out. Note that an agent can terminate a contract as well if the book isn’t selling to an agent, or a published book isn’t earning royalities.

4. Subsidiary Rights

  • These include foreign rights, film/TV rights, audio rights, etc.

5. Accounting and Payments

  • The contract should outline how and when you’ll receive payment (typically, publishers pay the agency, which then pays you).
  • Look for clear language about accounting timelines and royalty statements.

6. Expenses

  • Agents should not charge reading or submission fees.
  • Sometimes, costs like foreign postage or courier services are deducted from your earnings, but these should be minimal and outlined in the contract. It used to be agents charges for copying and postage, but with email, those expenses are now rare.

Tips for Reviewing the Contract

  • Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the agent to clarify anything you don’t understand.
  • Seek legal advice. If possible, have a publishing lawyer or experienced author advocate review the contract, especially if it’s your first one.
  • Take your time. A good agent will give you space to review the agreement and won’t pressure you to sign immediately.
  • Look out for red flags. Agents who demand upfront fees, vague commission terms, or indefinite contract periods should be approached with caution. In fact, avoid them.

What If You Don’t Get an Agent Right Away?

So, you’ve sent the queries. You’ve waited and waited. And now you’re staring at a handful of rejections or maybe, silence. It’s one of the hardest parts of being a writer.

First of all, take a breath. This happens to so many writers, including those who are now happily agented and published. Not getting an agent on your first try isn’t a failure, it’s part of the journey.

Here’s what you can do next:

Revise Your Manuscript or Query

If you’re consistently getting form rejections or no requests at all, your query letter or opening pages may need work. Get feedback from critique partners, writing groups, or query-focused communities. Sometimes a small tweak, a stronger hook, clearer stakes, or better pacing in chapter one can make all the difference.

Write the Next Book

Yes, really. This is the most common and powerful advice out there for a reason. Agents often say they sign an author’s second or third book not the first one queried. The more you write, the better you get. Each book teaches you something new about craft, structure, and voice. And you never know which story will be the one that clicks.

Consider Small Presses or Hybrid Publishing

If your goal is to get published, not necessarily through the Big 5 or other larger presses, explore romance-friendly small presses or hybrid publishers with solid reputations. Some don’t require an agent and still offer editorial support, distribution, and royalty payments. Just be sure to do your research, check contracts, and avoid vanity presses that charge high fees.

Keep Learning and Networking

Stay connected to the romance writing community. Attend virtual or in-person conferences, enter contests, take workshops, and follow industry conversations on social media. Every connection you make could open a door—or simply remind you that you’re not alone.

DIY…Self-Publish

Despite what old school traditional authors might say, indie authors aren’t all trad publishing rejects. In fact, in romance, many of the authors now sitting on the tables in Barnes and Noble started out in self-publishing. Readers today just want a great story. Agents focus on what publishers are buying, and publishers tend to stick in certain lanes that perhaps you don’t fit in.

When I first sought representation for Deadly Valentine, agents told me to ramp up the spice and sell as a stand-alone romance. But I knew I wanted to write a romantic mystery series. At the time, mystery series with romantic sexy bits didn’t exist. And romance series always featured a different couple. That’s when I decided to indie publish the Valentine Mysteries.

You can do the same. Yes, it’s a bit more work on your end, but it gets your book into the world. It can help you build your author brand, grow a readership, and learn what it takes to be a selling author. Then you can pitch your next book or series to an agent with some great data to support your submission.

 

Getting an agent is not the only path to success, and not getting one right away doesn’t mean your story isn’t worth telling. Keep writing. Keep growing. Keep believing. Your story matters, and your readers are out there waiting.

The Ultimate Romance Author Event Checklist: What to Bring, Say, and Do

The Ultimate Romance Author Event Checklist: What to Bring, Say, and Do

March 18, 2025 in Blog

I’m a big fan of  events for authors. Not only can you learn about being an author and sell books, but there’s an energy that comes from being around other authors and readers that can boost your motivation.

Attending events, whether in-person or virtual, is a fantastic opportunity for authors to connect with readers, network with industry professionals, and promote their books. Whether you’re attending a book signing, speaking at a conference, or participating in a virtual panel, being well-prepared can make all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re ready for your next author event.

1. Define Your Event Goals

Before you dive into preparation, consider what you want to achieve.

☑️Are you attending to sell books?

☑️Do you want to build your mailing list?

☑️Are you focused on networking with other authors, publishers, or industry professionals?

☑️Are you looking to gain social media exposure?

Personally, I try to do all of this, but maybe you just want to sell books or pitch agents. Whatever your goal is, understanding your objectives will help shape your preparation and measure success.

2. Research the Event and Audience

Not all events are the same. Some are reader focused while others are writing focused. Knowing what sort of event you’re attending can help you determine what books to sell and what you’ll say if you’re leading a workshop or on a panel. For example, when I go to writing events, I bring many more of my non-fiction books geared toward helping writers than my fiction books. If I’m at a romance signing event, I bring many more romances than mysteries.

If I’m speaking to other writers, I tend to give information that could be helpful to them. If I’m speaking to readers, I discuss tidbits and factoids that would be interesting and hopefully encourage them to check out my books.

☑️Familiarize yourself with the event format, schedule, and venue (or online platform).

☑️Know your audience. Are they primarily romance readers, industry professionals, or a mix?

☑️Check event hashtags or past event social media posts to get a feel for the vibe. Some events are huge and others are smaller and more intimate. Some feel like rock concerts and others are more serious.

Tip: If you’re a speaker or panelist, research your fellow participants and their work to foster meaningful discussions.

3. Promotional Materials and Branding

This is one area you want to make sure you’re prepared. Consider all the ways you can connect with readers and writers, and have materials that you can easily share so they can remember you long after they’ve left the event.

☑️Books – Have enough copies for signings or giveaways. This can be hard to calculate. Connect with the event organizer or other authors who have attended the event for a guestimate. Consider having postcards with your book cover or series covers and a QR code with a blurb on them for readers who prefer ebooks. I’ve sold ebooks at my table and signed the postcard. Having these cards gives me a future chance at a sale if the reader doesn’t buy that day.

☑️Business Cards – Include your name, website, and social handles. Carry these around for when you talk with other authors, book influencers, agents, publishers and other industry professionals. It doesn’t hurt to have two versions, one for professionals and one for readers that is book oriented.

☑️Bookmarks or Swag – Stickers, pins, or postcards and other fun bits and bobs are fun for readers. Swag can be pricy, so consider items that fit with your books and are something readers might keep and use. I like to use VistaPrint for paper swag, but you can get other cool stuff (cups, totes, etc) as well. There are other options for printing swag such as Zazzle or Etsy.

☑️Banners & Signage – If you have a table or booth, a roll-up banner makes your brand stand out. I have a standing banner that goes behind my table. Others have horizontal banners that hang at the front of the table. Some authors have signs that sit on the table. I created mine through Canva, and created and ordered it through VistaPrint.

☑️Digital Graphics – If the event is virtual, have eye-catching promotional images ready for social media.

☑️Merch – Events can get expensive, so having other items you can sell is a great way boost potential profits. Your merch can be a tie-end with your books, or created generic reader merch (this sells well for me) such as cups or totes with sayings like, “I still read fairy tales, they’re just spicier now,” or “It’s not hording if it’s books.” You can create merch through Canva and then have it created at places like Printify, PrintfulRedBubble, or Vista Print. You can set up a merch shop through your website or social media use a service like Printify, Printful, or RedBubble to create and drop ship to your customers. Depending on how crafty you are, you can even make merch.

Pro Tip: If you’re launching a book at the event, offer pre-order options or event-exclusive bonuses.

4. Prepare Your Pitch & Talking Points

Whether you’re speaking at a panel, engaging with readers, or chatting with industry professionals, practice your elevator pitch:

☑️Introduce yourself and your books succinctly.

☑️Be ready to discuss your inspiration, writing process, or themes.

☑️Prepare answers for common questions like “What’s your book about?”

You’ll want a practiced pitch if you’re meeting with agents. With readers, I like to ask, “What do you like to read?” to get a sense of their preferences so I can skew my pitch to their interest.

If you’re doing a reading or live Q&A, rehearse ahead of time and choose engaging excerpts that will hook listeners. Many panel moderators will be in touch with you before the event with sample questions so you can think about what you want to say beforehand.

5. Engage with Attendees Before, During, and After

Writing is a solitary activity, perfect for introverts. But you’ll need to get over that at an event. Readers love to talk with authors about what they do. For many, writing seems like a magical superpower. That’s why they go to events. Before an event, let your readers know where you’ll be:

  • Before: Announce your attendance on social media, your website, and your newsletter.
  • During: Post live updates, interact with attendees, and use event hashtags. Even if you’re not a drinker, head to the bar (if the event is in a hotel or restaurant) as this is a great place to meet and greet readers and writers. If there are special events going on, attend them. For example, some events have pre-event meet and greets or after event hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
  • After: Follow up with new contacts, send thank-you messages, and share a recap on your blog or social media.

6. Tech & Logistics Checklist

Ensure a smooth experience with these must-dos:

☑️Charge your devices (phone, tablet, or laptop) and bring extra chargers or power banks.

☑️Check WiFi availability if you’re doing live updates or sign-ups.

☑️Have a payment system ready (cash, card reader, Stripe, Venmo, PayPal, etc.) if selling books or merch. Make sure it’s setup, charged, and ready to go. I generally offer discounts on books at events, and the more readers buy the more savings they get. To make this easy, I have my payment app set up for 3 books, 4 books, 5, books, etc so I just need to poke that option (I don’t use my app for inventory tracking).

☑️Pack extra pens for signings!

☑️Have a signup sheet or a sign with a QR code for email signup.

☑️If you have more than four or five titles, consider getting a book rack to display your books.

For virtual events:

☑️Test your microphone and webcam before going live.

☑️Ensure good lighting and a professional background.

7. Take Care of Yourself

Book events can be grueling.

☑️Wear comfortable yet professional attire.

☑️Stay hydrated and bring snacks if needed. Many events provide this, but not all.

☑️Schedule downtime to recharge, especially for multi-day events.

8. Measure Your Success & Follow Up

After the event, evaluate how things went:

  • How many books did you sell?
  • How many new newsletter subscribers did you gain?
  • What connections or opportunities arose?
  • What could you improve for next time?
  • What do you need to re-order for your next event?
  • Write a follow-up blog post or social media recap to keep the momentum going!

Author events are incredible opportunities to connect, promote, and grow your brand. With thorough preparation, you’ll not only enjoy the experience but also maximize your impact.

Are you planning to attend an author event soon? Share your prep strategies in the comments!

 

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