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If You Have Questions or Comments about How to Write a Romance Novel, Put Them Here!

From the lens How to Write a Romance Novel: the secret formula of how to write a romance novel revealed.

  • JoyfulReviewer Apr 27, 2012 @ 7:34 pm | delete
    Very informative ... love how you incorporated interviews with the experts. ~~Blessed~~
  • DaniRuthie Apr 2, 2012 @ 4:02 pm | delete
    Always love to hear what the "Pros" do to get their novels finished. Great lens! Liked.
  • cffutah Mar 27, 2012 @ 8:43 am | delete
    Glad I ran across this again, *blessed* this time.
  • lily Mar 11, 2012 @ 12:45 am | delete
    I can't seem to write heated moments. I'm currently writing romances, but i don't want to add sex. If you know what I mean, I've never had any real experiences. Could you help me? If you want to check them out(to get a better idea of why I need help), i'll give you the website, but only if you want to, I just really need help with these heated moments!
  • Allison Mar 26, 2012 @ 9:02 pm | delete
    If you are not comfortable writing about sex or writing about sex is against your morals at this stage in your life; then write about romantic innocence. Maybe things get heated between your characters of your book, but she isn't ready yet. Thus, she stops him. Maybe she asks him if he thinks she is worth waiting for. The point is write about what you know and are comfortable with. If you write about something you are not comfortable with it will come across in your writing. Sometimes it may appear that you are not a romantic when perhaps you are. There is nothing wrong with standing by your morals. Try reading a Christian romance novel to get a better idea of how to approach writing that stays within your moral make up.
  • BookMama Mar 27, 2012 @ 7:58 am | delete
    Excellent points, Allison. Sometimes you can create a lot of tension, by playing on the internal struggle in a character and you should write what you know. Allison, any particular recommendations of Christian romance novels?
  • lily Mar 27, 2012 @ 4:23 pm | delete
    thank you so much!
  • bloomingrose Feb 23, 2012 @ 3:55 am | delete
    Angel blessed your lens - very good one. I want to write some kind of romantic novel. so I have bookmarked it to come back too.
  • BookMama Feb 23, 2012 @ 9:12 am | delete
    Great! Good luck with your writing, glad you found this info useful. I love being bookmarked. The highest compliment a reader can pay!
  • Tolovaj Jan 29, 2012 @ 6:02 am | delete
    I wrote about eight or ten (can't really remember, some of them were rewritten for different publishers, and I used some parts as stand alone short stories) full length romantic novels through my college years to earn a living. My formula was simple: I mixed typical elements of romance with elements of detective stories. Lady in trouble, really. Enough for at least one hundred pages. Thanks for your tips. All the best on your writing journey!
  • BookMama Jan 30, 2012 @ 9:25 pm | delete
    Are any still available on Amazon??
  • cffutah Jan 23, 2012 @ 9:38 pm | delete
    precious and romantic article to read, I'm sure you enjoyed writing it too!
  • SheWritesaLot Jan 11, 2012 @ 9:03 pm | delete
    I've read my fair share of romance novels and always wondered about the process. Might have to give it a try.
  • Florence Lee Jan 3, 2012 @ 12:06 pm | delete
    I am Asian and I started writing a novel five years ago. I feel that my grammar might not be as good as it should be. How do I get it edited and is it very expensive? I can't afford much.
  • BookMama Jan 4, 2012 @ 6:43 am | delete
    The good news is that reading these couple sentences you wrote, I'm thinking perhaps your grammar is better than you think. But I would agree that manuscripts need proper grammar to either attract an editor at a publishing house or to sell well if you decide to publish on Kindle or another digital publishing avenue.

    For a full-length novel, you would probably have to pay somewhere between $200 - $1000 to have it edited. The only other option that occurs to me is if you joined a writing critique group that included someone with copyediting skills, it's possible they would be willing to edit your manuscript in exchange for you reviewing theirs. Or that they would offer you a much lower than average rate. I was in a writing critique group that briefly had a professional copyeditor in it and she always included the grammar corrections. She said she simply didn't know how to read through a manuscript and NOT make those corrections.

    For information about finding a writing critique group, see the section below about:
    "Get More Advice on How To Write a Romance
    For Detailed Info on Improving Your Romance Novel, Consider a Critique Group"
  • Allison Feb 1, 2012 @ 3:28 pm | delete
    I am a certified proofreader / copyeditor. Prices vary for what you are wanting done. Here are some prices that according to Universal Class online is the going rate. Plus, as I did some research of my own; I learned that they were right. The following is a list of prices for a freelance proofreader: Book publishing per hour averages $75 for the high, $15 for the low, and $30 for the average. Book Publishing per page averages $5 for the high, $2 for the low, and $3.09 for the average. I hope this helps and good luck to you. If you need more email me at barnett.allison@yahoo.com.
  • BookMama Feb 1, 2012 @ 5:33 pm | delete
    Allison, thanks so much for putting some specific numbers out there to help people plan. I think that as digital self-publishing becomes more popular, more individual authors may want to consider hiring a copyeditor.
  • Allison Feb 3, 2012 @ 8:09 pm | delete
    Something else to consider when hiring a proofreader or copyeditor is their experience. You may want someone who is new on the scene as they will charge less for proofreading than someone who has more experience. Depending on what your goals are, you may want to pay the higher price for someone with more experience. No matter who you hire, make sure they are either certified or have a degree in the related fields. This way you know that they are at least trained to do the job correctly. You want to know that you are going to get what you paid for. Certificates and degrees can be double checked so that you know you are not being taken for a scam.
  • Weeble Nov 30, 2011 @ 5:16 pm | delete
    I think your site was a great help. I just wrote my first Romance Novel and would love to see what you think (or what other readers think). It was lots of fun. Here it is: Book page to sample or purchase Magazine Wars: http://smashwords.com/b/109437
  • BookMama Jan 4, 2012 @ 6:32 am | delete
    Congratulations on writing your first romance novel! That's so exciting. I recently began looking at Smashwords myself. Everyone says it is so easy to use.
  • seosmm Nov 25, 2011 @ 4:08 pm | delete
    Good info. Very nice lens!
  • 23squidoo Nov 24, 2011 @ 4:02 pm | delete
    Very informative! Angel Blessed!
  • bloomingrose Nov 19, 2011 @ 3:54 am | delete
    I have always wanted to write romance novel. Thanks for this information.
  • Southernemma Oct 26, 2011 @ 3:22 pm | delete
    Great info! Thanks for sharing!
  • emmalarkins Sep 20, 2011 @ 8:34 pm | delete
    Great information here! Blessed :)
  • agoofyidea Sep 4, 2011 @ 6:52 pm | delete
    Great lens. Lots of good advice.
  • Anne71398 Aug 4, 2011 @ 5:00 pm | delete
    Morgan, thank you for the tips. Though all of them were very helpful, i have a question. I am very busy during the day with my job, and I cant seem to find enough time to actually make some real progress with my writing. I have spoke to people about it and they keep saying the same thing, "Maybe you shouldn't write." As an accomplished writer I hope you can see my dilemma. Do you have any suggestions on how to make up for lost time?
  • BookMama Aug 4, 2011 @ 5:35 pm | delete
    WIth all the roles and responsibilities most people juggle these days, it is hard to find time to write. My suggestion is to find some minimum amount of time that you will write. Obviously more time is better, but people have written novels spending only 20 minutes a day each day on the novel. One successful children's writer said she had one hour each day that was homework time for her kids and writing time for her and she made them stick to it, 5 days a week. At the time she was teaching school herself and she said there was the temptation to use that hour to grade papers, but she said she knew if she did that, that she would never be a published author. You have to want to make the time commitment and if you want to badly enough, you'll figure out a way to make time. Sure you could take the advice of 'maybe you shouldn't write.' -- but then aren't you always going to wonder, what if?
  • Jul 19, 2011 @ 11:44 am | delete
    Great lens. I LOVE romance novels. Harlequin also has an excellent resource on their site including how to submit a novel, manuscript format, etc. all .pdf version for easy download.

    http://www.eharlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=538&chapter=0

    check it out, maybe add it to your lens. Enjoyed!
  • BookMama Jul 19, 2011 @ 3:09 pm | delete
    I'll try to remember to include it in next set of updates to this page, till then, people can follow the URL from your comment here. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in your romance novel writing adventures!
  • mb Jul 11, 2011 @ 3:07 pm | delete
    ok. im young and am trying to make a romance/suspence book im on me 33rd pg have every thing going fine i baced the charectors off friends they are what i like to call secordary charectors. they are alsmost as important as the main charectors (jackie and Jason) be i feel bad for drawing attention to just them. what do i do?
  • BookMama Jul 12, 2011 @ 10:19 am | delete
    mb - from time to time people post very specific questions about romance novel they are writing on this web page -- such as yours. Rather than trying to respond, since I really don't have enough details on the story, I'm recommending that you consider joining a romance writing critique group. I have updated this page with some links to help you find groups (the links should follow this comment section). I hope this helps.
  • goo2eyes Jul 5, 2011 @ 4:09 pm | delete
    i wrote a romance short story lens> http://www.squidoo.com/bees-do-it-birds-do-it
    would this pass in the category of romance? maybe i have a little knowledge or little perception of romance if you won't like the lens. there are parallel stories in one lens, hope you like it or else money back.
  • michael Jun 5, 2011 @ 2:11 am | delete
    what are some of the characteristics you use when writing romantic novels
  • Tahlia Jun 3, 2011 @ 6:42 am | delete
    If your going to try to write a romance novel(story) with a friend, should we write it one chapter at a time or what?
  • BookMama Jun 3, 2011 @ 1:42 pm | delete
    Most people writing novels find it is good to create a rough outline of the story and where it is going. Start with the basic jist of the novel. For romance novels this is usually what is tearing apart your two characters who are romantically attracted to each other and how do they try to overcome this obstacle. It is easier to trade off writing (or even write in general) if you have some clear idea where you are going.
  • jaden May 8, 2011 @ 8:39 pm | delete
    thanks soooo much, i'm trying to write a novel, and its so frustrating, and i have to be finish in one whole freaking week! so thanks so much for the advice. but i still don't know what my name of the novel should be?
  • StephenC Apr 10, 2011 @ 1:37 pm | delete
    Terrific tips! Nice lens.
  • Nancy Jo Mar 6, 2011 @ 9:56 am | delete
    Are there any other courses you recommend that don't cost $500?
  • BookMama Mar 9, 2011 @ 8:43 am | delete
    After your comment I contacted the author and creator of The Magic Formula course and she is considering offering a streamlined, downloadable version at a lower cost. I'm twisting her arm, because a lot of people really want this. I'm hoping I can update this page soon with news of such an option. Cross your fingers and stay tuned...

    This just goes to show.. it never hurts to ask!
  • BookMama Apr 4, 2011 @ 10:03 am | delete
    There is now a downloadable version of the course, available here (actually I changed all the links to point to it). It sells for $197 as opposed to $497 for the version where you receive all materials in the mail.
  • Trusthim11 Feb 10, 2011 @ 12:45 am | delete
    Very informative lens. I really like this!!
  • ladychick85 Dec 7, 2010 @ 3:54 pm | delete
    good job on the lens, I hope that you keep up with the good work!
  • WritingforYourWealth Dec 5, 2010 @ 1:11 am | delete
    Fun lens. I added it to my fantasy romance novels lensroll. :)
  • LadyJasmine Nov 17, 2010 @ 2:11 am | delete
    I have self published some work like this. It always makes me smile when I see other writers encouraging people to try to create something that will move and interest the reader.:-)
  • preeti Oct 31, 2010 @ 1:54 am | delete
    is it difficult to write a romance novel than any other gene of writing? how can i start a romance novel?
  • Sep 17, 2010 @ 8:14 am | delete
    writing romance is a challenge for me
  • Anne Fox Aug 9, 2010 @ 4:14 pm | delete
    Am I correct in thinking that the craft of writing is as important to romance novels as it is to any other kind of writing; that the first chapter of a romance novel needs the same general elements as a first chapter of any other novel; that good writing (not too many adjectives, adverbs, and introductory participial phrases) is still a criterion regardless of the genre? I'm a copyeditor and want to be sure I'm on the right track. Many thanks.
  • BookMama Aug 9, 2010 @ 8:31 pm | delete
    Yes, like other genres, you need a main character who you care about. They don't have to be perfect and something they want, but have a problem obtaining. In the case of a romance novel, usually it's a person (or imagined person) that they want and the problem obtaining the person or relationship can be anything from an age difference, parental disapproval, the other person is already in a relationship, you name it.
  • cannedguds Jul 15, 2010 @ 10:40 pm | delete
    I never thought that there are so many things to talk about regarding writing romance novels! I'm glad I've come across this lens! I'm a writer writing blogs and now, I think I'll go for writing a novel especially stories of the heart! Thanks so much!
  • kpcwriting2 Jun 28, 2010 @ 8:37 am | delete
    I love this lens because it provides real information that budding and experienced romance writers can use. Good job!
  • gothnovelist May 13, 2010 @ 1:26 am | delete
    BookMama, so glad you put Richard Lee Van Der Voort (whew!) in his place, but I think you went easy on him. It blows me away that people think marketing and commerce are fine in the "real" world, but not on the internet. People provide products and services, and someone has to advertise them and sell them. It works the same in here on the web as out there in the "real" world. This guy is just a bitter, lazy person who wants something for free.
  • IntuitiveHealer May 12, 2010 @ 8:32 pm | delete
    Did you know that the magic formula is no longer available? Just wanted to let you know that that's what it says when you click on the link. Great page, though! ~~Jeanine
  • LaToria Mar 6, 2010 @ 8:29 pm | delete
    where should i begin my novel. I find myself writting little stories...some real good ones but never have the time to write a book. i know i can do it and i love romance novels. What do you think is the best way to start for a beginner
  • LoKackl Feb 13, 2010 @ 9:03 am | delete
    Although I don't have any romance novel ambitions, I really like the advice offered. Now, poetry. That I would love to do. 5*/fav and roll to your-place-or-mine
  • BookMama Jul 23, 2009 @ 3:53 pm | delete
    Wow, I considered just deleting your comments, Richard Lee Van Der Voort, but you are entitled to your opinion. I disagree that nothing is revealed above, about the secret of writing a romance novel. Part of the secret formula involves reading great romance novels, part of the formula is reading books about writing (and specific ones are recommended). In addition to that, yes, Morgan LeShay does have an ebook that contains her specific formula that allowed her to finally crank out a rough draft of her first book published in about 3 days and this page does promote/advertise that ebook. The details of that ebook are not revealed above, largely because this is meant to be a summary of the topic, with pointers of where to get more information.

    I'm sorry if you found this web page to be 'a cheap trick'. Others clearly disagree and many have purchased some of the suggested books, so I assume they found value in the recommendations.

    Best of luck to you in your writing career.
  • J. Harbour Jul 29, 2010 @ 9:29 am | delete
    BookMama, would you have any advice on how to track down the ebook in question? Thanks!
  • BookMama Aug 4, 2010 @ 6:23 pm | delete
    Write to adatina at gmail.com and tell her you saw information on Squidoo about her ebook. I don't actually know why she took the book off the market, but she told me via email she'd still sell individual copies.
  • Richard Lee Van Der Voort Jul 23, 2009 @ 12:06 am | delete
    What I just read was nothing but a cheap trick, a come-on, an advertising that said nothing about the alleged subject. You should be banned from running tricks on the computer. Now I would read NOTHING by your author! RLV
  • SilverBlueRose Jul 16, 2009 @ 7:42 am | delete
    What she said about reading hundreds of romance books to find out what worked is probably the best advice anyone can give to an author. It's only after you've seen others mistakes that you figure out what to avoid.
  • qlcoach Jun 9, 2009 @ 1:18 pm | delete
    Thanks for participating in our Book Readers Club. I added this page to it at the bottom. Hope you will visit my new lens about emotional healing. Sincerely: Gary Eby, author and therapist.
  • lisadh Jun 1, 2009 @ 11:59 pm | delete
    Well done! I've lensrolled you to How to Write a Love Letter.
  • May 21, 2009 @ 8:22 am | delete
    I love this lens! Why couldn't this be out when i tried to write a romance book 15 yrs. ago. Well maybe I sould try now with this helpful info. Wecome to Romance Book Readers group! :)
  • maryspeller Apr 19, 2009 @ 2:39 am | delete
    Fantastic lens. I will be back to read through it really carefully when I am about to start my novel. Congratulations, and 5 stars.
  • MikeMoore Mar 19, 2009 @ 5:10 pm | delete
    Excellent, excellent lens. I'm sure this lens will prove very useful to authors just starting out. You should be extremely proud of this lens! I gave you 5 stars, and I've favorited this lens. Welcome to the Readers and Writers group. :)
  • Allison_Whitehead Mar 5, 2009 @ 12:09 pm | delete
    Great lens! Welcome to my writing group too!
    Best wishes,
    Allison

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BookMama

I love books my family, our dogs, running and have a wide variety of interests! A recent passion is finding an easy way to learn Spanish more »

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