Writing the Great American Romance Novel (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The umbrella of romantic fiction today encompasses nearly every existing novel genre..." (more)
Key Phrases: query letters, nonfiction spin, hook tour, Antebellum Costume, Book Fair, Romance Writers of America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The complete guide to turning romances into cash

* Romance accounts for $1.2 billion in sales and 55 percent of the paperback market
* Takes writers beyond writing to selling and promotion

Romance novels are the top-selling genre in fiction. How can aspiring writers break into this lucrative field? With Writing the Great American Romance Novel, the most complete guide to writing that novel, getting it published, working with editors, agents, and publicists, and promoting it once it’s out! Step-by-step instruction shows how to create romantic heroes and heroines, structure a story, and write love scenes, as well as how to plan outlines, use timelines and grids, conduct personal interviews, and do historical research. With extras such as a list of publishers, a sample press release, a sample synopsis, and much more, this book is must-have for any aspiring romance writer passionate about writing.

From the Inside Flap

If you love writing love stories, this comprehensive guide shows how to break into the romance genre, which accounts for more than half of all mass-market paperback sales. Bestselling romance author Catherine Lanigan offers every writing tool you need as well as insight into the writer's relationship with agents, editors, and publicists. Learn about:

Romance story structures and outlines Researching your romance novel The makeup of the romantic heroine and hero The many sub-genres of romance Plotting the memorable "meet" Writing love scenes Query letters, synopses, and submission packages The publishing process Promoting yourself Building a long-term career

Also included are a novel synopsis, along with a list of publishers and resources for writers.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 1st edition (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581154550
• ISBN-13: 978-1581154559
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #27,952 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the BEST Romance Writing Books Out There!, May 15, 2007

By	Monica Main "Monica Main" (Valencia, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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If you saw my bookshelf you would be blown away at how many books I have on the topic of writing. Then, you would be even more flabberghasted at how many romance writing books I have. I don't know why I have so many. I think I got stuck in a mode of collecting them or something.

Most of the romance writing books aren't worth the paper they are printed on. They are usually lacking in some very important topics. Maybe they'll cover a romance novel's structure but leave out what you're supposed to do with the manuscript when you're finished. Many are outdated because the market does change rather rapidly.

When looking for a romance writing "how-to" book, consider the date it's been published. The newer the book, the better. Again, the romance writing market changes so fast that you need the most up-to-date information.

This book, next to the Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Romance, is one of the best books on the topic out there. Catherine thoroughly discusses the topic without bogging down the reader with too-technical writing advice. (After all, there has to be a "creative" element.)

Most importantly, however, she goes into the aftermath of the novel. What to do with the manuscript once it's finished. No other book that I've read on this topic covers EXACTLY how to write a synopsis. Some books will cover how to write a query letter. Again, because you need to be up with the current times, most publishers like Silhouette and Harlequin are asking for a synopsis and three sample chapters. I've scoured books high and low to figure out how to write a GOOD synopsis and this is the ONLY book that covers it in detail.

If you can only afford one book on writing romance, GET THIS BOOK and forget about the rest. This book will give you all you need to get started as a successful romance writer.

Good luck!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great beginner's book, November 23, 2006

By	Liane Francis (Huntington Beach, Ca) - See all my reviews

I bought this book since it looked like a good place to start writing, and I have not been disappointed. The information is concise, to the point, and has great examples. I have treated this book like a textbook and my highlighter never sees its cap! I highly recommend for a first time writer or romance books!!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Writing the Great American Romance Novel, July 18, 2007

By	Tami Brady "Whole Health Therapist" (Calgary, Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

If you've ever thought of becoming a romance novelist, Writing The Great American Romance Novel is for you. This book states that romance novels are still the best selling books in the world. Romance junkies are constantly looking for new material to feed their insatiable appetite.

Unlike other fictional works, romance novels follow a strict formula. Over time, through trial and error, writers have learned what works and what doesn't. Although I had always joked with my colleagues that romance novels had such a formula, I was really surprised at the depth of this reality. For instance, have you ever read a good romance novel where the hero and heroine didn't grow as individuals or get through some sort of crisis? How about a story about a balding heroine (cancer doesn't count) or a rude abusive hero? I'm sure we've all read bad romance novels where the characters have no likeability or the dialogue is bad.

Writing The Great American Romance Novel tells all the secrets of the best romance novelists on today's market. Moreover, the book serves as a step by step guide to creating and publishing your own stories. A must have for anyone considering any of the romance genres.