-
Step 1
The first step to getting your romance novel published is to learn different publishers' writing guidelines. These guidelines are available on the websites of major romance publishers. There are minimum and maximum word counts, plot requirements, and style guidelines that have to be followed.
-
Step 2
The next step is to create a basic story outline and character sketch for your paranormal romance. As a paperback writer, you have to get used to a more formulaic approach to writing romance novels. For many writers, planning and outlining help them stay withing the publisher's guidelines.
One thing to keep in mind is that romance novels need to have a strong central female character, and a strong male love interest. The protagonists don't have to end up together (unless the publisher says so); the novel should be about their struggle to be together. -
Step 3
Include obstacles and competition. Whether you are writing paranormal romance or any other subgenre, there must be a central conflict that keeps the characters apart, or at odds.
-
Step 4
Next, research the paranormal aspects and thoroughly incorporate them into the story. Whether your romance novel involves time-travel, witch craft, ESP and clairvoyance, or ghosts, this aspect must be a recurrent theme and well-detailed. Ask yourself if the story would make sense without the paranormal element. If not, then you need to rework the novel.
-
Step 5
Keep in mind that a publishing house may have several imprints or series, each with varying styles. One thing that varies from series to series is the amount of detail allowed in sex scenes. Erotic novels are all about the gratuitous sex, while typical romance novels are rated R at most.
Decide if you are writing paranormal romance, or paranormal erotica, and send it to the appropriate publisher. This will save you the time of doing extensive rewrites. -
Step 6
Get a feel for romance writing by reading the genre. Being a good reader is essential to being a good writer. Most people think romantic paperbacks are filled with nothing but heaving bosoms and sweaty chests. But surprisingly, the heroes and heroines are complex characters driven by more than mere lust. Reading intelligent romance novels will help you write one.
-
Step 7
When you have the final draft of the novel, the next step is to send it to publishers, or an agent. If you want to work as an anonymous author writing under an imprint's brand name, you can often submit directly to the publisher or imprint.
If you want to publish under your own name, or a pseudonym of your choosing, and agent is the best way to get your foot in the door.
