Recently I decided to revisit a silly romantic book idea I had called The Naked Nanny, which is parody romance that is inspired by the scenes in \romance novels where the nanny winds up naked in front of her employer who then proceeds to introduce his penis to her vagina. After writing a few pages on it, I decided to go see if Carina Press (Harlequin Publishing's ebook imprint) was asking for submissions. When I arrived I found this greeting me:
Carina Press is committed to inclusion and representation in our publishing program, and we want to emphasize how interested we are in seeing not just manuscripts that feature characters from a range of backgrounds and experiences, but most especially books by authors from traditionally marginalized or underrepresented groups, including (but not limited to) Black authors, authors of color, disabled authors, and LGBTQIA+ authors. Our editors strive to make our list inclusive, and are working hard to build a catalog that is more representative of the romance reading public.
If that wasn't a redflag enough, when you go to the editor's page https://www.carinapress.com/blog/what-the-editors-want/ you'll find they've got their preferred pronouns next to their name which is no doubt inspired by potential Lolcow Ronan Sadler (who wants to be called they/them/Mx.). Also what Mx is looking for is...well read it right here.
I love deeply character-driven stories that explore the interplay between boundaries and vulnerability, history and future, social context and personal desire. I’m drawn to immersive narrative voices and emotionally detailed settings. Romance is for everyone, and I would love to see #OwnVoices submissions across genre that reflect love in its many forms.
Carina Press is committed to inclusion and representation in our publishing program, and we want to emphasize how interested we are in seeing not just manuscripts that feature characters from a range of backgrounds and experiences, but most especially books by authors from traditionally marginalized or underrepresented groups, including (but not limited to) Black authors, authors of color, disabled authors, and LGBTQIA+ authors. Our editors strive to make our list inclusive, and are working hard to build a catalog that is more representative of the romance reading public.
If that wasn't a redflag enough, when you go to the editor's page https://www.carinapress.com/blog/what-the-editors-want/ you'll find they've got their preferred pronouns next to their name which is no doubt inspired by potential Lolcow Ronan Sadler (who wants to be called they/them/Mx.). Also what Mx is looking for is...well read it right here.
I love deeply character-driven stories that explore the interplay between boundaries and vulnerability, history and future, social context and personal desire. I’m drawn to immersive narrative voices and emotionally detailed settings. Romance is for everyone, and I would love to see #OwnVoices submissions across genre that reflect love in its many forms.
- Sexy romantic suspense with a paranormal or SFF twist, like Supernatural, Fringe, or the X-Files. A textured, immersive world is a huge plus here, and I’d really like something atmospheric, maybe almost noir-y or gothic. Series potential preferred.
- A caper with crackling sexual/romantic tension, especially if it’s F/F (think Ocean’s 8). High stakes, high tension, preferably high snark.
- Character-driven erotic romance with a distinct voice, especially if it pushes at questions of power, shame, desire, and vulnerability. I’m especially interested in erotic romances that don’t essentialize power roles and instead explore these dynamics.
- Tropes I love: arranged marriage or marriage of convenience, bodyguard/ward, fake dating. I’d love to see some these classic tropes starring characters who have been under-represented in the romance genre.
- Atmospheric paranormal with a strong sense of time and place. I especially want to see characters of color, disabled characters, fat characters, and trans characters starring in the genre. Particularly interested in paranormals with witches/magic users, fae, vampires, and shifter romance that examines what it means to have an unstable or changing bodily identity.
- Paranormal, urban fantasy, or SFF romance with twisty politics that hold our lovers apart, especially if there’s a component of duty to it.
- Sexy, gritty, character-driven contemporary that gives space for characters with difficult backstories to heal and find love. Not looking for angst for the sake of angst, but rather for emotional complexity and depth. High heat a bonus.
- Driven, maybe even ruthless heroines who don’t need to become softer and who are loved as they are, especially if they are forced to make morally complex choices. Think Cecilia Grant’s Lydia Slaughter, Megan Whalen Turner’s Irene Attolia, etc.
- Romantic leads who have complex histories: exes, best friends, rivals, work partners, or enemies.
