For Aspiring Authors

Many questions I get in email begin with I'm writing a romance novel…


I'm writing a romance novel…can you read some of it and tell me what you think?

I'm really sorry, but I can't. Between writing my own books, critiquing my writing partner's, and keeping up with all the many and varied non-writing tasks of a writer (like updating this website!), I barely have enough time to sleep! If you're looking for feedback, the best advice I can give you is to join Romance Writers of America. Despite the name, you don't have to be American to join, and you don't have to be already published, either. As a member, you'll be able to network with other romance writers to form critique groups and partnerships. You'll also get a great monthly magazine, access to local chapter meetings, and many opportunities to enter contests where the judges—usually published authors, agents, and editors—will share their opinions to help you make the most of your strengths and improve your weaknesses.


I'm writing a romance novel…can you tell me how to get published?

Here again, RWA can help you. In addition, if you want to go the traditional route rather than indie publishing, the book I found most useful when I was first submitting was Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents. It explains exactly how to submit and whom to submit to. It's updated every year, so be sure to use the newest edition.


I'm writing a romance novel…can you give me some writing advice?

The best advice I ever received was to leave out the boring stuff. I try to follow that advice religiously! I usually tell new writers to read a lot, write a lot, and finish that first book. So many people say they want to write a book, but very few of them actually ever finish one—they seem to get stuck writing the first few chapters over and over. Finishing a book is the first, most crucial step to successful publishing.


I'm writing a romance novel…can you tell me your favorite writing books so I can learn how to write better?

I know I'm in the minority of authors here, but I don't actually find most books about writing very useful! Mostly they seem to confuse me and make me worry I'm writing the wrong way. Since I firmly believe that everyone's brain works differently, and whatever you find that works is by definition the right way for you to write, I think practice (and practice and more practice!) is more beneficial than reading writing books. But here are the few writing books I've found most useful (which doesn't mean they will work for you!):

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