Category Romance Manuscript Contest: First 100 Words

NOTICE: Contest extended until August 17! 

It's time for a QT contest! Woo hoo!  This one is for category romance only, both adult and YA. 

Heather Howland, associate publisher and editorial director at Entangled Publishing LLC, has agreed to take a look at the first 100 words of manuscripts and brief (no more than a three-sentence long) pitches for category romance novels. Completed manuscripts are preferred, but partial works will be considered. Please read the descriptions of the imprints below and indicate under which imprint you believe your book falls when you fill out the form on contest day. 

Entries will not be posted and made public. The form will be sent directly to the judge. 

The number of winners whose material is requested for consideration will be determined by the number and quality of submissions. 

This is a great opportunity to land that deal, so polish up those first 100 words and brief book blurb. 

More information regarding contest specifics will be posted next Wednesday. It will open for entries Wednesday, August 13 at 8:00 am Eastern time, and end at midnight Eastern time Sunday, August 17.

Please review the following descriptions to see if your manuscript fits. Remember, this contest is for category romance only. The descriptions below are directly from the Entangled Publishing website:

The devilishly handsome guy next door. The rugged fireman who shops at the corner store. The bartender with the amazing dimples… Ahh. Romance is in the air at Bliss with fun, fresh, flirty stories of modern women and every-day men finding their happily ever after in sweetest of places.

Specifically, we want:

• Proven category tropes such as mistaken identity, revenge, fake relationship, older brother’s best friend, enemies-to-lovers, best friends-to-lovers, bait and switch, marriage of convenience, opposites attract, etc.
• Sexy, every-day heroes like firemen, cowboys, bartenders, military men, cops, etc. The kind of men from small towns you wish you could find closer to home. Beta heroes are just as welcome as Alpha heroes.
• Romance as the primary plot— secondary characters such as parents, friends, siblings, or children can, and should, reinforce the hero and heroine’s journey, but shouldn’t overshadow their story. Bliss stories should include side characters such as family members, if the story calls for it. And a vibrant cast of townspeople is always appreciated as well!
• POV should be split 50/50 between the hero and heroine. 3rd person POV is preferred, but we will consider 1st person POV.
• Small-town setting—whether it’s a vineyard in California, a ranch in Montana, or a pub in England, the setting should be somewhere outside of a city. The community/setting should be a part of the story. Think the town of Bluebell in Hart of Dixie or Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls.
• Clean to Medium heat level. Bliss books have lots of sexual tension, but closed-door (or no) sex scenes. Red-Hot Bliss books have 1-2 sex scenes.
• Unique voices in the vein of Catherine Bybee, Susan Mallery, Suzanne Elizabeth Phillips, Robyn Carr, Jill Shalvis.

• Movies that inspire us: Sweet Home Alabama, The Holiday, While You Were Sleeping, The Proposal   

Having trouble deciding which imprint to submit your story?

The differences between Lovestruck and Bliss are: tone and setting. Bliss romances take place in small towns, include family and friends, and a flirty tone. Lovestruck stories are focused on finding love in more urban settings, the tone is edgier, and the heat level is higher.

The difference between Indulgence and Bliss is the hero. Indulgence heroes are fantasy men who have wealth and power and know how to wield it. Bliss heroes are the guys you meet in real life. Indulgence heroes are always alpha—Bliss heroes can be alpha, but beta is great, too!

The difference between Brazen and Bliss is heat! In Brazen, the sexual interaction is the gravitational force that brings the characters to true love. In a Bliss, the sexual attraction is not the focus, but rather a result. Bliss has closed-door sex scenes and Red-Hot Bliss has 1-2 sex scenes.

The fine print:

•   Manuscripts should be between 50k-65K words in length. Unless you are an established category romance author querying on proposal, manuscripts must be complete prior to submission. Proposals should include at least the first two chapters.

•   Novellas 15-45k are accepted.

Brazen, our bestselling sexy contemporary romance line, explores what happens when romance begins in the bedroom. These steamy category-style romances blend bright new voices with familiar tropes, allowing readers to enjoy the more seductive side of modern relationships. Whether they’re witty and playful, or lush and intense, our books are always fast-paced, dialogue-heavy, and above all, sexy. If you like your heroes hot, the sex hotter, and a swoon-worthy romance to swoop in and save your happily ever after, Brazen has the story for you.

Unleash your inner vixen. We know you want to.

Specifically, we want:

• Proven category tropes such as mistaken identity, revenge, one-night-stand, older brother’s best friend, enemies-to-lovers, best friends-to-lovers, bait and switch, matchmaker, sexy protectors, opposites attract, boardroom romance, etc. Bonus points if you combine a few of them into one story!
• Sexy, capable heroes paired with spunky and/or sweet heroines who come into their own by book’s end. Our heroes are a big part of the Brazen experience. Think military (current and former), bad-boys and anti-heroes, athletes, cowboys, private security teams, firefighters, cops, small town-boys-done-good, sexy nerds with a hidden dominant side, and self-made corporate geniuses. Our heroes are the primary difference between Brazen and Indulgence. Indulgence heroes are fantasy men who have wealth and power and know how to wield it. Think royalty, CEOs, and billionaires who enjoy whisking heroines off to private islands.
• POV should be split 50/50 between the hero and heroine. 3rd person POV is preferred, but we will consider 1st person POV.
• Stories that focus on the hero and heroine’s physical relationship. This is the most important difference between Brazen and Entangled’s other category imprints, specifically Lovestruck and Bliss. On Lovestruck, sex is the result of the emotional connection, not a driving force of the story. On Bliss, the focus is on family and community within the growing romance. Sex scenes are limited, and often closed door. Here at Brazen, the opposite is the case—the explosive physical connection between the hero and heroine is the story. It sets up the conflict, provides a vehicle for growth, and propels the characters toward love. Remove the sex and there’d be no romance.
• High heat level. We do not publish erotica or straight erotic romance (see trope requirements above), but explicit sex scenes and erotic elements/kinks organic to the characters’ sexual tastes are musts. Brazen books are steamy and should contain 5+ sex or sexual scenes.
• A note about suspense. We love sexy cops and private security heroes, but if your romance to suspense ratio is greater than 85/15, it’s likely better suited for Ignite. They love steamy books just as much as we do!
• Authors with voices we love: Tessa Bailey, Gina L. Maxwell, Katee Robert, Laura Kaye, Cari Quinn, Christine Bell, and Samanthe Beck.
• Current special calls for submission: Brazen is looking for dirty talking heroes!

• Manuscripts should be between 20k-60K words in length.

Covet is seeking contemporary paranormal romances between 50k and 70K words in length. Our stories have a romantic trope and an alpha hero at their core, with the paranormal elements and worldbuilding taking a backseat to the growing relationship. Think older brother’s best friend…who just happens to be a vampire. Fresh voices are a must!

Covet will cater to everything from Greek gods, to witches, to vampires, open door and closed door sex scenes, funny and dark. Voices like Erin McCarthy, Shelly Laurenston, Gena Showalter, and Nalini Singh are good examples of the kind of exciting, fast-paced voices that will appeal most to Covet readers.

Specifically, we want:

• Quality, fast-paced storytelling with engaging dialogue and fresh voices.
• Active story lines. A minimum of narrative sequel.
• Stories focused on the heroine and hero falling in love. Their trope is the main focus. The paranormal elements and worldbuilding should be secondary.
• Bold authors who aren’t afraid to push creative boundaries.
• Prolific authors who can write three to four books a year are a plus.
• Stories can be closed door to very hot with explicit language, but we do not want erotica.
• POV should be split 50/50 between the hero and heroine. 3rd person POV is preferred, but we will consider 1st person POV.

Ignite, Entangled’s romantic suspense, mystery, and thriller imprint, pairs sexy heroes and smart, confident heroines with the rush of adrenaline and sizzling attraction. Our books contain bold voices, fast-paced dialogue, and compelling stories that draw readers into a page-turning world of romance and intrigue. Whether you’re into snarky mysteries or edgy thrillers, Ignite has the story for you.

Put a match to your emotions. Set fire to your senses. Ignite your passions.

Specifically, we want to see:

• 25-80k word novels and novellas. All books, including series, must able to stand alone, and feature a HEA or happy-for-now ending.
• The perfect blend of romance, danger, excitement, and flair.
  If the hero and heroine is on the page together for at least 75% of the story, you may have an Ignite on your hands!
• Stories that focus on the romance. We prefer a 60:40 romance to suspense ratio.
• Confident heroes and kickass heroines. Well-developed characters are a must. We’d like to see more characters who are just starting out and finding their way in life rather than fully established in their careers. Reader love suspense heroes. Current favorites include cowboys, spec-ops/military, and FBI/law enforcement.
• POV should be split 50/50 between the hero and heroine. 3rd person POV is preferred, but we will consider 1st person POV.
• Proven tropes such as tortured hero, bad boy/good girl, forbidden love, redemption, forced proximity, intimate strangers, enemies to lovers, and reluctant partners in justice—or crime!
• Heat levels that range from smoldering to scintillating.
• Tone can be anything from modern gothic to snarky fun to dark and edgy.
• Things we love: the passion and suspense of the movie Body Heat (but with a HEA ending), fresh voices like Stacia Kane, Cherry Adair, Darynda Jones, Jodi Linton, Ashlee Mallory, Tonya Burrows, Avery Flynn, JL Hammer, and Michelle Sharp, and stories as compelling as Stephanie Freeman’s Necessary Evil series.

At the heart of every Indulgence is the ultimate fantasy hero that women dream about. The kind of man who knows how to wield the power and wealth he possesses. Our stories are active, fast-paced, and dialogue-heavy, using timeless, classic romance tropes to drive the story.

Powerful heroes. Passionate romance. That’s Indulgence.

Specifically, we want:

• Proven category tropes such as matchmakers, ugly duckling, friends to lovers, revenge, blackmail, enemies to lovers, mistaken identity. We use three tropes per story.
• Stories featuring alpha heroes and the confident women who love them.
• Stories must focus on the hero and heroine alone; no secondary characters as main characters with their own POV.
• Strong conflict. Cannot be stressed enough. What is keeping these two apart and how do they overcome the obstacles? Please have clear and convincing GMC for hero and heroine.
• The sensuality level can be mild to scintillating.
• POV should be split 50/50 between the hero and heroine. 3rd person POV is preferred.
• Unsure whether you’ve written an Indulgence, a Lovestruck, or a Brazen? Indulgence heroes are fantasy men who know how to wield the power and wealth they possess. Lovestruck focuses on modern men and women finding love in unexpected places. Brazen stories are driven by the hero and heroine’s physical relationship.
• Manuscripts must be 45-60K words in length.

Fall in love with the possibilities…

Find love where you least expect it with Lovestruck, Entangled’s smart new category romance imprint. Our focus is on original, often hilarious “meet-cutes,” a strong romantic connection, sizzling sexual tension, and satisfying endings that leave readers smitten.

We are looking for fresh voices, witty dialogue, and twists on classic tropes. Lovestruck romances are driven by the hero and heroine’s connection—their meeting may have been coincidental (or accidental!), but there’s no denying the sparks flying between them, or the way they connect on an romantic level. If you dream up stories that belong on the big screen starring Kate Hudson, Rachel McAdams, or Reese Witherspoon, Entangled’s Lovestruck imprint is for you.

Specifically, we would like to see:

• Stories that are 45k-60k words in length. We will consider novellas on a case by case basis, especially when tied to existing Lovestruck series or part of a specific call for submissions.
• As this is a category romance imprint, tropes should drive the story. Think mistaken identity, ugly duckling, older brother’s best friend, enemies-to-lovers, best friends-to-lovers, bait and switch, matchmaker, sexy protectors, opposites attract, boardroom romance, etc. Bonus points if you combine a few of them into one story!
• Special emphasis is placed on the chemistry between the couple. Their interactions should jump off the page, starting with original “meet-cutes” and ending with a swoon-worthy close.
• The heroes are realistic. They should be guys we meet every day who are self-assured and successful at what they do…the hot bartender, local doctor, attorney, minor league ball player, architects, construction workers, etc. Stories with larger-than-life fantasy heroes should be sent to the Indulgence imprint.
• Our heroines are intelligent, modern women meeting the future love of their life in unusual, often hilariously unexpected ways, finding love with the adorable geek in the next cubicle, the hot attorney whose car she crunched that morning, or with her childhood nemesis turned irresistible next door neighbor.
• POV should be split 50/50 between the hero and heroine. 3rd person POV is preferred, but we will consider 1st person POV.
• Outside authors with the Entangled Lovestruck voice: Jill Shalvis, Shannon Stacey, Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie.
• Current Lovestruck authors whose voices you might know: Marissa Clarke, Tawna Fenske, Nicolette Day, Audra North, Stefanie London, Katee Robert, and Gina L. Maxwell.
• Movies that inspire us: The Proposal, Fools Rush In, Leap Year, Never Been Kissed
• While Lovestruck stories do not have to be comedies, the tone should be lively, playful, and sensual.
• Lovestruck maintains a moderately high heat level. The sex/sexual scenes should be fully realized and may be erotic in nature, but should not exceed four scenes.
• We accept both agented and unagented submissions.

Having trouble deciding to which imprint you should submit your story?

• The differences between Lovestruck and Bliss are the tone and setting. Bliss romances take place in small towns and are more focused on family. Lovestruck stories are focused on finding love in more urban settings, the tone is edgier, and the heat level is higher.
• The difference between Indulgence and Lovestruck is the hero. Indulgence heroes are fantasy men who have wealth and power and know how to wield it. Lovestruck heroes are the guys you meet in real life. Indulgence heroes are always alpha—Lovestruck heroes can be alpha, but beta works here, too. (Think Big vs Aidan on Sex and the City)
• The difference between Brazen and Lovestruck is heat! You’ll see less in a Lovestruck, and a Brazen love story “starts in the bedroom.” The sexual interaction is the gravitational force that brings the characters to true love. In a Lovestruck, the sexual attraction is not the focus, but rather a result.

Scandalous is a historical category romance imprint of Entangled Publishing priced at $2.99 and sold digitally. Historical doesn’t mean antiquated! Passion and romance are exciting in any era. And torrid love affairs are even more illicit when social mores forbid the entanglement. These stories are bold, sexy, and heartfelt, and can be funny, action-packed, mysterious, dramatic, but above all…scandalous.

Specifically, we want:

• Quality, well-researched story-telling and authors who aren’t afraid to push creative boundaries
• Emotional depth depicted through strong conflict, theme, symbolism, and sub-text
• Stories focused on the heroine and hero falling in love. The pair should be together on page for the majority of the story.
• Strong conflict. What is keeping these two apart and how do they overcome the obstacles?
• Sensual stories—closed door scenes are acceptable, but sexual tension must be tight throughout.
• Time periods: Through WWII
• Heroines who are age 17+, confident, and can be unconventional (a scientist, for example).
• Stories that feature an alpha male, whether he be the captain of a ship, royalty, a military hero, pirate, Viking, sheriff, explorer, club owner…you name it—readers of historical romance know that contemporary alpha heroes like billionaires, sport stars, and Navy SEALs used to be called Dukes, Laird, Vikings, and Byronic. These are the original alpha men.
• Proven category tropes—tropes aren’t stifling; they are auto-buy triggers for lots of readers. Best friend’s little sister, tortured hero, spinster/wallflower, enemies to lovers, fake engagement, forced marriage are just a few
• POV should be split 50/50 between the hero and heroine. 3rd person POV is preferred, but we will consider 1st person POV.
• Time travel welcome but alternate/manipulation of history cannot be the focal point
• Sensual stories, but the heat level should grow organically from the characters, their situations and emotions. We are not looking for erotica, and closed door is also fine on occasion. Though the heat level may be sweet, the sexual tension must be strong
• Manuscripts must be 45-65K words in length. Novellas will be considered from 15-30k.
• Revised backlist titles will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• We accept agented and un-agented submissions.

Of Particular interest at this time:

• Stories set during the Prohibition—urban (Chicago, New York, Harlem, etc.) and rural (western, prairie, farm) are both welcomed.
• Stories set in WWI and WWII
• Gothic romance—brooding heroes, virginal ingénues, and shadowed estates full of secrets please!
• Multi-cultural and racially diverse protagonists—we currently have a shortage of these heroes and heroines!
• Love is love—Scandalous does not discriminate against our characters based on their sexuality—gay protagonists are welcome. The heat level qualifications are the same as for heterosexual romance and the story must focus on the characters falling in love, not the erotic content of their sex scenes

Teen Crave (Category YA)

Crave, one of Entangled’s first teen category romance imprints, is all about engaging, irresistible first-love stories set during the characters’ teen years—with an out-of-this-world, trope-driven bend. Did you love Twilight but wish it were focused solely on Bella and Edward’s romance? Crave is for you.

We are looking for teen romances that follow the traditional category romance format. From funny to emotional, flirty to dark, here at Crave, we know that the teen years are rife with heart-stopping feelings and never-ending drama. And whether set in outer space, a dystopian future, or a world where paranormal creatures are real, our teen category romances will leave you grinning…and craving more.

Specifically, we are looking for: 

• Sci-fi, paranormal, fantasy, dystopian, steampunk, biopunk, and cyberpunk romances featuring characters that are 16-18 years old.
• Stories that are 45-60k words in length. We will consider novellas if they are tied to an existing Crave series or are a prequel to another Entangled series.
• Trope-driven stories with at least one strong primary trope and two more secondary tropes. Think boy/girl next door, ugly duckling, opposites attract, wrong side of the tracks, best friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, mistaken identity, etc.
• Stories must follow the traditional category story arc focused on the romance. High conflict and high tension are a must!
• Dual point of view. Third-person point of view is preferred, but we will consider first-person POV on a case-by-case basis.
• M/F, M/M, and F/F are all welcome, and we’d love to see diverse characters.
• Sex is allowed in the stories, but nothing graphic. Heat level can range from sweet to suggestive.
• Tone can be anything from light and funny to heavy and dark, though we particularly love stories that can be both.
• Crave-esque authors we love: Jennifer L. Armentrout, Stephenie Meyer, Maggie Stiefvater, Melissa Landers, Tahereh Mafi, Gail Carriger, Marissa Meyer
• Pop culture teen romances we love: Buffy/Angel (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Damon/Elena (The Vampire Diaries), Scott/Allison (Teen Wolf), Clark/Lana (Smallville), Liz/Max (Roswell)
• 
  

Teen Crush (Contemporary Category YA)

Crush, one of Entangled’s first teen category romance imprints, is all about engaging, irresistible first-love stories set during the characters’ teen years. We specialize in heart-stopping feelings and never-ending drama, ranging from funny to emotional, flirty to dark.

Whether set in the halls of a high school, beach resort, or studying abroad, and whether it features a girl falling for her brother’s best friend next door, a forbidden summer camp romance, or a nerd pretending to date the star quarterback, our teen category romances will leave you grinning…and in love with your next book crush!

 Specifically, we are looking for:

• Contemporary, modern romances featuring characters that are 16-18 years old.
• Stories that are 45-60k words in length. We will consider novellas if they are tied to an existing Crave series or are a prequel to another Entangled series.
• Trope-driven stories with at least one strong primary trope and two more secondary tropes. Think boy/girl next door, ugly duckling, opposites attract, wrong side of the tracks, best friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, mistaken identity, etc.
• Stories must follow the traditional category story arc focused on the romance. High conflict and high tension are a must!
• Dual point of view. Third-person point of view is preferred, but we will consider first-person POV on a case-by-case basis.
• M/F, M/M, and F/F are all welcome, and we’d love to see diverse characters.
• Sex is allowed in the stories, but nothing graphic. Heat level can range from sweet to suggestive.
• Tone can be anything from light and funny to heavy and dark, though we particularly love stories that can be both.
• Crush-esque authors we love: Jennifer Echols, Simone Elkeles, Mandy Hubbard, Katie McGarry, Miranda Kenneally, Elizabeth Scott, Susane Colasanti
• Pop culture teen romances we love: Pacey/Joey (Dawson’s Creek), Kat/Patrick (10 Things I Hate About You), Kurt/Blaine (Glee),Hannah/Caleb (Pretty Little Liars), Baby/Johnny (Dirty Dancing), Lloyd/Diane (Say Anything), Laney/Zack (She’s All That), Logan/Veronica (Veronica Mars)

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Mary Lindsey is one of the founding members of the QT Blog. 

She writes young adult novels for Penguin USA and is the author of Shattered Souls, Fragile Spirits, and Ashes on the Waves. She also writes adult romance for Entangled Publishing as Marissa Clarke. Love Me To Death is scheduled for publication October, 2014. 

Mary is represented by Kevan Lyon of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and can be found the following places: Twitter, Facebook, MaryLindsey.com and MarissaClarke.com.