So you want to be a romance writer, eh? I got you. Did you know you can submit to Harlequin, Canada, for free? Yep. Unsolicited, free submissions. There are obviously some strict rules around submissions, but Harlequin is quite friendly to new talent. They also have a plethora of categories for their publishing, so you’ll be able to find the right home for your story or a spark of inspiration for your next one.
I’ll take you through their submission process in this article, and also give you some tips on writing a story for Harlequin. If you think of any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to send me an email. I’ll help however I can.
Can I submit my manuscript to Harlequin?
Yes! And, if you happen to have an underrepresented view point, Harlequin is particularly interested in hearing from you. They said: We want all readers to see themselves reflected in the books we publish and we’re committed to publishing diverse and inclusive voices and stories. As such, we are actively looking for more story submissions from authors in underrepresented communities and invite you to add #RomanceIncludesYou with your manuscript title when you submit.
You’ll need to match their criteria, so this might be the start of a writing adventure for you. You might have a book ready to go that happens to fit what they’re looking for (lucky!), but most likely you’ll have something that is close to it or can be developed into a matching manuscript. What a great writing exercise, right? Yep, that’s how I want you to look at this: as writing homework. It’s homework that might just make you money. That’s pretty neat.
Ways to submit to Harlequin in Canada
Not through email, let me tell you that! The only way they’ll accept your manuscript is through Submittable. Follow this link https://harlequin.submittable.com/submit to reach their submission page and learn what they offer. In addition, you’ll need a cover letter and a good synopsis of your story.
What is a synopsis? Merriam-Webster defines it as a condensed outline, and I’d say that’s a good way to look at it. Your synopsis should cover all the main events and characters in your story and be between three and five pages in length for Harlequin—but, of course, double-check what’s on the Submittable page. Longer is not necessarily better! Just make sure you haven’t missed anything important, and don’t embellish anything. Now’s not the time to be “selling” your book.
Afterglow Books — 70k words
“Depth, relatability and sizzling spice, too: these characters are determined to live their best lives — and find the romance that makes them feel seen, unapologetically. In the pages of Afterglow Books, characters from all walks of life, all types of diverse identities, will pursue their dreams and discover love isn’t far behind. Because everyone deserves a happily ever after that’s true to who they are.”
- Spicy romance with a happy ending, in more ways than one: they want explicit
- Strong characters whose life journeys are central to the plot; romance cannot be the solution to their problems
- Wants the full manuscript, but “no paranormal, romantic suspense, dark or historical romances, or billionaires at this time”
Harlequin Heartwarming — 70k words
“Wholesome, fun and feel-good contemporary romances set in close-knit communities where the reader can escape to a world of love and belonging. Fall in love with small towns, friendly neighborhoods and romances that always end with happily ever after!”
- This is their “Hallmark” category! Holiday-themed romances, small town and homecoming stories, etc. set in North America
- Low sensuality: hugs and kisses only; don’t even hint that they bang behind closed doors
- No graphic depictions of violence, overtly religious themes, paranormal content, or heavy suspense
Harlequin Historical — 70-75k words
“Richly textured, emotionally intense novels set across a wide range of historical periods—from ancient civilisations up to and including the 1950s.”
- Must be believable for the time in which it is set and a relationship-driven story
- All levels of sensuality encouraged
- No Western, paranormal, or time slip elements
- Submit your first three chapters alongside your synopsis
Harlequin Intrigue — 55k words
“Harlequin Intrigue books are for fans of novels by Sandra Brown, James Patterson and Iris Johansen. They are high-stakes thrillers and procedurals where determined characters go through a spectrum of tensions as they work to solve a crime.”
- Tense, dramatic, serious, and exciting stories that create nail-biting page-turners
- Low to moderate sensuality—nothing explicit or graphic—though the main lovers must have good chemistry
- The crime must be satisfactorily resolved and the main setting of the book must be North America
- No graphic violence or extreme profanity
Harlequin Medical Romance — 50k words
“Intense, uplifting and relatable romances set in the medical world. Experience the rollercoaster of emotions, ambitions and desires of today’s medical professionals.”
- Medical professionals at the top of their game who fall in love
- Contemporary setting with innovative emotional conflict
- All levels of sensuality
- First three chapters and your synopsis
Harlequin Presents (M&B Modern) — 50k words
“These stories are all about passion and escape—glamorous international settings, captivating emotional drama and high-stakes seduction.”
- Pure traditional romantic fantasy where the hero is a strong, masculine figure and the heroine isn’t afraid to stand up to him
- High sensuality, lots of sexual tension
- Home of the alpha male
- Submit your first three chapters, as well as your synopsis
Harlequin Romance (M&B True Love) — 50k words
“Harlequin Romance stories are all about real, relatable and strong, deeply desirable characters experiencing the intensity, anticipation and sheer rush of falling in love. Get swept away by these emotional, glamorous and uplifting romances!”
- Focus on the couple and their journey to a happily ever after; minimal secondary characters
- Down-to-earth female protagonist you just have to root for, and a trustworthy male hero for her to fall in love with
- High sensuality matched with emotional connection; explore the emotional fulfillment of sexual intimacy
- Submit your first three chapters, along with your synopsis
Harlequin Romantic Suspense — 70k words
“These novels are romance-focused stories with a suspense element. Powerful romances are at the heart of each story, and the additional elements of excitement, adventure and suspense play out between complex characters.”
- Romance amid danger; vivid conflicts are essential
- All kinds of sensuality and romantic tension
- Paranormal adjacent is okay—they’re interested in Gothic suspense, psychics, and ghost hunting
Harlequin Special Edition — 70-75k words
“Harlequin Special Edition features contemporary, real-life characters and situations—relatable men and women with friends, family and careers, as they experience the journey to true love.”
- Currently not accepting submissions from Submittable (as of Nov 2024)
- Optimistic stories that empower you, where you want to see the main characters succeed
- Subtle to intense sensuality
Love Inspired — 55k words
“Contemporary inspirational romances that feature Christian characters facing the many challenges of life and love in today’s world.”
- The most religious branch of Harlequin’s publishing portfolio, this is your chance to deliver a narrative with a mandatory faith element
- Family and community ties strong themes here; very “small town USA” vibes—the main characters should meet in chapter one
- No drugs or alcohol consumption, gambling, or profanity by Christian characters. No graphic violence or pre-marital sex. Avoid preachy tone and doctrinal language.
Love Inspired Suspense — 55k words
“Edge-of-the-seat, contemporary romantic suspense tales of intrigue and romance featuring Christian characters facing challenges to their faith…and to their lives.”
- This is the suspense branch of the above themes, with the same restrictions
- Relationships emphasize emotional intimacy over physical
- No secondary character POV
Carina Press — 50-125k words, digital adult-only books
“Carina Press is Harlequin’s digital-first adult fiction imprint; all our titles publish first in digital, with select releases in audio and print. Since its inception as the first digital imprint within a traditional publishing house, Carina Press has been an industry leader, publishing a broad range of romance and mystery.”
- Full publishing imprint looking for naughty narratives
- No inspirational or faith-based stories, young adult, or general historical fiction
- This imprint asks for a query letter on top of your manuscript and 1,600-word synopsis
Check them out here!
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with your category, make sure you read your work through again with it in mind. Not only will this give you one last chance to edit your work, it will also make it easier to write your synopsis for Harlequin.
Don’t forget to read through their FAQ to make sure you’re not missing anything!
Then, send me an email if you want to discuss your submission before you send it in. I’d be happy to give some feedback. Good luck!
Right Your Writing 