Are There Any Historical Fiction Romance Publishers Accepting Submissions?

Historical romance is one of those genres that feels timeless, and there are publishers who really understand how to bring these stories to life. One that stands out is Avon, an imprint of HarperCollins. They have a reputation for publishing some of the most beloved historical romance authors, like Julia Quinn, whose 'Bridgerton' series took the world by storm. Avon’s catalog is filled with lush, detailed stories set in Regency England and other fascinating periods, and they have a knack for picking writers who can balance historical accuracy with swoon-worthy romance. Their covers often feature elegant designs that hint at the drama and passion inside, making them instantly recognizable on bookstore shelves. Another heavyweight in the field is Sourcebooks Casablanca. They’ve built a strong lineup of historical romance novels, often with a focus on immersive world-building and complex characters. Authors like Mary Jo Putney and Grace Burrowes have found a home here, delivering stories that are as rich in history as they are in emotion. Sourcebooks Casablanca also does a great job of blending traditional tropes with fresh twists, ensuring their books appeal to both longtime fans of the genre and newcomers looking for something new. For those who prefer a touch of mystery or adventure in their historical romance, St. Martin’s Press is worth exploring. Their historical romances often feature strong, independent heroines and high-stakes plots. Writers like Lisa Kleypas and Lorraine Heath have published with them, crafting stories that transport readers to ballrooms, battlefields, and everywhere in between. St. Martin’s Press has a way of selecting manuscripts that feel both classic and innovative, making their releases highly anticipated. Then there’s Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House, which has a fantastic selection of historical romances that often lean into wit and humor. Authors like Tessa Dare and Sarah MacLean have thrived here, creating stories that are as funny as they are heartfelt. Berkley’s books frequently feature sharp dialogue and unconventional heroines, setting them apart in a crowded market. Their ability to blend historical detail with modern sensibilities makes their titles particularly appealing to contemporary readers. Lastly, Zebra Books, an imprint of Kensington Publishing, has a long history of putting out quality historical romances. They’ve published works by Johanna Lindsey and Stephanie Laurens, among others, and their books often emphasize passionate, sweeping love stories set against meticulously researched backdrops. Zebra’s commitment to the genre is evident in their consistent output and the loyalty of their readership. Whether you’re into dashing dukes or fiery pirates, their catalog has something to offer.

I’ve been digging into the YA mystery scene for years, and the submission process can feel like cracking a code itself. Big names like Scholastic and HarperCollins are always on the lookout for fresh voices, especially if your story has that addictive 'one-more-chapter' pull. Scholastic’s 'Arrow' imprint is a golden ticket for darker, twisty mysteries—think 'One of Us Is Lying' vibes. HarperCollins’ Children’s division loves layered whodunits with emotional depth, like 'A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.' Smaller presses are gems too. Soho Teen specializes in offbeat, atmospheric mysteries—if your manuscript has a quirky edge, they’re your people. Albert Whitman & Co. leans into classic Nancy Drew-style puzzles but with modern stakes. And don’t sleep on indie publishers like Flux or Jolly Fish Press; they take risks on unconventional narratives. The key is tailoring your pitch to their catalogs. If your MC’s a sarcastic teen sleuth, highlight that for Soho. If it’s a small-town conspiracy, Albert Whitman might bite. Manuscript Wishlist (#MSWL) on Twitter is clutch for real-time editor cravings.

I've come across several publishers that truly excel in this genre. Avon is a powerhouse, known for their sweeping historical romances that often top bestseller lists. They publish works like Julia Quinn's 'Bridgerton' series, which has captivated millions with its rich storytelling and vivid characters. Then there's Berkley, which offers a mix of historical and contemporary romance, but their historical titles like Lisa Kleypas's 'Wallflowers' series are absolute gems. Sourcebooks Casablanca is another standout, specializing in historical romance with titles like Julie Anne Long's 'Palace of Rogues' series that blend wit and passion beautifully. For those who love Regency-era romances, Zebra Books, an imprint of Kensington, is a go-to, with authors like Sabrina Jeffries delivering unforgettable love stories. Lastly, St. Martin's Press has a strong historical romance lineup, including works by Lorraine Heath, whose emotionally charged novels are a must-read for any fan of the genre.

I've come across several publishers that appreciate the unconventional and rare. Harlequin's 'Carina Press' is fantastic for unique romance submissions, especially those with LGBTQ+ or speculative elements. They actively seek fresh voices and unconventional love stories. For historical or culturally rich romances, 'Sourcebooks Casablanca' is a top pick—they adore deep research and authenticity. If you're writing something with magical realism or dark fairy-tale vibes, 'Entangled Publishing' has an imprint called 'Embrace' that's perfect for submissions. Another gem is 'Riptide Publishing,' which specializes in queer romance and often takes chances on rare tropes. Lastly, 'Dreamspinner Press' is a haven for LGBTQ+ romance with niche subgenres like fantasy or paranormal. Always check their submission guidelines first—some have very specific tastes!

I've come across several publishers that excel in this niche. Avon Books is a standout, known for its rich, detailed historical romances that often feature Regency and Victorian settings. Their titles like 'The Duke and I' by Julia Quinn are perfect examples of their expertise. Another great publisher is Sourcebooks Casablanca, which offers a mix of historical accuracy and passionate storytelling. I particularly love their 'Outlander' series by Diana Gabaldon, which blends history and romance seamlessly. Zebra Books also deserves a mention for their captivating historical romances, often with strong female leads and intricate plots. For those who prefer indie publishers, Entangled Publishing’s historical line is a hidden gem, offering fresh voices and unique perspectives on love in bygone eras.

I’ve got some solid leads for merman romance submissions. 'Harlequin' has a specific line called 'Carina Press' that’s open to aquatic-themed romance, including mermen, as long as the story has strong emotional depth. 'Siren Publishing' is another great option—they specialize in paranormal and fantasy romance, and merman stories fit right in. For indie-friendly options, 'Entangled Publishing' occasionally accepts supernatural romance, though their submissions are selective. 'Sourcebooks Casablanca' has been known to pick up quirky, high-concept romance, so if your merman story has a unique twist, they’re worth a shot. Lastly, don’t overlook digital-first publishers like 'Samhain Publishing' (though they’ve scaled back, they still accept reprints) or 'Less Than Three Press,' which focuses on LGBTQ+ romances and might be perfect for a diverse merman love story.

Harlequin is the big name in romance publishing, with multiple imprints like Harlequin Romance, Harlequin Desire, and Carina Press that specialize in different subgenres. They're always open to submissions from new authors. Another great option is Entangled Publishing, which focuses on romance and has several imprints like Brazen for steamy reads and Bliss for sweet romance. I've also heard good things about Avon Romance, an imprint of HarperCollins, though they sometimes require agented submissions. For indie-friendly options, look at The Wild Rose Press or Sourcebooks Casablanca. Smaller presses like Samhain Publishing and Cleis Press are worth checking out too, especially if your romance has niche elements. Many of these publishers have detailed submission guidelines on their websites, so make sure to follow them carefully.

I’ve been submitting romance excerpts for years, and yes, plenty of publishers are open to them! The key is knowing where to look. Digital-first imprints like Entangled Publishing or Carina Press often accept partials or excerpts, especially if your writing fits their niche—be it contemporary, historical, or paranormal. Some even host pitch events on Twitter where you can drop a swoon-worthy snippet. Traditional houses like Avon or Berkley might require a full manuscript, but agents sometimes request excerpts as part of a query package. Self-publishing platforms like Wattpad or Radish are also goldmines for testing excerpts. I posted a steamy scene from my WIP on Wattpad, and it caught the eye of a small press editor. Romance thrives on emotional hooks, so if your excerpt delivers that gut-punch of chemistry or tension, it’s worth shopping around. Just always check submission guidelines—some publishers want exclusive submissions, while others allow simultaneous ones. And don’t sleep on indie presses; they’re often more flexible and hungry for fresh voices.

their digital-first imprint, is great for steamy or unconventional romances. Avon, an imprint of HarperCollins, is another solid choice, especially for historical and contemporary romance. If you're into indie vibes, Entangled Publishing is fantastic for authors who want a more personal touch. Sourcebooks and Berkley also have strong romance lines. Always check their submission guidelines because they vary widely in what they accept and how they want it formatted.

it's wild how certain publishers have carved out their niche. Avon Books is like the OG of historical romance—they practically built the genre with authors like Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas. Their covers scream 'Regency drama' before you even read the blurb. Then there's Sourcebooks Casablanca, which feels like the indie darling turned powerhouse. They scooped up newer voices like Maya Rodale and gave them room to blend classic tropes with fresh twists. St. Martin's Press is another heavyweight, but they lean into grittier, more atmospheric stuff—think Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' with its time-travel chaos. Zebra Books (part of Kensington) is my go-to for bodice rippers with extra sass—they publish those addictive, fast-paced romps like ones from Lorraine Heath. And let’s not forget Harlequin Historical, the serial romance kings. Their monthly releases are like candy for history buffs who want quick, satisfying reads. Each publisher has its own flavor, and it’s fun to track which ones align with your mood—whether you want frothy ballrooms or high-stakes Viking raids.