Which Publishers Specialize In Romance Excerpts For New Authors?

I’ve come across a few publishers that genuinely champion new authors in the genre. One standout is Entangled Publishing. They’re known for their focus on romance and have several imprints like Entangled Amara and Entangled Embrace, catering to everything from steamy contemporary to heartwarming young adult romance. Their submission guidelines are clear, and they’re open to unagented manuscripts, which is a huge plus for newcomers. The team there has a reputation for nurturing fresh talent, often providing detailed feedback and guidance to help authors polish their work.

Another great option is Carina Press, Harlequin’s digital-first imprint. While Harlequin itself is a giant in the romance world, Carina Press is particularly welcoming to debut authors with unique voices. They publish across all romance subgenres, from paranormal to historical, and their editorial process is thorough. What I appreciate about them is their transparency—they’re upfront about what they’re looking for, and their contracts are author-friendly. For anyone writing romance with a modern twist, Carina Press is worth considering.

If you’re leaning toward sweet or inspirational romance, Harlequin’s Heartwarming and Love Inspired lines are excellent choices. These imprints specialize in clean, emotionally driven stories, and they’re always on the lookout for new voices. The submission process is straightforward, and they often host writing contests or open calls for specific themes. Their community is supportive, and being published under the Harlequin banner can give new authors a significant boost in visibility.

For those who prefer indie or hybrid publishing, Sourcebooks Casablanca is another name to watch. They’ve built a strong reputation for romance and are known for taking chances on debut authors with fresh perspectives. Their marketing team is top-notch, which is crucial for new writers trying to break into a crowded market. They particularly excel at historical and contemporary romance, and their covers are always stunning—a big plus when trying to attract readers.

Lastly, don’t overlook smaller presses like The Wild Rose Press or Boroughs Publishing Group. Both are romance-focused and have a history of working closely with new authors. The Wild Rose Press accepts a wide range of subgenres, from suspense to fantasy romance, and their editorial feedback is invaluable. Boroughs Publishing Group, on the other hand, is great for authors who want more control over their work while still benefiting from professional editing and distribution. These smaller houses often feel more personal, and their communities are tight-knit, which can be a huge advantage for someone just starting out.