Gotcha Categories

–Genre Guidelines for the GOTCHA! Contest

Series romance novels that focus primarily on the romantic relationship. In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. The relationship between the hero and heroine is most important and plot plays a secondary role to the relationship. There are generally only two points of view, and sub plots and secondary characters may or may not play a large role depending on the word count of the line.

Single Title/Mainstream Contemporary

Romance novels which are released as individual titles, not as part of a series. While these books concentrate on the relationship between the hero and heroine, the plots are more involved. They have numerous secondary characters and at least one subplot, often more. There may be additional points of view. 100-125K words.

Mystery/Romantic Suspense

Romance novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot. The mystery, suspense, or thriller element is blended with the love story, which is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. Suspense is a major element of the plot but romantic story elements should be 50% or more. The length may vary, but generally 80K+ words.

Romance novels set in any time period prior to 1945 and taking place in any location. In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. These books vary from series to single title length.

Paranormal (Specialty/Time Travel/Fantasy)

Romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world, or paranormal happenings and/or characters are an integral part of the plot. In this category, a futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal element is blended with the love story, which is the main focus of the novel. The end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. These books vary from series to single title length and can also vary in tone from light and humorous to dark or hot.

Romance novels in which religious or spiritual beliefs (in context of any religion or spiritual belief system) are a major part of the romantic suspense. In this category, religious or spiritual beliefs are blended with and form a significant part of the love story, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. These stories can be contemporary or historical and vary from series to single title length. Minimum 40K words.

Author Brenda Coulter says that the inspirational takes the happily ever after formula “one step further by incorporating a spiritual element in the tale. In addition to the usual ups and downs of falling in love, the hero and/or heroine must overcome a spiritual obstacle, whether that involves finding God’s salvation, learning to lean on Him, letting go of the past, etc. Christian women find inspirational romance novels satisfying because they promote strong family values, emphasizing admirable qualities such as duty, honor, and integrity, all while delivering the guilt-free entertainment of a chaste romance story.” (brendacoulter.com)