–Genre Guidelines for the GOTCHA! Contest
Short Series Contemporary Storylines
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, no sub plots and few secondary characters. 50-65K words.
Long Series Contemporary Storylines
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, but sub plots and secondary characters play a larger role. 65-100K words.
Mainstream Contemporary NEW!!
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.
Series Mystery/Romantic Suspense
Series romance novels which focus primarily on the romantic relationship but may have more complex suspense or adventure subplots. The balance is usually 65-70% romance/30-35% suspense.
Single Title 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. The length may vary, generally 80K plus words, and they are released as individual titles, not part of a series. Suspense is a major element of the plot but romantic story elements should be 50% or more.
Historical (Before 1945)
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.
Regency Era Historical NEW!!
Romance novels set in the Regency Era 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 and from sweet to spicy.
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.
Inspirational
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)