The romance publishing industry continues to thrive in 2026, offering writers exceptional opportunities to share their love stories with readers worldwide. From sweet contemporary romances to steamy paranormal tales, the market has never been more diverse or welcoming to new voices. Whether you’re crafting swoon-worthy historical romances, heart-pounding romantic suspense, or inclusive LGBTQ+ love stories, there’s a publisher actively seeking manuscripts like yours.
This definitive guide presents over 30 leading romance publishers currently accepting submissions, complete with detailed information about their editorial preferences, submission requirements, and success rates. We’ve compiled comprehensive data on acceptance rates, geographic distribution, submission timelines, and specialized romance subgenres to help you strategically target publishers that align with your manuscript’s unique voice and style.
1. Harlequin (HarperCollins)
Overview: As the world’s leading romance publisher, Harlequin has been the gold standard in romantic fiction for over 70 years. With multiple imprints covering every romance subgenre imaginable, Harlequin publishes hundreds of titles annually and maintains an unparalleled global distribution network. Their various lines include Harlequin Romance, Harlequin Desire, Harlequin Intrigue, and many more, each with distinct editorial requirements.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, medical romance, inspirational romance, Western romance, category romance
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 2-4% (varies by imprint)
- Geographic Reach: Global leader with distribution in over 100 countries and translations in 34+ languages
- Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances ranging from $2,000-$50,000+ depending on imprint and author experience
- Rating: 4.7/5.0 (industry reputation)
- Submission Timeline: 3-6 months for initial response; 12-18 months to publication if accepted
- Open for Submissions: Year-round for most imprints; some lines have specific submission windows. Check individual imprint guidelines on the Harlequin website.
2. Avon Romance (HarperCollins)
Overview: Avon Romance stands as one of the most prestigious romance imprints in traditional publishing. Known for launching bestselling careers and publishing award-winning authors, Avon maintains high editorial standards while embracing innovation in romance storytelling. They’re particularly strong in historical and contemporary romance.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Historical romance, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, erotic romance
- Acceptance Rate: Less than 1% (highly competitive, agented submissions)
- Geographic Reach: Worldwide distribution through HarperCollins global network
- Price: Traditional publishing with substantial advances for established authors ($10,000-$100,000+)
- Rating: 4.8/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 8-12 months for agented submissions; 15-24 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Agented submissions only; no unsolicited manuscripts
3. Berkley Romance (Penguin Random House)
Overview: Part of the Penguin Random House family, Berkley Romance publishes a wide range of romantic fiction with an emphasis on strong commercial appeal. They’re known for excellent author support, strategic marketing, and producing consistent bestsellers across multiple romance subgenres.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, women’s fiction with strong romantic elements
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 1-2%
- Geographic Reach: Global distribution through Penguin Random House international network
- Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances
- Rating: 4.7/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 6-10 months for agented material; 12-20 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Agented submissions only
4. Carina Press (Harlequin Digital-First Imprint)
Overview: Carina Press revolutionized romance publishing with their digital-first model, offering authors faster publication timelines and greater creative flexibility. They publish across all romance subgenres and heat levels, making them one of the most accessible options for diverse romance stories.
- Romance Genres Accepted: All romance subgenres including contemporary, historical, paranormal, science fiction romance, fantasy romance, LGBTQ+ romance, sweet to erotic heat levels
- Acceptance Rate: 5-8%
- Geographic Reach: Digital worldwide; print for select titles through Harlequin distribution
- Price: Traditional publishing with advances typically $1,000-$8,000
- Rating: 4.5/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 6-10 weeks for response; 8-12 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round; accepts unagented submissions
5. Entangled Publishing
Overview: This innovative independent publisher operates multiple romance imprints, each targeting specific reader demographics and heat levels. Entangled has built a reputation for author-friendly practices, strong marketing support, and responsiveness to market trends. Their imprints include Amara (contemporary), Scorched (erotic), and Select Otherworld (paranormal).
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, new adult romance, erotic romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, YA romance
- Acceptance Rate: 3-6% (varies by imprint)
- Geographic Reach: Strong North American presence with growing international distribution
- Price: Traditional publishing with advances ranging from $1,000-$15,000
- Rating: 4.6/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 8-12 weeks for response; 10-14 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Multiple submission opportunities throughout year; some imprints have open calls
6. Kensington Publishing
Overview: With their Zebra and Lyrical imprints, Kensington has been a powerhouse in romance publishing for decades. They’re particularly strong in historical romance and African American romance, and they maintain a reputation for discovering new talent and building long-term author careers.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Historical romance, contemporary romance, African American romance, paranormal romance, erotic romance, romantic suspense
- Acceptance Rate: 2-4%
- Geographic Reach: North America with international distribution
- Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances
- Rating: 4.5/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 4-8 months for response; 12-18 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Accepts both agented and unagented submissions for some imprints
7. Montlake Romance (Amazon Publishing)
Overview: Amazon’s romance imprint has rapidly become one of the most sought-after publishers in the industry. Montlake offers exceptional marketing support, competitive compensation, and direct access to Amazon’s massive reader base. They focus on commercially viable romance across multiple subgenres.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, romantic suspense, historical romance, paranormal romance, women’s fiction with romance
- Acceptance Rate: 1-3%
- Geographic Reach: Global through Amazon’s international platforms
- Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances ($5,000-$50,000+)
- Rating: 4.7/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 6-12 months for agented submissions; 12-18 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Agented submissions only
8. Sourcebooks Casablanca
Overview: Sourcebooks Casablanca has established itself as a premier destination for romance authors, particularly excelling in historical romance and contemporary romance with unique settings or hooks. They offer strong editorial support and innovative marketing strategies.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, Western romance
- Acceptance Rate: 2-3%
- Geographic Reach: Strong North American distribution with international reach
- Price: Traditional publishing with advances typically $5,000-$25,000
- Rating: 4.6/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 8-14 months for agented material; 15-20 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Primarily agented; occasional open submission calls
9. Bold Strokes Books
Overview: The leading publisher of LGBTQ+ romance, Bold Strokes Books has built an impressive catalog of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender romance novels. They’re committed to authentic representation and diverse storytelling within the romance genre.
- Romance Genres Accepted: LGBTQ+ romance (all subgenres), contemporary romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, erotic romance, historical romance
- Acceptance Rate: 8-12%
- Geographic Reach: North America with international digital distribution
- Price: Traditional publishing with modest advances
- Rating: 4.4/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 2-4 months for response; 10-14 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round; welcomes new authors
10. Tule Publishing
Overview: Specializing in small-town romance and contemporary love stories, Tule Publishing operates on a rapid-release model with strong author collaboration. They’re known for their supportive community and willingness to work with both debut and established authors.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, small-town romance, sports romance, Western romance, holiday romance
- Acceptance Rate: 6-10%
- Geographic Reach: Digital-first with print options; primarily North American audience
- Price: Traditional publishing with profit-sharing model; smaller upfront advances
- Rating: 4.3/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 4-8 weeks for response; 6-10 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Regular submission periods; active acquisition
11. Evernight Publishing
Overview: This digital-first publisher specializes in erotic romance and steamier content across multiple subgenres. Evernight has built a loyal readership and maintains an extensive catalog of sensual romance novels with various heat levels.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Erotic romance, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, BDSM romance, ménage romance, shifter romance
- Acceptance Rate: 10-15%
- Geographic Reach: Digital worldwide; international readership
- Price: Traditional publishing; royalty-focused with smaller advances
- Rating: 4.2/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 2-6 weeks for response; 4-8 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round; quick response times
12. Crimson Romance (Simon & Schuster Digital)
Overview: As Simon & Schuster’s digital romance imprint, Crimson Romance offers the backing of a major publisher with the flexibility of digital-first publishing. They publish across heat levels and romance subgenres with professional editorial support.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, new adult romance
- Acceptance Rate: 4-7%
- Geographic Reach: Global distribution through Simon & Schuster network
- Price: Traditional publishing with moderate advances
- Rating: 4.4/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 6-10 weeks for response; 8-12 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Periodic submission windows; check website for current status
13. Siren Publishing
Overview: Siren Publishing focuses on alternative romance, including ménage, BDSM, and other non-traditional relationship dynamics. They’ve built a dedicated readership interested in diverse romantic configurations and sensual content.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Ménage romance, BDSM romance, erotic romance, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, alternative romance
- Acceptance Rate: 12-18%
- Geographic Reach: Digital-first; international availability
- Price: Traditional publishing; royalty-focused model
- Rating: 4.0/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 2-4 weeks for response; 3-6 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round; fast-paced publishing schedule
14. Boroughs Publishing Group
Overview: This independent publisher offers multiple romance lines covering sweet to steamy heat levels. They’re known for author-friendly contracts, responsive editorial teams, and willingness to work with debut authors.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, paranormal romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, sweet romance, erotic romance
- Acceptance Rate: 8-12%
- Geographic Reach: Digital-first with print options; North American focus
- Price: Traditional publishing with modest advances
- Rating: 4.2/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 4-8 weeks for response; 8-12 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Regular reading periods throughout the year
15. Wild Rose Press
Overview: Operating multiple romance lines organized by heat level and subgenre, Wild Rose Press has published thousands of romance titles. They’re particularly welcoming to new authors and offer various imprints from sweet to spicy romance.
- Romance Genres Accepted: All romance subgenres across multiple heat levels including contemporary, historical, paranormal, inspirational, erotic, and YA romance
- Acceptance Rate: 10-15%
- Geographic Reach: Digital and print; international distribution
- Price: Traditional publishing; primarily royalty-based
- Rating: 4.1/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 6-12 weeks for response; 10-16 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round; organized submission system by genre
16. Samhain Publishing
Overview: Though Samhain closed in 2017, several spiritual successors have emerged. However, for current opportunities, authors should explore similar publishers like Totally Bound Publishing, which picked up where Samhain left off with erotic and paranormal romance.
Note: Samhain is no longer accepting submissions. See Totally Bound Publishing as alternative.
17. Totally Bound Publishing
Overview: This UK-based publisher specializes in LGBTQ+ and erotic romance with a strong international presence. They offer multiple imprints and are known for inclusive, diverse romantic storytelling with various heat levels.
- Romance Genres Accepted: LGBTQ+ romance, erotic romance, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, BDSM romance, ménage romance
- Acceptance Rate: 8-12%
- Geographic Reach: UK-based with global distribution; strong European and North American presence
- Price: Traditional publishing with competitive royalties
- Rating: 4.3/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 4-8 weeks for response; 8-14 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round; multiple imprints actively acquiring
18. Champagne Book Group
Overview: This multi-genre publisher maintains several romance imprints covering sweet to sensual romance across various subgenres. They’re committed to quality storytelling and author development.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, sweet romance, young adult romance
- Acceptance Rate: 10-14%
- Geographic Reach: Digital and print; North American focus with international availability
- Price: Traditional publishing; royalty-focused
- Rating: 4.0/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 8-16 weeks for response; 12-18 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round with organized submission guidelines
19. Soul Mate Publishing
Overview: Specializing in romance across multiple subgenres and heat levels, Soul Mate Publishing prides itself on discovering new talent and nurturing author relationships. They offer personalized editorial attention.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, time travel romance, sweet to sensual heat levels
- Acceptance Rate: 8-13%
- Geographic Reach: Digital-first with print options; primarily North American
- Price: Traditional publishing; modest advances available
- Rating: 4.1/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 6-10 weeks for response; 10-14 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Regular submission windows; check website calendar
20. City Owl Press
Overview: This independent publisher operates several romance lines while maintaining high editorial standards. They’re known for beautiful book design, professional editing, and strong author support throughout the publication process.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, fantasy romance, new adult romance
- Acceptance Rate: 5-9%
- Geographic Reach: Digital-first with print distribution; international availability
- Price: Traditional publishing with competitive terms
- Rating: 4.3/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 8-12 weeks for response; 10-16 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Periodic submission windows announced on website
21. Dreamspinner Press
Overview: The premier publisher of gay romance, Dreamspinner Press has built an extensive catalog of M/M romance across all subgenres. They’re committed to authentic LGBTQ+ representation and quality storytelling.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Gay romance (M/M), contemporary romance, paranormal romance, historical romance, erotic romance, romantic suspense
- Acceptance Rate: 7-11%
- Geographic Reach: Digital and print; international LGBTQ+ readership
- Price: Traditional publishing with competitive royalties
- Rating: 4.2/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 4-10 weeks for response; 8-12 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round; active acquisition
22. Love Inspired (Harlequin Inspirational)
Overview: As Harlequin’s inspirational romance line, Love Inspired publishes Christian romance with strong faith elements and sweet romance content. They maintain strict content guidelines while delivering heartwarming love stories.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Inspirational romance, Christian romance, contemporary inspirational, historical inspirational, romantic suspense with faith elements
- Acceptance Rate: 3-5%
- Geographic Reach: Global distribution through Harlequin network; strong in North American Christian market
- Price: Traditional publishing with advances typically $2,000-$10,000
- Rating: 4.4/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 3-6 months for response; 12-16 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round; detailed submission guidelines available
23. Escape Publishing (Harlequin Australia)
Overview: Harlequin’s Australian digital-first imprint publishes romance across multiple subgenres with a focus on fresh voices and innovative storytelling. They’ve become a launching pad for many successful romance careers.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, romantic suspense, historical romance, paranormal romance, erotic romance
- Acceptance Rate: 4-8%
- Geographic Reach: Australia, New Zealand, and digital worldwide
- Price: Traditional publishing with competitive advances
- Rating: 4.4/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 6-10 weeks for response; 8-14 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Regular submission periods; welcomes Australian and international authors
24. Red Sage Publishing
Overview: Specializing in sensual and erotic romance, Red Sage has maintained a dedicated readership for decades. They focus on quality erotic content with strong romantic elements and emotional depth.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Erotic romance, sensual romance, paranormal romance, historical erotic romance, contemporary erotic romance
- Acceptance Rate: 8-12%
- Geographic Reach: North America with digital international distribution
- Price: Traditional publishing; royalty-focused
- Rating: 4.0/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 6-12 weeks for response; 10-16 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Periodic reading periods; check website
25. Lyrical Press (Kensington Digital Imprint)
Overview: As Kensington’s digital-first romance imprint, Lyrical Press offers faster publication timelines and greater flexibility in content while maintaining the quality standards of their parent company.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, erotic romance, new adult romance
- Acceptance Rate: 5-8%
- Geographic Reach: Digital worldwide with print options through Kensington
- Price: Traditional publishing with moderate advances
- Rating: 4.3/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 8-14 weeks for response; 10-14 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round; accepts unagented submissions
26. Momentum (Pan Macmillan Australia)
Overview: Pan Macmillan’s Australian digital imprint publishes commercial fiction including romance across multiple subgenres. They offer the prestige of a major publisher with digital-first flexibility.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Contemporary romance, romantic suspense, new adult romance, erotic romance, women’s fiction with romance
- Acceptance Rate: 3-6%
- Geographic Reach: Australia, New Zealand, UK, and international digital distribution
- Price: Traditional publishing with competitive terms
- Rating: 4.4/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 8-12 weeks for response; 10-16 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Regular pitch opportunities; welcomes submissions from Australian and international authors
27. Black Velvet Seductions
Overview: This boutique publisher specializes in sensual romance with emotional depth. They focus on quality over quantity and provide personalized attention to their authors and manuscripts.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Sensual romance, erotic romance, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, historical romance
- Acceptance Rate: 10-15%
- Geographic Reach: Digital-first; North American focus with international availability
- Price: Traditional publishing; royalty-based model
- Rating: 4.0/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 4-8 weeks for response; 8-12 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round with manageable submission volume
28. The Wild Rose Press – Crimson Rose
Overview: The erotic romance line of Wild Rose Press, Crimson Rose publishes steamy romance across various subgenres while maintaining Wild Rose’s commitment to quality and author support.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Erotic romance, BDSM romance, ménage romance, paranormal erotic romance, contemporary erotic romance
- Acceptance Rate: 12-16%
- Geographic Reach: Digital and print; international distribution
- Price: Traditional publishing; primarily royalty-based
- Rating: 4.1/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 6-10 weeks for response; 10-14 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round as part of Wild Rose submission system
29. Blushing Books
Overview: Specializing in spankings, domestic discipline, and age play romance, Blushing Books serves a specific niche within erotic romance. They maintain strict content guidelines while publishing consensual adult romance.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Domestic discipline romance, spanking romance, age play romance, BDSM romance, erotic romance (specific niches)
- Acceptance Rate: 15-20%
- Geographic Reach: Digital-first; international niche readership
- Price: Traditional publishing; royalty-focused
- Rating: 3.9/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 2-6 weeks for response; 4-8 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round for appropriate content
30. Windtree Press
Overview: This independent publisher focuses on sweet romance and clean reads across multiple subgenres. They’re particularly welcoming to new authors and maintain high editorial standards without explicit content.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Sweet romance, clean contemporary romance, inspirational romance, YA romance, sweet historical romance
- Acceptance Rate: 12-18%
- Geographic Reach: Digital-first with print options; North American focus
- Price: Traditional publishing; modest royalties
- Rating: 4.0/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 6-12 weeks for response; 10-16 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Regular reading periods throughout the year
31. NineStar Press
Overview: Specializing in LGBTQ+ romance and genre fiction, NineStar Press publishes diverse love stories featuring gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer characters across all romance subgenres.
- Romance Genres Accepted: LGBTQ+ romance (all configurations), contemporary romance, paranormal romance, science fiction romance, fantasy romance, erotic romance
- Acceptance Rate: 8-13%
- Geographic Reach: Digital-first with print options; international LGBTQ+ community
- Price: Traditional publishing with competitive royalties
- Rating: 4.2/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 8-16 weeks for response; 10-14 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Multiple submission opportunities throughout the year
32. Clean Reads
Overview: Dedicated to publishing romance and women’s fiction without profanity, graphic violence, or explicit sexual content, Clean Reads serves readers seeking wholesome romantic entertainment across all subgenres.
- Romance Genres Accepted: Sweet romance, clean contemporary romance, clean historical romance, clean paranormal romance, inspirational romance, YA romance
- Acceptance Rate: 10-16%
- Geographic Reach: Digital and print; family-friendly market focus
- Price: Traditional publishing; primarily royalty-based
- Rating: 4.1/5.0
- Submission Timeline: 6-10 weeks for response; 10-14 months to publication
- Open for Submissions: Year-round; welcomes clean content
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Navigating the Romance Publishing Landscape in 2026
The romance publishing industry offers more opportunities than ever before for writers at every stage of their career. From prestigious traditional publishers with global reach to innovative digital-first imprints and supportive independent presses, there’s truly a home for every type of romance story.
When selecting publishers to target, consider these strategic factors:
Heat Level Matching: Ensure your manuscript’s sensuality level aligns with the publisher’s catalog. A sweet romance won’t fit at an erotic romance publisher, and vice versa.
Subgenre Specialization: Some publishers excel in specific subgenres. Research their recent releases to ensure they actively publish books similar to yours.
Author Support and Reputation: Investigate each publisher’s reputation through author communities, writer forums, and organizations like Romance Writers of America (RWA). Author testimonials can provide valuable insights.
Contract Terms: Whether agented or unagented, understand the contract basics including rights retention, royalty rates, advance structures, and reversion clauses.
Publication Timeline: Consider your career goals. Digital-first publishers typically offer faster publication (6-12 months), while major traditional publishers may take 18-24 months but offer broader distribution.
Marketing Support: Evaluate what marketing assistance each publisher provides. Some offer extensive promotional support, while others expect authors to shoulder significant self-promotion responsibilities.
Before submitting your manuscript, ensure it’s thoroughly edited, professionally formatted, and polished to publishable standards. Many rejection letters result from premature submissions rather than story quality issues. Consider hiring a professional editor or joining a critique group to strengthen your manuscript.
Research each publisher’s submission guidelines meticulously. Follow formatting requirements, word count specifications, and submission procedures exactly. Attention to detail in your submission demonstrates professionalism and respect for the publisher’s process.
The romance market continues growing, with readers consuming romance novels at unprecedented rates across all formats—digital, print, and audio. Diverse voices, inclusive representation, and innovative storytelling are increasingly valued. Publishers actively seek fresh perspectives, authentic voices, and stories that reflect the beautiful diversity of human romantic experience.
Remember that rejection is part of every romance author’s journey. Many bestselling authors received numerous rejections before finding the right publisher. Each submission brings you closer to your publishing goals. Use rejection as motivation to improve your craft, refine your targeting strategy, and persist in sharing your unique romantic vision with the world.
The romance community is known for its supportiveness and generosity. Engage with other romance writers through social media, writing conferences, and professional organizations. These connections provide valuable industry insights, emotional support, and potential opportunities.
Whether you’re writing your first romance novel or your fiftieth, 2026 offers exceptional opportunities to connect your stories with publishers who will champion your work and readers who will treasure your characters’ journeys to happily-ever-after.
Note: Publisher information is current as of January 2026. Submission policies, imprint structures, and contact information may change. Always verify current details on publisher websites before submitting. Acceptance rates are approximate estimates based on industry data and publicly available information. Individual success rates vary based on manuscript quality, genre fit, and market timing.
