Traditional Series*
(50-60,000 words): Romantic novels in which sensuality is not
intense and in which love scenes are not graphically described,
such as those published by Harlequin Romance and Silhouette Romance.
Short Contemporary Series*
(fewer than 70,000 words): Romantic novels in which sensuality
may constitute a strong element in the romance, such as those
published by Harlequin Presents and Silhouette Desire.
Long Contemporary Series*
(more than 70,000 words): Longer, sensuous romances,
such as those published by Harlequin American, Harlequin Intrigue,
Harlequin Superromance, Silhouette Intimate Moments, Silhouette
Special Edition, and continuity series such as 36 Hours.
Single Title Contemporary:
(novel or novella of at least 25,000 words) Romantic novels released
as single titles, such as those published by Avon, Bantam, Ballantine,
Berkley/Jove, Dell, Dutton/Signet, Fawcett, Harper, Kensington
(Arabesque, Pinnacle, Zebra), Leisure, Penguin, Pocket, Putnam,
Scarlet, St. Martin's Press, Warner.
Young Adult
(novel or novella of at least 25,000 words) Novels which are targeted
to young adult readers.
Historical (novel
or novella of at least 25,000 words): Novels which have a strong
romantic element throughout and set primarily prior to WWII, such
as those published by Avon, Bantam, Ballantine, Berkley/Jove,
Dell, Dutton/Signet, Fawcett, Harlequin, Harper, Kensington (Pinnacle,
Zebra), Leisure, Morrow, Penguin, Pocket, Putnam, St. Martin's
Press, Warner.
Regency (novel
or novella of at least 25,000 words): Romantic historical novels
with primary settings during the Regency period, typically 1800-1820.
Futuristic/Fantasy/Time
Travel/Paranormal (novel or novella of at least 25,000
words): Romance novels in which either the future, a fantasy world,
travel back or forward in time, or paranormal happenings are a
major element of the plot. These may be single title releases
or books published within established category romance lines fitting
other NRCA category descriptions.
Romantic Suspense (novel
or novella of at least 25,000 words): Romance novels in which
suspense is a major element of the plot. These may be single title
releases or books published within established category romance
lines fitting other NRCA category descriptions.
Inspirational (novel
or novella of at least 25,000 words): Romance novels in which
religious/spiritual faith is a major element of the plot. Sensuality
is usually not intense and love scenes are not graphically described,
such as those published by Barbour (Heartsong Presents), Bethany
House, Harvest House, Multnomah, Steeple Hill, Tyndale, Random
House (Waterbrook Press), Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan.
Mainstream with Romantic
Elements (novel or novella of at least 25,000 words)
Novels specifically targeted to women. This category is for books
that do not fit another category, i.e. romantic suspense, long
contemporary, etc. Books entered in this category should have
romantic elements and include chicklit, etc. Samples of this type
of book are Barbara Samuel, Kristin Hannah, etc.
Romantica (novel
or novella of at least 25,000 words): A novel where the sexuality
goes beyond that of a most romance novels and may use sexually
explicit language, but the romance is still the core of the book.
Can be either contemporary, historical or paranormal.
*Series books are defined as those books issued
under a common imprint/series name which are usually numbered
sequentially and released at regular intervals, usually monthly,
with the same number of releases each time.
Updated 27 June 2005
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