Writing Romantic Fiction While it's true that most romantic novels are written by women for women, men do write them too. However, if you are a man writing from a woman's viewpoint and using a female pen-name, make sure you get it right - female readers will spot it right away if you don't! Romantic novels can nowadays have a man as the main character, though the female lead still dominates the genre. If you are just starting out in this field it might be a good idea to fall in line with the mainstream - the time for originality is after you've had a few books in print!
The guidelines for romance writing are absolutely specific and each publishing house has its own that, generally, they will quite happily send to you. Read them! Yes, there is a formula behind writing romantic fiction, but it also leaves lots of room for creativity. However, your reader must be able to believe in your story - if the young model falls for the old tycoon, they'll want to know why. Making him rich just isn't enough! Also, romance readers are a savvy bunch - if you don't believe in what you write, you'd better believe they won't either. If you cannot be honest and show that you have a genuine 'feel' for romantic fiction - if you're just writing it as an 'easy option' - forget it. Please! It simply will not ring true - and it will show. If, on the other hand, your heart beats faster at the very sight of a Mills and Boon cover you just might be on the right track for your fiction career!