Why do you think romance novels are so popular?

They offer joy, escapism, fun, romance, something for us to hope for! Most people relish the idea of falling in love, and romantic fiction makes that possible.

Given their popularity, how do you make a romance novel stand out from the crowd?

For me personally, a romance novel has to feel possible – not so unlikely that it’s a fairytale, but with enough fun alongside the authenticity to make it a joy to read. It’s about authentic characters, and lots more going on besides the romance.

As an agent, what do you look for in a romance novel?

A fresh voice, and lots of smart fun. I represent romance writers who play with reality and romance, hand in hand. The characters are as real as their feelings, and their feelings are deep and often complicated. I don’t want girl-meets-boy as the only thing going on, I almost want the romance to be incidental in the first few chapters. It can become important of course, but never all-consuming because that’s not how most of us love in our lives!

As a reader, what is your favourite trope in romantic fiction?

It’s hard to pick one! I enjoy friends to lovers because there’s something really sexy in a slow-burning attraction, and guessing when – at last – they might finally reveal their true feelings. But I like most of the tropes as long as they feel freshly-told and surprising.

What are the first things you do when working with a debut romance author?

I’ll sit down with them and interrogate the romance! I hope we’ll have fun with working on the story together, and ensuring it hits a lot of ‘moments’ for the main characters. I refer to the romance queen that is Nora Ephron a LOT, i.e. when we get stuck with a plot point, what would Nora do? It’s a tack Norie Clarke (author of HOW TO FIND A LOST LOVE) and I have frequently used, to the extent that she sent me a Nora Ephron t-shirt!

What advice would you give for a writer approaching an agent with a romance novel?

Make sure you’re reading popular contemporary romance yourself and have an idea of where your book might thrive among the current readership. Use bestselling comparison authors or titles, but also know what makes your own story stand out and feel unique.

Romance novelists are often prolific, sometimes producing two or more novels per year, how do you support your writers to ensure they don’t burn out?

Good question! Regular check-ins, and open communication about how much they can manage, especially when life might get in the way of a planned delivery or other work for the book. For the authors that write so often, I make sure we frequently discuss whether two books (or more) a year is still comfortable for them.

Do you have any advice for writers looking to move into romance from another genre?

Lots of the same advice applies as for any novel. I think a good general piece of advice is never to assume that writing romance is easy or less complicated than any other fiction. You’ll have all the same challenges with story, structure and character, AND you have to write a believable, original and heart-wringing romantic arc into the mix!

How important do you think having a social media presence is for a romance author?

Romance readers are fairly engaged with conversation online, so it can be helpful to be active on social media. One of my authors, Bolu Babalola, has been enormously popular on TikTok and we’ve enjoyed seeing the conversation there, but Bolu doesn’t use the platform for posting much herself (simply because she doesn’t have much time to!). There’s the sense that we (the publishing industry) can’t contrive success on social media platforms so authors shouldn’t worry about it if it’s not a place they feel comfortable. If you’re willing then brilliant, but don’t feel it’s essential.

How does an emerging romance novelist compete with the big established names?

In short, you rarely can! Those established names have probably taken years to build up their readership and success, and it’s important to know that most new novelists don’t become successful with their first books! But, everyone has to start somewhere, and if you’re lucky enough to get an ambitious publisher behind you who might help build your profile over more than one book, you’re in with a fighting chance. One of my ‘big established’ authors, Sue Moorcroft, does a brilliant presentation at events called ’20 Years To Become An Overnight Success’, which says it all!

What advice would you give an aspiring romance writer?

Enjoy your story! I understand that there will be times when the writing process is excruciating, but I think the best stories come from the authors who enjoy spending time with their characters, puzzling out the key moments in their burgeoning love story, and who feel emotional themselves when they finally get together. You have to care about your characters!

Are you able to tell us a little about the process of working with an agent? Why is it important to have an agent representing your novel? What does an agent do?

An agent is essentially your champion in the publishing industry, and the advocate for you with publishers everywhere. I represent my authors in the UK and US, and my colleagues look after their translation, film and TV rights. The idea of having representation as an author is that your agent is out there introducing your book to anyone who might be keen, negotiating you the best deals and protecting your rights as an author, and bringing in as much income as they can on your behalf. We do lots of editorial work before a book goes on submission, and are then a sounding board for new ideas. We manage the relationship with the publisher to try and ensure that the author is given the time and attention they should receive, and the book is published well. An agent is also – ideally! – your constant throughout your writing career. Publishers and editors will come and go, but an agent will be by your side throughout your hopefully long and brilliant career!

What can a debut author expect when their novel has been picked up by a publisher?

Plenty more editorial work (!), lots of exciting chat about covers, marketing and publicity, and a close relationship with the editor, marketing and publicity people. A good editor will be understanding, responsive and passionate, and able to encourage their colleagues to be as excited as they are about publishing your book.

Any final top tips you’d like to share?

Make sure there’s plenty going on in your story that isn’t romance-driven: what else do your characters have going on?