Because finishing your book is hard enough — let’s make the rest a little easier (and a lot spicier).
So, you’ve decided to write a romance novel. Or maybe you’ve already started, and the characters are whispering spicy things at 3 a.m. (Been there.) Whether you're knee-deep in your first draft or still dreaming up tropes, here are 10 things we wish every new author knew.
1. 💡
Just Write the Messy Draft
Seriously. Your first draft doesn't need to be good — it just needs to exist. Give yourself permission to write badly. Your only job right now is to get the story out of your head and onto the page. You can’t edit a blank document, but you can fix a mess.
2. 🛠
Know Your Tropes (and Lean Into Them)
Enemies to lovers? Fated mates? Grumpy/sunshine? Readers come to romance with expectations — and tropes are part of the fun. Embrace them. Play with them. Twist them. But don’t ignore them. They’re your secret sauce.
3. 🔥
Spice Needs Emotion
You can write the hottest scene in the world, but if there’s no emotional tension behind it, readers will skim. Good smut hits harder when it means something. Build connection first, then bring the heat.
4. 🎯
Ever
y Scene Needs a Purpose
Ask yourself: “What does this scene do?” Does it move the plot? Develop the characters? Raise the stakes? If it doesn’t serve your story in some way (besides “it’s cute”), consider cutting or combining it. Your pacing will thank you.
5. 🗣
Dialogue Should Sound Like Real People (But Better)
People don’t talk in paragraphs. Make sure your characters’ conversations feel natural — with interruptions, pauses, sarcasm, subtext, and tension. Good dialogue reveals just as much as it hides.
6. ✨
Don’t Over-Explain Emotions
Let your readers feel things. You don’t need to tell us your character is heartbroken — show us how she’s rereading his last text or sleeping on his side of the bed. Trust your reader to connect the dots.
7. 📚
Read in Your Genre (and Beyond)
Want to write great dark fantasy romance? Read dark fantasy romance. And read thrillers, poetry, and memoirs too. Reading widely sharpens your instincts and deepens your toolkit.
8. ✍️
Write Now, Edit Later
Don’t pause every paragraph to fix a sentence or check a comma. Draft in flow mode — and edit with intention later. They’re two totally different brain states, and trying to do both at once will just burn you out.
9. 🛑
Get Feedback — But Choose Wisely
Not everyone should read your unedited draft. Find critique partners who understand your genre, respect your voice, and offer thoughtful, actionable notes. (Hint: your mom might love you, but she’s probably not your ideal beta reader.)
10. 🖤
Your Voice Is the Magic
The most unforgettable books aren’t just technically perfect — they have voice. Yours might be snarky, poetic, filthy, vulnerable, or all of the above. Embrace it. Lean into it. Protect it. No editor (including us!) should ever edit it out.
✨ Bonus Tip: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Writing a book is brave. Publishing it is braver. And doing both without support? Absolutely heroic — but unnecessary.
At A Novel Romance Editing Service, we specialize in helping indie romance authors shape their stories with clarity, confidence, and a touch of spice. Whether you're looking for big-picture help or final polish, we've got you.
📣 Get your free sample edit now
📣 Browse editing packages
📣 Want to know what type of editing you need?
Still unsure? Send me a DM on or email!
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