The Dos and Don’ts for a Christian Romance Novel

Christian romance publishers are particular about how their novels are written. The basic requirements: a clear Christian message expressed through the lives of the characters and a lack of explicit sex.

Heartsong Presents, the inspirational book line of Barbour and Co. publishers, gives aspiring writers of Christian romance a long list of dos and don’ts.

Among the publisher’s other guidelines:

* “All manuscripts in the ‘Heartsong Presents’ inspirational line should present a conservative evangelical Christian world view.”

* “The underlying theme in all of our romances is the belief that a true and honest faith in God is the foundation for any romantic relationship.”

* “Stay away from any language that could be considered foul. Avoid euphemisms like heck or darn. To many of our readers these words are substitutes for curses, and in their minds as bad, or worse.”

* “The hero and heroine should not be divorced. This is acceptable for secondary and non-Christian characters.”

* “Most of our readers also find a woman as a pastor, or even an assistant pastor, unbiblical. If your heroine is a woman who is a pastor or youth pastor, etc., we will not consider your manuscript.”

* “The use of alcohol is offensive and incompatible with Christian teaching, according to many of our readers. While drinking is unacceptable for the Christian characters, however, for non-Christians this conflict can be explored.”

* “Do not be overly descriptive when describing how characters feel in a particular romantic moment, for example, kissing, embracing, and so on.”

* “Characters, especially women characters, should be modestly dressed. . . . We will edit questionable scenes out of manuscripts.”