Harlequin Heartwarming is an imprint of Harlequin Romance, which is an imprint of Harper Collins. We have also reviewed a number of their other imprint previously, including Afterglow Books, Carina Press, Mills & Boon, Love Inspired & Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Historical, and Harlequin Intrigue. All of the different imprints have clear focuses, and separate submission guidelines, and clear word count guidelines.

Harlequin Heartwarming describes the stories they are seeking as “Wholesome, fun and feel-good contemporary romances set in close-knit communities where the reader can escape to a world of love and belonging. Fall in love with small towns, friendly neighborhoods and romances that always end with happily ever after!”

They also list a number of TV shows as examples of what they are hoping to publish in book form: Gilmore Girls, Virgin River, Schitt’s Creek and Ted Lasso.

Also, unlike most of the other Harlequin imprints, outside of the overtly religious ones, this one noticeably does not mention being open to LGBTQ+ characters, and they always refer to the main couple as the “hero and heroine”.

They list the following as the key elements to the Heartwarming line:

“Clean, sweet, feel-good stories that readers can share with friends and family of all ages.

Contemporary romances with a focus on family and community. Popular themes include: small towns, coming home, becoming a family (single parents, children and secret babies), holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving), western elements (cowboys and ranchers), traditional romance themes such as marriage of convenience and fake relationship, and pets or animals.

Characters are everyday men and women with traditional values facing the challenges of modern life and relationships with courage and hope. Heroes are dependable, loyal and honest, with jobs such as firefighter, sheriff, small-town cop, rancher or vet. Heroines are optimistic, empathetic and independent, with strong ties to the people and world around her. We welcome characters with a diverse range of cultural backgrounds and challenges.

Settings are North American small towns or close-knit communities within cities. 

Although the developing romance between the hero and heroine is always the focus, Heartwarming’s longer word count allows the author to show the family and friends around the central couple. Subplots featuring best friends, siblings, coworkers and neighbors are welcome and help create a community that readers will want to escape to again and again.

Heartwarming romances feature a low sensuality level. Hugs and kisses only. Still, lots of romantic attraction and tension is required!

No explicit or behind-closed-doors sex, nudity, pre-marital sex, profanity or graphic depictions of violence. 

No explicit religious or Christian content. No paranormal. No heavy suspense.”

At the time of update all of the books they mention as recommended reading from the imprint, are not linked to correctly, although you can still find them on Amazon. Here’s one of the examples they give.

Manuscripts can be up to 70,000 words in length. They ask that you submit your full manuscript alongside “a 3-7 page synopsis describing your story, including plot outline, character development and conflict resolution/ending”.

They publish four books a month in print and eBook format.

You can learn more about the series editors and submission guidelines here. Just scroll down to the Heartwarming section.