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Christian romance novel needs constructive critism

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Stacey Sweeney

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I wrote a Christian romance novel and would absolutely love some constructive criticism. (I know I can't spell, sorry.) Anyhow, it's completely finished and I've read it so many times I want to scream. I'd love a pair fresh eyes to tell me whether or not it sucks and which parts are good/bad, etc. I have some short stories published, but have never written a novel before. Be as harsh as you want, I'd rather know the truth now than after I waste time and money sending it to a ton of publishers.
The story is a shortish (170 pages) novel about the staff at a Christian summer camp. The intended audience is 12-18 year old girls. (Boys are more than welcome to read it, but I doubt many guys read romance.)
My email address is: [email protected]
The reason I'm putting this in the mentoring section instead of the share your work section is because I also would love someone to help me with other aspects of writing. Especially encoragement when the rejection letters start to become personal. However, I can move this (rewrite it) in the Share your work section if need be.
Thanks!
Stacey Sweeney
 

Cathy C

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Hi, Stacey and welcome!


First, the subgenre of romance that you're marketing to is "Inspirational." Making it a young adult (YA) novel is fine, but 42K is a bit short even for that genre. Most of them are looking for 45K and above. Here are a couple of publishers that you might want to check out to see if your manuscript might meet their requirements:

Warner Faith - http://www.twbookmark.com/library/faq.html
Zondervan - http://www.zondervan.com/desk/subguide.asp
Barbour Press - http://www.barbourbooks.com/
Dorchester - Leisure imprint - http://www.dorchesterpub.com/Dorch/SubmissionGuidlines.cfm
Dorchester - Smooch (this is their YA romance line) - http://www.smoochya.com/
Revell - http://www.bakerbooks.com/corporate/index.shtml
Tyndale House - http://www.tyndale.com/
WaterBrook Press - http://www.shawpub.com/

You'd be surprised how many boys read romance, if the underlying story is good. But don't worry -- the publisher will know how to reach their audience! :)

I'm afraid that Inspirational isn't my subgenre, but there is also a Christian Writing forum on the AW board. You might check it out. You might also consider joining the American Christian Fiction Writers. I've heard there are some good resources over there, at: http://www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com/

Good luck with your book!
 
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