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List:       publib
Subject:    [PUBLIB] Romance inclusion criteria (fwd)
From:       plib2 () webjunction ! org (PUBLIB)
Date:       1999-12-26 16:25:01
Message-ID: Pine.GSO.4.10.9912261324590.10424-100000 () webjunction ! org
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Sender: Mary K Chelton <mchelton@pop.mail.rcn.net>
Subject: Romance inclusion criteria

Speaking as a romance fan, I suggest that you use the same criteria 
and authors who are reviewed and advertised regularly in Romantic 
Times, as well as those in the annual Romance Writers of America 
awards, which are posted on their website.  The difference that seems 
to trip everybody up is whether romantic women's fiction, such as 
that normally, but not always, written by Danielle Steel should be 
included, and I don't think she should. The other thing to consider 
is the market for romances. It could be argued that Nora Roberts is 
writing mainstream women's fiction in her hardback originals now, but 
she is so identified with the romance genre, that it is almost silly 
not to put her there. Her JD Robb books are definitely SF, but she is 
perpetually marketed to romance readers as "Nora Roberts writing as 
JD Robb." I've yet to find one in the SF section of a bookstore.

The other issue is whether to put lesbian romances in with romances. 
RWA does not admit the existence of lesbian romances, but they do 
exist, and other than the protagonists being the same sex, follow 
classic romance plotlines, so I would include them.

Since the people doing the classifying often do not read the genre, 
perhaps the non-negotiables should be pointed out to them: happy 
endings and primary emphasis on the growing love relationship of the 
protagonists, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, etc., or the 
setting or time period. Most romances are written by women so male 
authors should raise a red flag, too, with the noted exception of 
Leigh Greenwood.

Hope this helps.
35 Mercury Ave.
East Patchogue, NY 11772
516 (as of 4/1, 631) 286-4255
mchelton@erols.com

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