Harlequin Updates Submission Standards for Afterglow & Carina Imprints

Harlequin has rolled out new writing guidelines for two of its imprints—Afterglow by Harlequin and Carina by Harlequin—with a clear message: bold, emotion-packed romance of all kinds is welcome.

The Editorial Team

  • Stacy Boyd (Executive Editor)

  • Stephanie Doig (Senior Editor)

  • Leyla Erkan (Editor)

  • Eugénie Szwalek (Editorial Assistant)

These editors say they’re looking for stories that grab them from page one and refuse to let go.

What They Want

Afterglow is looking for:

  • Trend-forward romances in all subgenres

  • High-stakes contemporary, paranormal, dark romantasy, dystopian

Carina is seeking:

  • Werewolves, omegaverse, monster romance (especially M/M or F/F)

  • Polyamorous, reverse-harem, fan-fic-origin stories

  • Queer Westerns with attitude

Across both imprints, Harlequin emphasizes: “Give us layered hooks, stand-out tropes, and characters we never forget.”

Diversity & Inclusivity

Harlequin underscores a commitment to underrepresented voices. Whether you’re a queer creator, a BIPOC writer, or writing outside mainstream tropes—your story has a place at Afterglow and Carina.

How to Submit

This move signals Harlequin’s aim to stay on the forefront of romance publishing—embracing experimental formats, genre mash-ups, and voices that reflect today’s readers.

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