What to Expect…

The incredible opportunity that awaits motivated writers in the romance genre is the industry’s best-kept secret…

While most writers fear having their work lost in mile-high piles of submissions, and are scared off by stories about hopefuls who have had their hopes dashed time and time again, you could very well have a much different fate.

Why? Because by the time you finish our course, you’ll know dozens of secrets and shortcuts that most beginning writers won’t learn for years…if ever. Not knowing the how-to’s of the industry is often what causes writers to fall short of their dream.  

In fact, when you read first-person accounts of the path that many romance writers took to publication, you’ll notice that many of them tell the same story: If I only I knew then what I know now…

Unlike them, you’ll know it all from the start so that you don’t make the blunders that other beginners make. All you have to do is follow the program, expect to succeed and you are half-way there—regardless of your background.

People from all walks of life—high-powered attorneys, stay-at-home moms, engineers, teachers, secretaries, scientists, accountants, doctors—have become highly successful romance authors. 

Take Marilyn Campbell.  She worked as a secretary, flight attendant, and a well-paid real-estate investment manager before she started writing romance. She secured a six-figure contract within two years.

After being laid off from her television job, Sandra Brown sold her first two romance novels within 13 days of each other. Now she’s written 37 novels and has made millions.

And of course, former legal secretary Nora Roberts started writing during a blizzard to keep herself sane. Now she is the industry’s most prolific writer.

These ladies broke into romance years ago. Now the demand for romance novels is even larger. With more than 2,000 romance novels published each year, today you have many more avenues to get published..

This Is Much More Than a Course…
You’ll Get a Whole Support Network

Writing for Love & Money: How to Become a Successful Romance Writerwill open the door to a passionate and prestigious profession.

But we don’t succeed unless you do. We encourage you to take your time and learn at your own pace. Review each lesson and move on to the next step only when you’re completely comfortable.

Don’t worry about “getting it right” the first time. We don’t expect your manuscript to be perfect. Our instructors will gently and fairly steer you in the right direction.

Plus, as a student at American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI), you’ll have access to the AWAI Forum.We never want you to feel isolated or be left wondering if you're doing something right.  You can post your questions, talk romance with other writers, get feedback on your manuscript, and swap encouraging stories with fellow writers.  

With the information-packed course, the feedback from our published writers, and the tremendous support you’ll get from the Forum and our team, you can go from being a “wannabe” writer to having a book contract in a matter of months.  Before long you’ll be able to tell your own stories…create a saleable manuscript…and see your name in print...

You’ll Get Some Insider Help so You May Negotiate the Best Deals

And here’s another unique aspect of our course: learning how to negotiate the best deals.

Think about it. Are you prepared for what happens after a publishing house accepts your manuscript? Will you know how to negotiate the best deal for yourself?

We realize most people’s dreams stop at receiving “The Call” that will take them from being a writer to becoming an author. They’re so excited (and rightfully so!) they don’t give much thought to the contract they are about to enter. As a result, they often end up settling for crumbs when they might be able to get a bigger slice of the pie, just by asking.

Because we've lived it for so long, we know the ins and outs of contracts, advances, royalties, pay-outs, and everything else in the publishing industry. Writing for Love & Money will arm you with the facts and information you’ll need to be more effective at the business side of writing—including securing fair and equitable payment.

That way when the call does come in, instead of being thrown off-balance, you’ll understand that, while it’s the end of one wonderful journey, it is also the beginning of a new one. And you’ll know what to do to get your manuscript finalized, into print, and on the bookstore shelf…perched for that first sale!

Our Instructors Are Big-Name Romance Writers
and Publishing Industry Professionals

In order to make your experience with AWAI mutually beneficial, here are a few tips regarding correspondence and written assignments:

• All assignments should include your full name and return address. If there are any changes to your account (phone number, email address, etc.) please include those as well.
• Always double-space your assignments. This makes it easier for the reviewers to read your copy and to write comments on it.
• If possible, send your assignments by email. Send them to us at assignments@awaionline.com. Use WORD or RICH TEXT formats only. Although we return your assignments by US mail, your email will expedite the process of getting your work out in a timely manner.
• If you correspond with us by email, please include the nature of your inquiry in the SUBJECT line.

Feel free to call (561-278-5557 or toll-free 866-879-2924) or email us, memberservices@awaionline.com, with questions pertaining to the curriculum as you move through the course. Remember, we are committed to your success. So take advantage of the resources we offer to get your career going!

Publishers, Editors, and Agents Don’t Care
If You Have an English Degree…Or Even If You Went to College

Most people think that all writers need to have a degree in English. Not true!  You don’t need an English degree…or any college degree, for that matter, to be a successful romance writer.

An avid reader of romance novels can pick up on the style, tone, and other elements of a great romance novel just as easily as a “professional” writer or journalist.

If you’re straight out of high school or college, if you have been a professional for years and want out, if you are a stay-at-home mom who can’t watch one more episode of Dora the Explorer, or if you are retired and want to try something fun and different…you are qualified to be a romance writer.  Every single person brings his or her own unique set of life experiences and interests to the page.

Publishers and editors simply don’t care about your resume. They just care that you know how to tell a good, marketable story that will sell.