How Long Are Typical Romance Novels Excerpts From Publishers?

2025-08-18 14:19:04 115

4 Answers

Jason
Jason
2025-08-19 14:31:43
I’ve spent way too much time scrolling through publisher websites and NetGalley, and romance novel excerpts usually clock in at about 2-4 chapters or 10-20 pages. It’s enough to get a feel for the writing style and main characters’ dynamics. For instance, contemporary rom-coms like 'Beach Read' by Emily Henry often have snappy, dialogue-heavy excerpts around 2,500 words, while historical romances like 'Bringing Down the Duke' by Evie Dunmore might go longer to establish the setting.
Olivia
Olivia
2025-08-20 12:36:30
Romance excerpts tend to be short—usually under 5 pages. They often highlight the opening scene or a pivotal moment, like the first kiss in 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang. I’ve noticed publishers lean toward snippets that showcase the author’s voice and the couple’s chemistry quickly, since romance readers often decide within a few paragraphs whether they’re hooked.
Xanthe
Xanthe
2025-08-20 15:51:23
I’ve noticed publishers often share excerpts to hook readers. The length varies, but most excerpts I’ve seen range from 1,500 to 5,000 words, roughly 5-15 pages. For example, excerpts from 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne or 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood usually sit around 3,000 words, giving enough to showcase the chemistry between characters without spoiling the plot.

Longer excerpts, like those for epic romances such as 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon, might stretch to 7,000 words because the world-building needs more space. Publishers aim to balance intrigue and brevity—enough to leave you wanting more but not so much that it feels like a free preview of half the book. I’ve also seen some indie publishers experiment with shorter snippets, around 1,000 words, especially for serialized romances or quick reads.
Harold
Harold
2025-08-21 05:00:32
From my experience as a romance reader, excerpts are like appetizers—they’re meant to tease, not fill you up. Most are 3-5 pages long, focusing on a key scene, like a meet-cute or a tense moment. I remember the excerpt for 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston was just the first chapter, but it was so witty and charming that I immediately preordered the book. Publishers know what they’re doing with these bite-sized previews.
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