That Thing: How to Stand Out
Your book is solid—strong characters, a satisfying arc, good pacing. But what will really make it stand out to readers and publishers alike is that “something extra.” That spark. The thing that makes someone say, “I had to read this,” “I couldn’t put it down,” or “I’ve never read anything quite like this before.”
1. A Unique Hook or High Concept
In a crowded romance market, having a unique hook is what gets a reader (or publisher) to stop and take notice. A high concept doesn't mean your book has to be wild or outlandish—it just means the premise should be easy to describe and immediately intriguing. Think of it as the “what if” question your book answers. For example, the book The Love Hypothesis stood out because it wasn’t just a fake-dating romance; it took place in the world of STEM academia, a setting rarely explored in the genre. That little twist—smart, nerdy, science-backed romance—made it feel fresh. When your concept has that built-in intrigue, readers are curious before they’ve even met the characters.
What to consider: What’s your book’s “elevator pitch”? Could someone describe it in a sentence and immediately get curious?
2. Emotional Depth or Unexpected Themes
While romance promises a happy ending, the stories that linger with readers are often the ones that explore deeper emotional terrain. Whether it’s tackling grief, healing from trauma, confronting identity, or dealing with moral gray areas, emotional depth gives your story resonance. Take It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover—it isn’t just a love story; it’s a heartbreaking examination of domestic abuse and the courage it takes to break generational cycles. Readers walked away from it not only entertained but also moved and challenged. When a romance dares to go deeper, it becomes more than escapism—it becomes unforgettable.
What to consider: Does your story say something deeper about human nature, love, or life?
3. Voice That Leaps Off the Page
The author’s voice is one of the most powerful tools in setting a book apart. Voice is more than just writing style—it’s the tone, rhythm, and personality of the story. A compelling voice makes the reader feel like they know the narrator personally, and it keeps them turning the pages, even through familiar tropes. In Beach Read, Emily Henry takes a regular concept—two writers who challenge each other to swap genres—but the voice is so sharp, vulnerable, and witty that it elevates the entire experience. A distinctive voice can make even a simple story feel special, because it’s told in a way only you could tell it.
What to consider: Is your narrative voice something only you could write?
4. Memorable Chemistry and Dialogue
At the heart of any great romance is chemistry—but it’s not just about physical attraction. True chemistry comes through in the dialogue, the silences, the tension that builds in every interaction. It’s about emotional connection, and it should feel electric. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne nails this through its snappy, flirtatious banter and the slow-burn buildup that keeps readers breathless. Readers don’t just root for the characters to get together—they feel the pull between them on every page. If your couple has authentic, memorable interactions, readers will fall in love with the romance right along with them.
What to consider: Are your characters’ interactions electric, layered, and addictive?
5. A Setting or Structure That Surprises
Sometimes what sets a book apart is how the story is told or where it takes place. An unusual setting can transport the reader, while a bold structure can keep them guessing. For example, One Day by David Nicholls breaks convention by checking in with the same two characters on the same date over many years. That structure alone adds a layer of tension and poignancy, making the story feel fresh and unique. Likewise, a setting that’s vivid and unexpected—like a cruise ship or a vineyard in Italy—can breathe new life into familiar tropes. When readers feel like they’re stepping into a world they haven’t seen before, they’re more likely to remember—and recommend—your book.
What to consider: Could your book’s structure or setting make it stand out?
Dig deeper. What truth are you telling that no one else is? What angle, background, voice, or emotional layer will make your story the one that readers obsess over, recommend, and reread? That’s the “something extra.” Not just a good story—a story that sticks."