Alex Gehringer

Contemporary Romance

I’m most interested in characters who spark off each other—where chemistry, tension and banter pull me through the pages, no matter what world the story inhabits. I firmly believe “if your hero is a firefighter, your heroine better be an arsonist.” I want quick, clever dialogue and fresh, addictive plot lines that make readers say just one more chapter until it’s 2am. Strong side characters who could carry their own stories are always a plus.

Send me slow-burn romance contrasted against propulsive plot and smart humor—think voice in the vein of Alison Espach’s The Wedding People or Mhairi McFarlane’s Just Last Night. I love character duos with bite and palpable chemistry, like in Christina Lauren’s The Paradise Problem.

If you’re querying a contemporary genre mash-up, I’m especially keen to see concepts where both genres feel essential to the story you are telling.

Romantasy, Dystopian, Speculative Romance (& beyond)

I’m seeking high-concept epic quests, tragic bargains, star-crossed lovers…I’ll take it all so long as a romantic plot is present. I am most excited about concepts that innovate on the genre and show me something I’ve not seen before. Give me the Grapes of Wrath set in the future or in a parallel universe with relatable twenty-somethings. Give me a swashbuckling Severance. I would love the next Conform, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, or The Everlasting.

Additionally, I’m eager to see stories with roots in folklore from the author’s culture, particularly if that culture is underrepresented.

Be forewarned I’m a tough sell on medieval settings, fae elements, and dragons.

Across Both

On both sides of my list, I’m drawn to imperfect good guys and redeemable villains, found families, enemies or friends to lovers, fake relationships, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, rivals, and other unlikely pairings.

I am not a fit for…

• Historical romance
• Significant age gaps or abusive power dynamics
• Gratuitous violence or gore
• Rockstar, billionaire, mafia, sports or dating app romances

Submission Guidelines

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