Silhouette Super Desire Guidelines
Silhouette Super Desire appeared to be the publisher's attempt at capturing the audience who gravitated toward authors such as Judith Krantz. The guidelines suggest a flashier, high society approach to the storylines, though the actual length of the books was much shorter than the single-title novels published by authors such as Krantz. These novels contrasted with traditional Silhouette Desire titles by adding additional layers of sophistication to the story elements.
SUPER DESIRE TIP SHEET
The Super Desire line is designed to appeal to readers looking for a heightened feeling of romance and fantasy in a category novel. The Super Desire novel ought to sweep the reader away into a special world where everyday cares are forgotten in the thrill of passions which are frankly larger than life.
Heroine: The romantic heroine is the reader's entree to the story. The events of a Super Desire are seen primarily through her eyes, so it is essential that she be a sympathetic character. Independent, intelligent and strong-willed, she should also be emotionally vulnerable. Though she may find herself in circumstances unfamiliar to most readers, she reacts to them in a familiar and believable way. The reader should experience her fears and joys as though at first hand.
Hero: The Super Desire hero in not the average boy next door. He should be a uniquely charismatic character, a man who has unusual presence and emotional strength. He may have overcome tremendous obstacles to rise to his present position; he has always lived life to the fullest. He feels at home in situations, professions and life styles which the average person rarely experiences. In short, he is the man every woman dreams about In her most exciting fantasies.
Setting: The setting of a Super Desire may be foreign or American, but it should seem exotic and different. The story should introduce the reader to a new world. This may be accomplished by using a glamorous, high society background, an unusual locale, or by giving the hero and/or heroine offbeat jobs.
Love Scenes: The level of sensuality should be high throughout the story. Sexual tension between hero and heroine will build until they actually make love - probably about halfway through the book. Several detailed love scenes - between the hero and the heroine only - should be included. There must be evidence of emotional commitment before they actually go to bed together.
Plot: The Super Desire plot centers on the romance between hero and heroine, but it may incorporate elements of adventure, suspense or melodrama. These elements must never overshadow the romance; instead, they should be used to heighten the emotional highs and lows of the developing relationship between hero and heroine. The Super Desire will be more action-oriented than the average romance, often dealing with life and death situations and always featuring an emotionally moving, dramatic climax. Ideally, it will elicit a few tears along the way, as well as a bouyant [sic] feeling when we learn that the two lovers will, indeed, live happily ever after.
Length: 80- 85,000 words.
