With the launch of its new romance imprint, Palomino Press, Skyhorse Publishing hopes to prove that romance isn’t just for Valentine’s Day. The imprint, which will publish print editions, e-books, and audiobooks, kicks off in September 2021. While Skyhorse has published romance titles in the past—including the popular books by Amish romance author Linda Byler—the opportunity to focus solely on the genre through the new imprint is an exciting development for editorial director Kathleen Schmidt. A reader of romance herself, Schmidt says, “Romance books offer inspiration, hope, and an escape into another world. They are much more than just love stories.”
With an initial two to three titles publishing this year, the imprint will then publish five books each season. While the focus will be
on historical and contemporary romance, within those categories the books will be varied. “In contemporary romance, there are too many subgenres and tropes to list,” says Schmidt, “so I’ll just say I’m open to publishing any of them if the writing is terrific and the plot and characters are fresh.”
While the effects of the pandemic continue to reverberate throughout the publishing world, Schmidt feels the audience for romantic fiction has never been stronger and readers have never been more eager for the kinds of escape the genre can offer. “The beauty in romance books is that no matter who you are, you deserve and get a happily-ever-after,” she says. “There is no underestimating the effect that has on readers."
While readers love romance, the genre is sometimes dismissed by outside gatekeepers. With Palomino’s forthcoming titles, Schmidt hopes to break through some of the outmoded ideas about what romance is—and could be. “I’d also really like to see romance titles on more ‘Best Books of the Year’ lists, which often exclude the genre altogether,” she says. “There shouldn’t be a constant need to legitimize romance as literature—it’s not a genre that is read only around Valentine’s Day. It is a billion-dollar business with serious readers and should be treated as such. A shift in how the media perceives romance books is badly needed.”
As the “Ripped Bodice State of Racial Diversity in Romance” report recently revealed, diversity in romance still needs improvement—something that Schmidt and the team at Skyhorse are cognizant of. “The genre is ever-evolving,” she says. “We still haven’t seen enough diversity in romance, and I’m hopeful that will change.” Schmidt and Palomino are committed to doing their part to give a platform to diverse stories and voices in romance. Readers already connect deeply with their favorite characters in romance novels, and the genre may be uniquely situated to broaden its storytelling to better represent diverse communities.
With an initial two to three titles publishing this year, the imprint will then publish five books each season. While the focus will be
on historical and contemporary romance, within those categories the books will be varied. “In contemporary romance, there are too many subgenres and tropes to list,” says Schmidt, “so I’ll just say I’m open to publishing any of them if the writing is terrific and the plot and characters are fresh.”
“Often, these books can help readers with situations they may face themselves,” Schmidt says. “While one romance book may offer a sexual awakening, another will focus on being a single parent and the complexities that brings into a new relationship. There are stories that touch on mental health, disabilities, addiction, and divorce. There are characters who are plus-size, part of the LGBTQ community, and from different cultures.” Even if some books in the genre haven’t been there for all readers in the past, Schmidt says, “the audience is there and waiting.”
In difficult times, readers reach for escape and inspiration—and that’s what Palomino plans to provide. "I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to continue on with the launch and promotion of Palomino Press.” Schmidt says. “What I would say to readers is be on the lookout for some exciting romance books and new authors you can connect with.”
