Romance Novel Writer at Barbell Publishing

Barbell Publishing is a publishing company in Nigeria that focuses on producing high-quality novels, poetry, and children’s books. We work with writers from different backgrounds to bring meaningful and engaging stories to readers. Our goal is to publish creative, well-written, and enjoyable books that connect with audiences.

Job Details

Job Title: Romance Novel Writer
Location: Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-time
Application Closing Date: 31 December 2025
Salary: N100,000 monthly

Role Overview

We are looking for a creative and skilled Romance Novel Writer who can produce emotional, engaging, and market-ready romance stories. The ideal candidate should be able to create strong characters, believable chemistry, and compelling plotlines that keep readers interested from beginning to end.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop romance storylines from ideas or provided outlines
• Write consistent, high-quality chapters based on the publishing schedule
• Build strong emotional arcs, romantic tension, and solid character development
• Use cliffhangers, twists, and effective pacing suitable for digital reading platforms
• Work with editors to improve storylines and apply feedback
• Maintain consistency in character voice, tone, and world-building
• Stay updated with popular romance trends such as dark romance, billionaire romance, and fantasy romance
• Revise manuscripts to meet publishing standards
• Submit work within deadlines with minimal supervision

Qualifications and Skills

Education

• A degree in Creative Writing, English, Literature, or Communications is an advantage but not required
• A strong writing portfolio is more important than formal education

Experience

• Experience writing romance fiction (published or ghostwritten)
• Samples of previous romance novels or serialized stories
• Background in high-volume writing or serialized fiction is an advantage
• Knowledge of popular romance tropes and market trends

Other Requirements

• Ability to write a minimum of seven chapters per week
• Ability to submit a test chapter to evaluate writing style
• Openness to feedback and willingness to revise work
• Passion for romance storytelling and understanding of reader-focused fiction
• Ability to sign an NDA or Ghostwriting Agreement if required
• Access to a stable device and reliable internet
• Willingness to study successful romance stories for structure and engagement

Required Skills

• Strong storytelling ability and understanding of romance tropes
• Ability to write in simple, immersive, and binge-worthy English
• Good command of dialogue and romantic tension
• Creativity in plot development and character creation
• Understanding of reader psychology and engagement
• Ability to work with deadlines consistently
• Strong self-editing skills and attention to detail

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send a 500 to 800 word romance chapter sample based on the theme below. Use the job title as the email subject line.

Writing Test Theme (500 to 800 words)
Reunion After a Mistake: Two former lovers meet again after a painful separation. One still feels hurt while the other hopes to make things right. Write a scene that shows emotional depth, chemistry, and natural dialogue.

Note: Do not send a CV. Only writing samples will be reviewed.