Romance Novel Writer at Barbell Publishing

Barbell Publishing is a publishing company that specializes in a wide range of literary genres, including novels, poetry, and children's books. They work with a diverse group of writers to help them bring their unique voices and stories to the world. The company is dedicated to publishing high-quality works and providing the best to the readers.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Romance Novel Writer

Location: Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• We are seeking a talented and imaginative Romance Novel Writer to craft emotionally engaging, addictive, and market-ready romance fiction.
• The ideal candidate must be skilled in creating compelling characters, intense chemistry, dramatic tension, and binge-worthy plotlines that keep readers hooked from the first page to the final chapter.

Job Description

• The Romance Novel Writer will be responsible for developing full-length romance novels or serialized episodes according to brand tone, target audience, and plot direction.
• You will work closely with editors or creative directors (if part of a team) to deliver high-quality, emotionally immersive stories within set deadlines.
• This role requires originality, consistency, and an understanding of commercial romance trends.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop engaging romance storylines from concepts or detailed outlines.
• Write high-quality chapters/content consistently based on publishing schedule.
• Craft intense emotional arcs, romantic tension, and character development.
• Apply cliffhangers, twists, and pacing appropriate for webnovel/ebook platforms.
• Collaborate with editors for revisions, feedback, and storyline refinement.
• Maintain consistency in character voice, tone, world-building, and pacing.
• Keep up-to-date with trends in romance genres (dark romance, billionaire, fantasy romance, etc.).
• Revise and polish manuscripts to meet commercial publishing quality.
• Deliver manuscripts before or on deadline with minimal supervision.

Requirements
Education:

• Not strictly required but a Degree in Creative Writing, English, Literature, or Communications is an added advantage but not mandatory.
• Portfolio and storytelling ability are more important than formal education.

Experience:

• Proven experience writing romance fiction (published or ghostwritten).
• Portfolio of previous romance novels, serials, or relevant writing samples.
• Experience in high-volume content writing or serialized fiction is preferred.
• Knowledge of market-driven romance writing and understanding of popular tropes.

Requirements:

• Must be available to write a minimum of 7chapters per week
• Must submit a test chapter or sample to evaluate storytelling style and emotional depth.
• Ability to take feedback and revise without ego.
• Passion for romance storytelling and understanding of reader-driven fiction.
• Must sign a NDA/Ghostwriting Agreement if writing as a contracted ghostwriter.
• Access to a stable writing device and reliable internet connection.
• Willingness to study successful romance titles for structure, tone, and engagement techniques.

Required Skills:

• Strong storytelling ability with mastery of romance tropes and emotional hooks.
• Ability to write in simple, immersive, binge-readable English.
• Excellent command of dialogue, romantic tension, and pacing.
• Creativity in generating plot twists and memorable characters.
• Understanding of reader psychology and engagement techniques.
• Consistent writing speed and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Strong self-editing skills and attention to detail.

Salary
N100,000 monthly.

Application Closing Date
31st December, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send a 500 - 800 word chapter sample of their written workincorporating the theme below to: hrmanager.barbell@gmail.com using the job title as the subject of the mail.

Writing Test Theme (500 - 800 words):
"Reunion After a Mistake" - Two former lovers unexpectedly cross paths after a painful separation. One is still hurt; the other hopes for reconciliation. Write a scene that shows emotional depth, chemistry, and natural dialogue without excessive exposition.

Note: NO CVs. Only a copy of written romance chapter would be reviewed.