Radiance, an imprint of Roan & Weatherford, publishes outstanding novels in the upmarket and romance genres and the many sub-genres they encompass.
We seek character-driven stories with a focus on the dynamics of interpersonal connections and the complex arcs followed as they mature and unfold. These relationships need to explore the intricacies of love in all its forms—romantic, family, friends, and even strangers who inextricably cross paths during times of strife.
If every story has truly already been told, then a focus on the vehicle is immaterial. In romance, we’ve all seen the meet-cute, the star-crossed soul mates, the mistaken identities, and the enemies-turned-lovers. In family dramas, we’ve read about abuses, adoptions, divorces, and deaths. Friends keep secrets and betray confidences. Strangers step up when loved ones don’t. We’re looking to elevate these familiar tales. We want fresh takes—situations with heightened stakes, characters who go to extremes. Stories that twist our guts and fill our hearts more than we ever dreamed.
Like our readers, we have high expectations. If an author can meet them—or better, exceed them—we want to introduce that work to the world.
Publisher
Staci Troilo
Staci Troilo is the Executive Vice President and Publisher of Roan & Weatherford’s Radiance Imprint. She joined the company in 2014 and, after a brief departure during which she moved back to her hometown to be near family, she returned to Arkansas and the company in 2022. Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, she chose to stay in the area she loved through her college career, receiving her B.A. in Professional Writing and Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon earning a scholarship to continue her education, she achieved her M.A. in Professional Writing from her alma mater in two semesters. Staci has worked as a writer and editor for over thirty years, more than fifteen of which were spent editing for independent publishers. She is currently searching for exceptional manuscripts in the upmarket and romance genres.
Wishlist
For upmarket, I’m looking for complex drama. Secrets hidden under layers of riddles wrapped in an enigmatic shroud. Stories with throat-gripping beginnings, messy middles, and jaw-dropping endings. Bonus points for snippets of humor to give readers a smile or two between crying jags.
For romance, I’m looking for strong, unique characters. A mash-up with another genre that’s seldom or never done. Something to revitalize the standard, tired tropes. I want the chemistry to be palpable, regardless of heat level, and any explicit scenes to focus more on the emotion of the moment than the biology and logistics. At the heart of the matter, these are all love stories. I want to fall in love with the characters as they fall for each other.
