While other companies offer fill-in-the-blanks forms of personalization (like Mad Libs), we at Lovestruck Literature take the time to offer you a completely distinct novel tailored to your taste and preferences. The details that make this literary gift unique come straight from the story of your relationship, as placed within the context of a fictional historical setting.
You may have seen other similar-seeming prospective gifts online that share memories in bound book form, or that offer classic stories (or erotica) in which you can insert your name. At Lovestruck Literature we don't use a fill-in-the-blank process, we follow the road less traveled. When we say our services are bespoke, we truly mean it. We are working with you specifically to create a brand new work of literature.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime gift, totally original and tailored to your specific personalities, tastes, and relationship.
Who is this for?
For your partner, spouse, betrothed, girlfriend, boyfriend, lover, or favorite couple. A perfect and unique gift for soon-to-be newlyweds or long-time couples celebrating their 80th wedding anniversary.
There is never a wrong time to remind your partner of the magic of your personal falling-in-love story- or to remind your favorite couple of their own tale.
A custom romance novel is a great gift for: -Anniversaries -Birthdays -Proposals -Weddings (You can read it aloud to each other during your honeymoon) -Valentine’s Day -Christmas/Hannukah/etc. -Just because
What kinds of novels do we write?
Well, we don’t write zombie romances, but we are definitely open to plots involving ghosts, fantastical elements (but not fan fiction), noir (who doesn’t love a good mystery?), Victorian-style English countryside romps, Wild Western showdowns, 1920’s brouhahas, modernist stream of consciousness reflections on society (ie: James Joyce, ie: Virginia Woolf), and any other style you might like to discuss.
Regardless of the thematic setting, there are certain elements that will always be important:
Your story and the details of your relationship will inform every aspect of the novel’s development, from characters (you, of course!) to plot developments, to minute details that lend richness to the novelistic landscape.
Let’s face it, there is no compelling story without some kind of obstacle. Included in the questionnaire is a series of inquiries that will help us craft an excellent plot twist and/or villain- remember that dastardly gunslinger in that film you watched together at the outdoor cinema when you first met? Well, he can make an appearance (and cause an awful lot of ruckus too). Or perhaps there was a time when you had to weather the stormy uncertainty of ‘doing long distance’. In your novel, that period becomes transformed: one of you had to leave to explore the Arctic, or was captured by pirates, or fought in the Trojan War.
While the possibilities are seemingly endless, one thing is certain: each of our novels will conclude with a 'happy ever after'.
Our Process
How does it work? Step 1: Questionnaire After you send us your initial request, we will email you an extensive questionnaire. You answer the questions and prompts listed and when you are ready, send it back to us.
Take your time to reflect on the answers and have fun with it! You never know which detail may stand out and become a central part of the plot.
*If you have chosen the deluxe package, this is the time to send us photos of you and your sweetie (or send photos of the happy couple, if this is a gift for them), so our illustrator can start designing your custom book cover.
Step 2: Video Consultation We will arrange an online video consultation, during which we will discuss the intricacies of your relationship (as they relate to this gift) and any particular quirks you might like to include. Are you massive fans of Abba? Do you both love toast? Do you want to be portrayed as a 1920's flapper girl? We can work with that. This is also a way for us to welcome you into the process, so you can feel comfortable knowing your story will be received by a friendly face.
Step 3: Writing! We get to work transforming your story. We will draft and send you a plot outline of all ten chapters along the way to make sure that you are excited about the plot, pacing, and flow of your unique book. Otherwise, now is the time for us to work our magic- writing, editing, and designing your one-of-a-kind commissioned gift.
*For the deluxe package, this is the stage at which our illustrator is perfecting your personalized illustration, and we are recording the audiobook performance of your novel.
Step 4: Gift giving At this point, your story is written and your book is designed. In whichever form you have chosen to enjoy this book- whether digitally, printed, or audio recorded- now is the time to give this special gift to your loved one(s) and revel in the joy and beauty of your unique relationship.
How long does it all take?
We want to give your story the time and care it truly deserves. In order to do this, we take on a limited number of clients. We suggest pre-ordering your project 5-6 months in advance of your gift-giving date; that way we can be sure to set aside 2-4 months to focus exclusively on your story, from brainstorming to publication.
Can I commission a novel if I am not in a couple?
Yes! You are more than welcome to commission a book for a couple you know- gifting them a book all about their love story is a great way to commemorate a wedding, an anniversary, or a milestone birthday. And no, you do not need to be a character in the book (unless you'd like to be).
What about 'Meet Cute,' our short story option?
The perfect gift for a birthday, a weekend vacation, or an everyday surprise, our short story options provide a streamlined version of the main process:
We send you a questionnaire focused on the story of how you (or the happy couple) met and a selection of genre options. Then we write and design a 5-7 page short story which you can download to your laptop, Kindle, iPhone, or other E-reader. Or print at home!
(*Note: This option does not include a video consultation, although we are sure you are very lovely to talk to.)
We also offer a deluxe short story package including audiobook recording. (Highly recommended for special weekend getaways. Your story will be a sweet audio accompaniment to, for example, a road trip romance.)