Romance Novel vs. Romance Screenplay: What’s the Difference?

Are you a romance novelist interested in writing your first romance screenplay? Or a screenwriter daydreaming about writing their debut romance novel? Writing a romance novel and writing a romance screenplay are two very different— albeit equally enjoyable— creative processes.

So what exactly sets them apart? Let’s take a look:

1. Length and Format

  • Romance Novel: Typically 60,000–100,000 words, written in prose. A manuscript is written in 12-point font type, Times New Roman font style, and double-spaced with 0.5 indentation for the start of a new paragraph.

  • Romance Screenplay: Roughly 90–110 pages, written in script format (using script writing software like Final Draft) with dialogue, scene headings, and action lines. Time and pacing are everything.

2. Pacing and Structure

  • Novels allow for slower pacing and the use of inner monologue. You can take your time building the relationship and backstory. You can indulge in rich descriptions and multiple subplots.

  • Screenplays follow a tight structure, often a 3-act or 9-act format (especially for TV movies). Every scene must move the plot forward visually. If we can’t see it or hear it, it doesn’t belong on the page.

3. POV and Voice

  • Romance novels often employ first- or third-person point of view, providing us with direct access to the thoughts, feelings, and narration. Novels = show AND tell.

  • Screenplays show us the characters’ emotions through actions and dialogue. The audience doesn’t get internal monologue unless it's via voiceover/narration. Scripts = show DON’T tell.

4. Dialogue vs. Description

  • Novels allow for rich description and poetic prose. A sensorial experience for the readers. Novels also allow for unique story devices, such as epistolary novels, in which the story is told entirely in letters/emails/texts.

  • Screenplays rely on concise dialogue and just enough description to suggest the tone and setting. However, a screenwriter must always discern what their job is vs. the job of the production team to follow. (Ex: a screenwriter can mention a red coat, but ultimately it will be the director and costume designer’s job to decide the specific jacket.)

5. End Goal

  • Romance Novels are finished, standalone products intended for readers. Aside from beta readers, editors, and publishers, there is not a massive team of creatives who get involved once it is finished and alters its form. It is published and ready to enjoy.

  • Romantic Screenplays are blueprints for production — meant to be interpreted and brought to life by directors, actors, and producers. It is the beginning of a collaboration. Step one in the creative filmmaking process.

6. Writing Software / Tools

  • Novels/Manuscripts are written in programs like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Scrivener, Atticus, and Vellum.

  • Screenplays are written predominantly in Final Draft, but can be written in programs like Celtx, WriterDuet, or Fade In.

7. Limitations

  • Novels are limited by the fact that everything must be described accurately to maximise emotional effect. A novelist cannot lean on visual or auditory cues like a soundtrack or aesthetic b-roll to do their job for them.

  • Screenplays are limited by budgetary constraints. Where a novelist can technically write as many characters and locations as they want, a screenwriter must always keep budgets in mind when writing. Each new location, each new character reads as dollar signs to any production company considering buying the project.

So, Which Should You Write?

If you love rich language, introspection, and immersing readers in the emotions and inner life of your characters—try writing a romance novel.

If you think in witty dialogue, love visuals, and dream of seeing your story on screen—screenwriting might be your path.

Better yet? Try writing both. The skills overlap more than you think. And who is to say you can’t write your romance novel and adapt it for the screen? Best of both worlds!

Curious about learning how to write a made-for-TV romance?
Check out my upcoming webinar: Writing Made-for-TV Christmas Romance – perfect for beginners and Hallmark lovers!

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