If you’re juggling kids’ schedules, household responsibilities, and that burning desire to finally publish your romance novel, you’re going to love meeting DL Croisette.
She’s not just another service provider—she’s a romance author who truly gets the beautiful chaos of your writing life and has the marketing expertise to help you navigate this overwhelming publishing world.
DL understands what it’s like to dream of seeing your book in readers’ hands while wondering if you’re smart enough to handle all the technical stuff that comes with self-publishing. Spoiler alert: you absolutely are, and she’s here to prove it.
A romance author’s journey that mirrors your own
DL’s path to romance writing started in the most relatable way—during corporate lunch breaks, listening to book discussions and thinking, “I could write something better than that.” Sound familiar? Like many of us, she held those old stereotypes about romance (strong alpha males, weak heroines, predictable plots) until a friend challenged her to write a story with an alpha female instead.
That challenge sparked something magical. DL wrote something relatively rare for 2019 — what we now love as the “cinnamon roll hero”—a genuinely kind, thoughtful male lead who supports rather than dominates.
What started as proving a point became a passion. DL has now published over 10 romance novels, and she still feels that same excitement every time she starts or finishes a book. That creative joy mixed with accomplishment? That’s exactly what we’re all chasing, right?
The perfect balance: Creative heart meets business mind
Here’s where DL becomes truly invaluable for writers. She doesn’t just write romance—she brings two decades of marketing experience to the table. But instead of making her clients feel overwhelmed by business jargon, she uses her expertise to make the scary parts of publishing feel manageable.
Why DL’s dual expertise matters for your journey:
DL knows that book covers aren’t just pretty graphics—they’re the first way readers connect with your story’s heart. She describes cover creation as “another way to love the book,” which perfectly captures how she approaches every aspect of your publishing journey with care and creativity.
But covers can’t tell every detail of your story. That’s where her social media strategies shine. Whether it’s highlighting those quirky side characters you adore, a beloved pet, or unique elements that make your story special, DL helps you share what makes your romance unforgettable.
She’s a visual thinker who sees each story as a complete movie—with sights, sounds, and even smells. This helps her create marketing materials that feel as vivid and immersive as your writing.
Understanding the real challenge: Standing out without burning out
Let’s be honest about the biggest challenge facing romance authors today—getting noticed in an incredibly crowded market. Amazon’s self-publishing numbers grow every year, and it can feel impossible to break through. But DL has a refreshing approach that doesn’t involve hustling yourself into exhaustion.
Instead of trying to appeal to everyone who reads romance, DL encourages you to get specific about what makes your story unique. Many writers hope anyone who enjoys romance will pick up their book, but the authors who get noticed know exactly what sets their stories apart.
Here’s DL’s practical approach to finding your readers:
- Identify your main trope – Is it friends-to-lovers, fake dating, or grumpy/sunshine?
- Talk about it consistently – In your book description, social media, everywhere
- Show what makes your story different – Every single time you post
- Use consistent branding – On covers, posts, and your website
- Engage authentically – With readers who love your trope, in groups and comments
- Stay consistent – Visibility comes through repetition, not perfection
The business side doesn’t have to be scary
DL gets it—”We just want to write, and we don’t want to do all the other stuff.” But she also knows that independent authors need to wear multiple hats: writer, editor, marketer, social media manager, and designer. The key is not letting this overwhelm you into giving up.
Many authors freeze up or quit before finishing their second book because the business side feels impossible. DL created A Fabulous Production specifically to make marketing and design approachable and effective for romance authors like you.
Her goal is beautifully simple: Help you show up authentically, reach your readers with confidence, and protect your creative energy for the writing that lights you up.
What’s working in romance right now
Staying aware of trends can help you make strategic choices, but DL is quick to remind writers that trends come and go. Right now, in mid-2025, these subgenres are topping the romance charts:
- Fantasy romance (romantasy)
- Sports romance (especially hockey romance)
- Billionaire romances
But here’s DL’s wise advice:
if you chase fads, you might miss your moment—or worse, lose enthusiasm for your project before it launches. Instead, write what excites you. If you have experience with firefighting, channel that passion. If you love small-town life, write what you know.
Readers sense authenticity. Your genuine excitement for your story will always outperform following trends you don’t care about.
Social media that actually works for busy authors
DL’s approach to social media is refreshingly realistic. She knows you don’t have time to conquer every platform while managing your real life. Instead, she recommends:
Start where you’re comfortable – Choose the platform you already enjoy scrolling (for DL, it’s Instagram with its stream of art, flowers, and museum shots)
Claim your space – Secure your pen name on major platforms for future use, but don’t feel pressured to be active everywhere
Reuse smartly – Post content again after a few months—most followers never saw it the first time
Batch your content – Pick one day each month to brainstorm and write posts, then schedule them in advance
Focus on consistency over frequency – Posting 2-3 times a week with steady messaging builds more trust than erratic daily posts that drain your energy
When to DIY and when to ask for help
DL understands that formatting matters—sloppy presentation can pull readers out of your story or earn those dreaded one-star reviews. But she also knows you’re learning as you go, and that’s perfectly okay.
She offers a collaborative approach that meets you where you are. If you want to learn formatting yourself, she’ll teach you using tools like Atticus and walk you through the process. If you’d rather focus your energy on writing your next book, she’s happy to handle everything.
Signs it might be time to get help:
- Formatting takes too much time or causes endless frustration
- You’re getting negative comments about layout or readability
- You want to create a special edition with unique graphics
- You’d rather spend your energy writing
Special editions are particularly hot right now—those extra flourishes set a book apart for devoted fans and collectors.
A supportive partner in your publishing journey
What makes DL special isn’t just her expertise—it’s her approach. She doesn’t offer cookie-cutter packages. Every service is tailored to your voice, style, and target audience. Whether you need custom social media campaigns, one-of-a-kind cover designs, or affordable support that fits your current budget, she meets you where you are in your writing career.
You can connect with DL:
- Website: afabulousproduction.com (browse services, portfolio, and rates)
- Instagram: @afabulousproduction (she’s active and loves chatting about romance books and design)
- Email: Contact info available on her website
Is DL right for you?
DL might be perfect for you if:
- You’re a romance author who needs help with covers, formatting, or social media
- You want someone who understands both the creative and business sides of publishing
- You value authenticity over following every trend
- You want to work with someone who’s been in your shoes as a romance writer
- You need help identifying what makes your story unique and marketable
She might not be the right fit if:
- You’re looking for developmental editing or writing coaching (DL focuses on design and marketing)
- You want someone to handle everything without your input or collaboration
- You’re not interested in learning any aspects of the business side
Your story deserves to be seen
Being a romance author today means more than writing—it’s about visibility, building your brand, and creating real connections with readers. But it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or impossible. DL Croisette proves you can balance creativity with smart marketing, turning challenges into opportunities while keeping the joy in your storytelling journey.
Whether you need guidance on book formatting, want your cover to capture your story’s heart, or just hope your next social media post won’t eat up your entire week, DL’s insights help you stay focused on what truly matters: writing stories you—and your readers—will love.
Your romance novel deserves to find its readers. You’ve earned every word you’re writing, and DL is here to help you share them with the world.