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Romance Pacing Template Library (Plugin + Marketplace)

A Scrivener and Google Docs plugin that authors install once, then select their romance subgenre and target word count (70k, 90k, 120k). The plugin auto-generates a chapter-by-chapter outline with beat milestones, chapter word-count targets, and progress-tracking checkpoints. Authors drag-drop their existing chapters into the template, and the plugin flags pacing issues in real-time (e.g., 'Ch 4 is 12k words but should be 4-6k; consider splitting').

PLUGIN

23 weeks • 70% confidence

Value Proposition

Unlike generic outlining tools (Atticus, Plottr), this is romance-specific and embedded in the author's existing workflow—no context-switching to a separate app. It's reusable across multiple manuscripts (same author writes 3-4 books/year in romance). Once installed, it's a permanent reference tool. Cheaper than hiring an analyst ($30-50 one-time vs. $500/manuscript).

Target Audience

Romance authors using Scrivener or Google Docs (primary writing tools for indie authors); ages 25-65, tech-comfortable enough to install a plugin, writing 2+ books/year (want repeatable systems). Secondary: romance writing groups and writing coaches who recommend tools to clients.

Key Features

  • Subgenre selector: Contemporary, Paranormal, Historical, Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance (each has different beat timing and pacing norms)
  • Target word-count selector (70k, 90k, 100k, 120k); plugin auto-calculates chapter count and target word-counts per chapter
  • Pre-populated beat checklist: Meet-Cute (Ch 1-3), Inciting Incident (Ch 3-5), First Kiss (Ch 30-40%), Midpoint Crisis (Ch 50%), Black Moment (Ch 85%), Resolution (Ch 95%+)
  • And more, with full implementation detail...

Tech Stack

Scrivener SDK (Objective-C or Swift for Mac; C# for Windows) Google Apps Script for Google Docs add-on JavaScript/React for UI components (both plugins) Stripe for payments and subscription management
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Original Problem

Romance writers lack clear structural guidance for chapter organization and story pacing

Romance authors struggle to determine optimal chapter count and structure for their stories, leading to uncertainty about manuscript completeness and marketability. Current solutions like generic writing guides don't address romance-specific pacing needs, leaving writers second-guessing their work and delaying publication. This ambiguity causes frustration and prevents writers from confidently finishing and submitting their manuscripts.

Score: 17.5%