INCLUSIVE ROMANCE PROJECT

HEA's For Everyone.

About the Inclusive Romance Project

Founded in 2019 by Kharma Kelley, the Inclusive Romance Project was established to address the persistent challenges and inequities within the Romance fiction industry. Recognizing the harmful environments that often marginalize writers of diverse identities, the project aims to create a truly inclusive and supportive community for authors who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and those with other underrepresented identities.

As a Black cis-het woman and an indie author of romance and fantasy, Kharma witnessed firsthand the systemic barriers and lack of resources available to marginalized authors. In response, she created a space that fosters growth through a work-in-progress critique group, a vibrant community, and a mentorship program pairing seasoned authors with emerging voices. The project is committed to continuously offering educational opportunities, Q&A sessions, and presentations to help members thrive in their writing careers.

We also hope to create a book hub for readers who are highly interested in new, up and coming Romance authors who write from various perspectives to read, elevate and enjoy!


Our Mission

We believe in the value of a unique voice of the Romance author as it reflects those of our readers. In this diverse ocean of talent, we seek to excel those in the field of publishing, uplift fellow authors who struggle for visibility, and outreach to aspiring authors of marginalized identities in hopes to bring more amazing work to readers worldwide. 

Love is Love and we believe that everyone deserves an Happily Ever After. #representationmatters #ownvoices #WeNeedDiverseRomance


Our Core Values

Accessibility

Community

Mentorship

Fairness

If you would like to donate to our community, your contributions will help keep IRP free with captioned workshops, support for the Slack community apps and events. Every dollar collected is invested into the Inclusive Romance Project community and programs.

What's Going On?

Romance Mentorship Program

We all need a little guidance and support in our writing career. The romance industry is full of amazing authors with experience and knowledge to dispense. A mentoring program will help those in Romancelandia grow and excel in their publishing endeavors. Learn More...

Our Author Community

New, veteran and aspiring Romance writers are encouraged to join us on Slack where romance authors can meet, share information, ask questions and network within the industry.  Learn More...

Inclusion & Equity Workshops

Our workshops are centered on how to be a more inclusive writer, understanding the harm of stereotypes and some archetypes, and promoting justice for marginalized writers of romance. We are always learning, as it should be. Learn More...

Free Desktop Wallpapers!

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Membership in IRP is open to all individuals who have attained the age of 18 and who agree to accept the purposes of IRP and to observe and be bound by our Code of Conduct shall be eligible to apply for membership. In order to create a safe and inclusive environment, bias and discrimination is prohibited in IRP. No member, speaker or participant in IRP or any IRP activity or function shall discriminate against another member, speaker, or participant at any IRP activity or function based on races, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, physical abilities, physical appearances, neuro(a)typicality, socioeconomic backgrounds, life experiences, political affiliation, nationalities, ages, religions, and beliefs.