The work of romance authors has been classified into many sub-genres depending on the setting of the novel. These include historical romances, regency romances, western romances and hospital romances. Avid fans of the authors however, also tend to classify their work on the basis of how “steamy” they are.

Early romance authors include illustrious names such as Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Georgette Heyer, Barbara Cartland and Daphne Du Maurier. Books by these authors, which include works like Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Rebecca, are today considered classics as in addition to the romance element, these books also involve great stories, fine character sketches and a study of society. Popular modern romantic authors include Ann Baker, Charlotte Bingham, Marion Chesney, Jackie Collins, Jilly Cooper, Judith Krantz, Johanna Lindsey and Victoria Holt.

Some of the most popular romantic fiction appears as category romance. These are published by publishing houses like Harlequin and Mills and Boons and are characterized by their distinct identity. Readers of these books tend to buy books from a particular series rather than from a particular author though some authors who write for category romances have been known to build a fan following as well.

An associated genre of books is that of chick-lit. While chick-lit usually has a romance at its centre, the authors have managed to differentiate themselves through their very young and hip style of writing. The author credited with popularizing this genre is Helen Fielding whose book, Bridget Jones’s Diary, made it to the top of best-selling lists and was made into a movie as well. Other authors of this genre include Melissa Banks, Candace Bushnell, Sophie Kinsella and Meg Cabot.