When should the romantic lead be introduced?

[Megan]

I'm writing a novel, but I'm stuck on when the male romantic lead should be introduced. First paragraph? beginning? should I let the reader find out about the girl first? Please help

 

[Jilly Logans]

breifly mention him in a sentence, like a small preview! have him be mentioned ever so slightly in...maybe the 2nd chapter (depending on how long your chapters are like if the first one is only a page or something do not put him in the first chapter but if its like 20 pages maybe stick him in on the eighteenth page.) however your writing it. btu do it ina descrete way that he isnt given away, make it creative. let the reader be shocked to know that he is the romantic lead! dont describe him in a way that makes him seem desireable, leave it flat and open to opinion. hope this helps.

and introduce whichever character you want to focus more on, first. unless your doing them equally... start with the girl. romance novels are typically geared towards girls and the reader will be pleased to find someone they can relate to in the beginining.

 

[ChikaHikari]

well introducing him straight away sometimes gives away the storyline a little depending on the story.
also depending on the plot i think its a good idea at the end of maybe's 3rd chapter or something depending on where you are at in the story.
What i did was i didnt introduce the main lead until the very end...sorta a cliffhanger

however its all up to you.... ;P

 

[LadyFreeSoul]

It is entirely up to you, the writer.