* Defining "prolific": Do we measure by the number of books published, total words written, or perhaps a combination of factors?
* Historical context: Early romance authors might not have all their works documented, and some authors might have published under multiple pen names, further complicating the count.
* Genre variations: Romance is a broad genre, with subgenres like historical romance, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, etc. Counting all variations could skew the results.
However, some authors are often considered to be highly prolific:
* Barbara Cartland: Widely considered the "Queen of Romance", she held the Guinness World Record for the most books published by a living author, with over 723 books written.
* Nora Roberts: A contemporary romance author, she is known for prolific writing and her diverse range of subgenres. She publishes under multiple pen names, adding to her impressive output.
* Danielle Steel: A prolific author across various genres, including romance, she has consistently been on bestseller lists for decades.
Ultimately, it's impossible to declare a single "most prolific" author with certainty. The above names are just a few examples of authors who have made significant contributions to the genre. The best way to appreciate their work is to explore their individual stories and styles.