You may have heard Jay Barney say there cannot be a rule for riches (or the rents will be competed away). However, Harlequin romances has been using a formulaic approach to developing romance novels for years. This HBS case on Harlequin explores their resources and capabilities in this area in the context of a strategic decision. Is the formula a source of advantage? If not, what is? To go with this case, you might consider using:

• This Pandora radio post on the formula for a love song.
• This video of Kurt Vonnegut describing the formulaic approach to telling stories (such as Cinderella).

Contributed by Aya Chacar