"The Harlequin Presents Writing Competition 2009": The Editor Chat!

Hi There,

I'm wondering if

1) If I choose to write under a pseudonym, is my pseudonym the only name you need on the entry, or should I also include my 'real' name?

2) I plan to include the synposis and chapter 1 in the same Word file--do you have a preference of which is first?

3) Is the 5000 word count very 'strict'? (i.e. would an entry be disqualified if it was 5020 words?)

4) Anymore tips on writing the synopsis?  Given it's only 2 pages long, I'm assuming you aren't looking for a description of the plot but rather a description of the characters and their internal and external conflicts.

5) Is there a preferred age range for the heroine and hero?

Thanks!

S.

Thank you for letting me ask.

1) Is there going to be an email confirming entries have been received?

2) Will there be feedback if I lose but my work shows potential?

3) What is the difference between a Desire heroine and a Presents heroine?

4) Are there any locations you prefer in Presents?

5) Are there any certain themes/ plots etc that you're looking for in this competition?

6) What types of stories are you not looking for in this competition?

7) In the official rules on the IheartPresents site, rule # 3 says entries will be judged on voice, content, writing skills in equal measure. Doesn't voice come under writing skill? Can you explain what other writing skills you'll be focusing on?

8) Can the heroine be richer than the hero?

9) Can the hero/ heroine have grown kids?

10) Will other readers, besides the editorial team, read the entries?

Thank you.

My question is about location.  Can they be set at multiple locations, not all of them exotic?

For the Modern Heat line, I was hoping you could speak about the level of heat the editorial team look for. My characters are quite keen to tumble into bed, but how explicit should the writing be? The Modern Heats I've read had sex scenes that were very much accounts of how the characters were feeling in the moment and the scenes didn't go into detailed description of their bodies and how they fit together...I'm wondering if there's room to play with a little more...

I've heard editors mention that they are looking for 'new twists' on standard plots elements. Could you give an example of a plot that does that? Maybe a recent book that demonstrates a new twist?

Thank you

Hi Joanne,

Lovely to have you here. My question is - according to the rules posted on Iheartpresents, the synopsis should be "no greater than 2 pages in length, double-spaced"!! However, I read on another thread that the synopsis should be single spaced. Some clarity would be much appreciated before I start chopping. Many thanks.

Maya

Hiya everyone, Dee and editors!!

Not sure I'll make the chat... very late night where I am and I have a very early morning tomorrow but I do have a question.

 On the Romance Writers of Australia e-loop, one of the published authors recently posted that her editor had reminded her of the need to put an emotional/unique twist on core themes of the line you were writing for. So my question is what are these so-called themes in Presents/Modern Heat?!

Looking forward to staying up late or reading the chat archive!!

:)

Rach!

Thanks Dee,

One of my Harlequin buddies said that I needed to  introduce myself to you becase you're 'very helpful' and 'very nice.' I can see that  she's right, so far! Thanks for answering all our questions.

 Oh, and hello! Nice to meet you! :-) I'm prettty new around here!