UK M&B Editors--Q&A Club 2

Hooray the irginal has now been archived and there is a new thread!

I understamd the editors did a fantastic job at the RNA Penrith conference, despite some problems with  the projector. Here's hoping the RWA contingent does just as well!

 Michelle S

I thought the presentation was pretty seamless and wasn't aware of any projector problems so they obviously pulled it off!

At the RWA Conference in DC, I attended the workshop How to Sell to Harlequin's London Officewith Sheila Hodgson and Tessa Shapcot. I asked about the Historical Undone line and told one of the editors (I can't remember which one) that I'd heard that Harlequin is not buying Historical Undones from any writer other than the already contracted historical authors who already write for their category line. She told me yes, that is correct but she hopes that that will change soon. Now someone is telling me they spoke to another editor who said that's not true.What is the truth?

 Bev

I sent an email out but it appears, this rumor has been flying all over the place. First of all, Nationals is generally the start of all kinds of rumors that are totally untrue. Just happens when 5000 people get together and talk, lol.

But here's the quote, folks, from the fabulous Tessa Shapcott herself:

"Just wanted to reassure everyone that this rumour certainly didn't come from the UK editorial team, who worked their socks off to let aspiring authors know that we were looking for submissions to Undone."

And another from Linda Fildew:

"(W)e’re most definitely looking to find new authors through unsolicited submissions and we’ve just bought 3 new ones – 2 via the unsolicited submissions and 1 via an agent. This message wouldn’t have come from any of the UK editors because they know how excited we were at acquiring this new talent.  We...see Undone as a way of experimenting and bringing fresh blood into the line."

So there you go, proof positive that Undone is definitely looking for YOU. All of you. Don't give up hope.

Dee

Dear Editors,

I'm fairly new to posting, but I'm a longtime reader of Harlequin Romance novels. I'm now itching to write one myself after I complete my current WIP. However, I have three questions...

I listened and re-listened to the podcast featuring two editors from the Harlequin Romance line. I want to confirm what I heard.

1. Is it true that manuscripts can be written in first person?

2. Can my Harlequin Romance manuscript have a "chick lit" feel to it?

3. Is the Harlequin Romance line open to heroines from multicultural ethnicities?

I personally love romances, and stories written in the first person. I know a lot of my friends enjoy this type of work, too. I especially loved Liz Fielding's book, "City Girl in Training."

My strength lies in first person narratives. I've won awards as a columnist, and recently sold my first book to an American publisher. I know the field of writing is competitive, and want to know what is expected of me. It's been my dream to write a Harlequin Romance novel ever since I was a young girl. I want to work hard at achieving this goal.  

Thanks, Jewel.

Ouch! Getting a rejection on a partial is painful enough for me not to have tried again for a while.

when I first started thinking about subbing to M&B, I didn't think it was possible that I would write another manuscript if my first ms was turned down...but when it happened, I thought, okay, I'll try to take the criticism on board and next time I'll make it work.  But what I learned from the second failed attempt was that I am probably just not someone who should write for Romance -- I love romantic stories, but I also like subplots and secondary characters and I'm not a huge fan of secret babies and women being coerced into relationships:  in other words, I should have been trying for a different line all along. 

My apologies that it has taken so long to pop in here and answer your question Jewel, but it is a firm yes, yes and yes to your questions! We are looking for variety in the Romance line whether it be through a first person narration, a chick-lit feel, multicultural characters and settings, or even a hint of comedy. Most of all however we want unique voices and stories that deliver on the promise of Romance, after all we are a series, and as with every Harlequin/Mills & Boon series, it has own promise to the reader. For a example, a well-written first person romance may catch our eye, but it still needs to be a Harlequin/Mills & Boon Romance.

The best way to get a handle on the series you are targeting is to read as many current books as you can, you have already listened to our podcast, Jewel, so I recommend you also take a look at our new guidelines which have recently been posted on eHarlequin.

Hope this helps!

Dear Ms. Grant,

I'm just getting in from a mini-vacation, and I'm absolutely thrilled to read your post! Thanks for taking the time out of your hectic schedule to respond to my questions.

It's great to hear that you're open to first person stories and chick lit voices. I really believe this will help attract the next generation of readers.

I'm currently working on a teen romance novel, but I intend on targeting your line next. I've always been the type to plan ahead! Hope you'll remember me several months from now.

Cheers, Jewel Kats.

Harlequin Historical are 70 -75k computer word count in length. If you are falling short, go back and look at the emotional intensity of the conflict between hero and heroine and see if you can bolster it. Ultimately the strength of the story is based on the strength of the romantic relationship as that is the spine.

The guidelines state that the editors are open to historicals from all eras. They do mean that. Recently, Jeannie Lin's Chinese set historical was purchased.

The main thing the editors are interested in is fulfilling the promise to the reader. The strap line for historical reads --- rich vivid passionate.

WIth any Unusual Historical, the bar is set high and so you do have to make sure you deliver a compelling ms.

FWIW

Michelle S

I'm hooked to feel good stories, too! Happy reading and writing. -Jewel :O)

Hi Tangiles,

For unpublished authors, we much prefer to see standalone submissions in Presents. Any linked mini series in Presents are discussed and planned between the editor and the author, and are usually by invitation only.

 Thanks for checking!

 Joanne 

Your advice is extremely helpful!

Hello, everyone! Just wondering if anyone knows whether Richmond sends their decisions on full manuscripts by email or snail mail?

Thank you so much!

Trenda 

Thank you so much for your prompt answer, Michelle!

I've been torn between stalking my lovely mail lady and my inbox. 

I mailed my requested full during the third week of January, and I know there are folks who've waited much longer for a response. Must be patient! 

Have a great evening!

Trenda