Header PromotionThe "Feel The Heat" Writing Competition!
by Dee-eHarlequin on August 1st, 2008, 11:55pm
Do you have a fresh, vibrant, sassy voice and a passion for sexy alpha heroes? Can you write sparky dialogue, create great sensual tension and hot love-scenes?
If so, then we want to hear from you!
Details:
- Email your first chapter and synopsis of a Modern Heat novel to: feeltheheat@hmb.co.uk by 15th September 2008
- The WINNER receives an editor for a year!
- TWO RUNNERS-UP will be given critiques of their first chapter entries and an editorial telephone consultation!
- The winner will be announced October 1st 2008
The Modern Heat guidelines can be found here Writing Contest: Mills & Boon Modern Heat Writing Guidelines and I have asked some of our existing Modern Heat authors to blog throughout this period to share writing tips and their experiences.
If you look through the I Heart Presents archives (particularly for November and December 2007) you will find many useful tips and guidelines that are relevant for this competition.
And now for the serious part!
Rules:
- Your entry must be aimed at Modern Heat
- Your entry must NOT have been submitted previously to Harlequin Mills & Boon
- Only ONE entry per person
- Submissions received after the closing date will NOT be assessed!
More detailed legal rules HERE.
Results:
First Place Winner:
Lucy Roberts with her entry A Bid for Love
Congratulations to Lucy - she wins the first prize of an editor for a year!
Once we’d decided on our winner, we had the tough job of choosing
two runners-up, but the standard was so high, and the voices so
diverse, that decided to award three joint runners-up, and they are:
The Who’s Who of Matt McKinnell by Rachael Blair
Chasing Kate by Jackie Coates
Sleeping With The Enemy by Felicity Roger
Congratulations to Rachael, Jackie and Felicity! They each receive an editorial consultation.
Dee Tenorio
"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
Wonderful Opportunity
This is a wonderful opportunity for a lot of writers. Thank you so much for offering the contest!
Query on comp
So when the guidelines say 'must not have been previoulsy submitted to Harlequin' does it matter if you submitted but it was rejected? Mine was rejected and I have since done some polishing. Can I submit for the comp?
Yup, it matters...
Must not have been previously submitted means that they've considered it looked at and don't want you to send in anything they've already read. The contest is for new works, it seems. Revisions can be resubbed through regular channels. :)
Hope that helps,
Dee
Dee Tenorio
"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
Dee, if I'm understanding this correctly...
...then only a chapter & synop needs to be complete? Not the entire ms?
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
- Mark Twain
dee, if a
if a manuscript has been submitted to and rejected by some other publisher, can it be submitted for the competition? the 'detailed rules' just say it shouldn't be previously submitted/ reproduced etc.
Answers to the best of my ability...
Amanda--You're right. It doesn't require the entire book to be completed. It's always a risk to send one that isn't, however, but as the prize here is an editor for a year, it might not bite you in the rump later. But it could, if you don't win, but they want to see the ms anyway. Just a caveat...
Tangilies--Wellllllll... That's a gray area. The header says not if it's been subbed to HQ, specifically. I think you could get away with sending one that has been reworked from a pub elsewhere, however, that might not be to your advantage. Afterall, if you were targeting another publisher, it might not have the proper elements and tone that fit Modern Heat. So, that'd be a caveat for you. As long as HQ hasn't seen it before and it's not contracted or CURRENTLY in submission elsewhere (they don't want multiple submissions), you can consider it.
Just try to consider wisely.
Dee
Dee Tenorio
"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
thanks
thanks dee
Wow!
I would love to enter this competition, but it would mean starting a new novel. I might try it.
Every time we say let there be in any form, something happens - Stella Terrill Mann
http://www.freewebs.com/empire76/
Empire...
I'm the same way. I'd have to start a new ms in order to submit. My schedule is already pulled in every direction, and there's not much time. Not sure I can write it that fast, but I'll play with some ideas...
Thanks for answering my question, Dee. Yeah, it'd probably be wisest to have a complete ms, or at least mostly complete. I've never submitted anything unfinished because I'd be sure to panic, and rush to finish it poorly, if the editor asked to see the full ms.
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
- Mark Twain
Yes, I have a full (nearly)
Yes, I have a full (nearly) - which I have had dormant for a year, but never submitted to H/S because I could never see where it would fit. And lo and behold, this contest for Modern Heat...it could fit!!! I must polish it up!
From the ones I've read via Harlequin Presents I love the voices.
Thanks so much. I'm lucky that this came along!!!
Cheers, Judith
Another question
Hi, new girl here, I'm submitting a requested partial soon but I have another ms that I wouldn't mind entering for the contest (yes, okay, I'm greedy!). Is that the done thing do you think? It's only that I know they don't like to consider more than one submission at a time.
Jax
http://jackieashenden.blogspot.com/
Not sure
Since this is a competition, I think that rule may not apply. The normal one you submitted my take months to be read. But this one has a timeframe.
Unless your submitted ms is to the same line. Maybe Dee can give you a more definite answer.
Good question, though
Every time we say let there be in any form, something happens - Stella Terrill Mann
http://www.freewebs.com/empire76/
Well, one was submitted prior to the contest
and as long as it's a different ms, I don't think there's any problem with entering the contest. It's a different set of rules. :)
Hope that helps,
Dee
Dee Tenorio
"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
Thanks Dee and Empire. Yep,
Thanks Dee and Empire. Yep, two totally different mss but both are aimed at Modern Heat. Will enter one in the contest I think - I could use the experience.
Jax
http://jackieashenden.blogspot.com/
Comp
I'm glad someone else asked that question because that was my query. I put my current MS aside and started to work on a new one to target this comp....I'm glad I found this comp actually as I keep getting excited over competitions only to hit the link and find out they've closed, very disappointing : (
God's gift to me is my potential. My gift back to God is what I do with that potential
-John C. Maxwell
http://thenoveltyofnaleke.blogspot.com/
Spread the word!!
Hi all! I am pleased to see such enthusiasm for the contest! Don't forget to pop by the I Heart Presents for blogs and comments from MH and Presents authors and editors - there will be lots of great tips.
Also, do spread the word about the competition to your friends, writing groups, on your blogs...everyehere! I know there is so much new talent out there, the editorial team just want to get their hands on it!
Thanks!
Joanne
Joanne Grant
Editor
Harlequin Mills & Boon Ltd
name and title
the writing guideline on eharlequin asks to 'Please type your name and title in the upper left-hand corner of each page'. i was just wondering if it's the same for the competition. thanks in advance.
Multiple submissions
I wanted to check exactly what is meant by 'multiple submissions'. Does that mean if I have more than one completed manuscript, I musnt send the second one in until I've recieved feedback about the first? I thought it meant dont send several manuscripts in one envelope!?!
If anyone can clear this up for me that would be great.
God's gift to me is my potential. My gift back to God is what I do with that potential
-John C. Maxwell
http://thenoveltyofnaleke.blogspot.com/
Mulitple Subs
My understanding about multiple subs is that you can't submit a second mss while you still have one currently being considered. In other words, the done thing is to wait until you've heard about the first before submitting something else. Makes sense too I guess - you'd want to know what feedback you get (if any) before submitting anything further.
As far as the comp goes, I'm going to enter even though they'll already be considering a partial I'm going to send at the end of the week. Dee seemed to think it's okay so what the hey...
Jax
http://jackieashenden.blogspot.com/
Multiple submissions
Yeah thanks for that Jax, I was starting to get that impression. I'm the same. I had just made a submission a few weeks ago, and will be submitting a new WIP for the comp.
Cant wait to get some feedback.
God's gift to me is my potential. My gift back to God is what I do with that potential
-John C. Maxwell
http://thenoveltyofnaleke.blogspot.com/
More Mulitple subs
It's a pain waiting but honestly, it's worth it for the feedback (even if it does mean you have rewrite almost completely the next thing you were going to send!).
Good luck with your sub. I have it from the horse's mouth that it's taking them about 12 weeks to review a partial so it does mean a bit of a wait. Perfect for honing the competition entry eh?
http://jackieashenden.blogspot.com/
Multiple submissions
What if it's aimed at a different line, for example, I've submitted a modern heat but my WIP is an Intrigue...I'm getting what you're saying about feedback, but does this still fall under the multiple submission rule?
God's gift to me is my potential. My gift back to God is what I do with that potential
-John C. Maxwell
http://thenoveltyofnaleke.blogspot.com/
Meltdown
I've just realised my WIP doesnt fit the Modern Heat guidelines...aaaaaaaaaaah!
God's gift to me is my potential. My gift back to God is what I do with that potential
-John C. Maxwell
http://thenoveltyofnaleke.blogspot.com/
Purple Jellie
Multiple submissions means sending a second one when the first is already being considered by the same publisher/editor.
I am not sure about sending to a different line, though, since that's two different editors.
An ms for Intrigue will definitely not fit Modrn Heat. I think with some edits, on for Desire might work. Although, it's usually not a good idea to submit a story meant for one line to another. Though some are similar, there are some differences and it's likely the editor will pick on that immediately.
I started a new story for the contest, since I only need the outline and first chapter to enter. I figure I should definitely be done by October 1st when the winners are announced.
Phew! That was long...
Hugs
Every time we say let there be in any form, something happens - Stella Terrill Mann
http://www.freewebs.com/empire76/
Multiple Submission Definition
Has TWO definitions in the publishing world.
One: (This is the one they REALLY hate) sending the SAME manuscript to multiple editors at the same time. (Esp in the same publishing company.) It's considered bad form, especially if the book is really good.
Two: Sending multiple manuscripts to the same editor before she has finished reviewing the first. There are special circumstances for this one--she's requested a multi-book project or she's expressed interest specifically in you sending the next project in immediately. Also, a contest can be entered with a separate ms because the contest is run separate from standard submissions.
I hope that helps clear up the confusion!
Dee
Dee Tenorio
"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
Oh I forgot that one
Dee, I like how you mention especially if it's a good book.
I'd hate to be in the crossfire of two editors who want a given book... Wait, let me think about that
Every time we say let there be in any form, something happens - Stella Terrill Mann
http://www.freewebs.com/empire76/
OMG...
...what a scary but wonderful fantasy! To have written a good book- wonderful, then to potentially mess it up by sending it to two editors at once- very very very scary.
Maybe the reason we try multiple submissions in the first place is that we don't have enough faith in our writing to believe that one editor would want it, so let's try two. Believe, keep faith, and if it is good it will find it's home.
I know it goes against all that we're told about targetting specific lines, but a Mills & Boon writer told me that the London editors can buy across all the lines published out of London. So if you target say Presents/ Modern, and they like your writing and your voice but they feel your story is more Romance, it will end up where it best fits anyway.
But the waiting is so hard.... God give me patience but I need it right now!
Because we all deserve a happy ending!
My blog- http://waitingforthecall.wordpress.com/
Okay.. Little late..but good..
Possibly a little late in the starting point.. but with the labor day weekend around the corner.. and hopefully a cooperating muse.
I think I have an idea that may work well with all of this.. Now I just have to figure out that whole synopsis thingie.. ugh..
Luck to all
Pre-published and working at it with pleasure.
email: flafairy@earthlink.net or flabookworm@gmail.com
Known as Faerie Scribe on the web. You can find me/friend me at: MySpace and Facebook.
Email confirmation???
Hi,
I just submitted my chapter and synopsis to the Feel the Heat competition using the email address above but didn't receive an email confirmation. I don't know if I should have received one or not - when I entered the instant seduction comp I got one? Can anyone tell me if you get an email comfirmation or not when you submit?
Thanks
C
Congratulations in
Congratulations in submitting!
Shame I can't enter...
Good luck all, sounds exciting and I wish I could enter, There maybe enough time to do first chapter, but no way could I have a book finished. Anyway I will give it thought, it may be the push along I need to get going on the book I have started but come to a standstill on...
Congratulations Clarisa
Wow!
I finally, figured out the story to write and over the last weekend, I got about 70% of the first chapter done. Woohoo.
I poached the heroine from a current ms I have, so it feels like I already know her.
Now I have to write the synopsis.
Nikki, I hope you can enter this contest. TRY!
Every time we say let there be in any form, something happens - Stella Terrill Mann
http://www.freewebs.com/empire76/
Hmmm
The auto responders sometimes work, sometimes not. You can check your spam. If you don't get a mailer demon telling you it didn't work, you most likely got it in.
Best of luck, everyone!
Dee
Dee Tenorio
"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
Submission question
I am preparing to send in my entry but I have a couple of questions.
The rules mention to: submit by e-mail a Microsoft Word file of a typed, double spaced, first chapter (no greater than 5,000 words) of a story you have written which is suitable for the Modern Heat series, and a synopsis (no greater than two pages in length)
Questions:
- Does it mean TWO separate attachments in the same email?
- Does the 2-page synopsis mean two pages double spaced or single spaced. (In the regular HQ guidlelines it say no more than 2-pages single spaced.) I just want to make sure of what's good for the contest.
Every time we say let there be in any form, something happens - Stella Terrill Mann
http://www.freewebs.com/empire76/
Submission question
I am preparing to send in my entry but I have a couple of questions.
The rules mention to: submit by e-mail a Microsoft Word file of a typed, double spaced, first chapter (no greater than 5,000 words) of a story you have written which is suitable for the Modern Heat series, and a synopsis (no greater than two pages in length)
Questions:
- Does it mean TWO separate attachments in the same email?
- Does the 2-page synopsis mean two pages double spaced or single spaced. (In the regular HQ guidlelines it say no more than 2-pages single spaced.) I just want to make sure of what's good for the contest.
Every time we say let there be in any form, something happens - Stella Terrill Mann
http://www.freewebs.com/empire76/
I think they want them as 2
I think they want them as 2 separate attachments, with the body of the e-mail containing the cover letter. If you go to the Harlequin Mills & Boon Ltd. web site, they accept normal submissions of 1st three chapters and synopsis each as a separate attachment. I submitted a slush pile query for a tender romance via that way last week and received a letter confirmation in the mail friday.
I think the last contest also had each as a word file attached. I hope this helps. Good luck with your entry. I am not sure if I will sub or not. I have an entry ready, but am not sure about it.
Empire -
The 2 page synopsis is 2 single spaced pages, 1" margins, 12pt Times New Roman Font or equivelent. Google Mills & Boon and check out their submission guidelines. When ever I sub to that office, I go there. If I am subbing to the Canada or NY office, I go to this website. Hope that helps. And again, good luck!
MH Comp synopsis
On the Iheartpresents blog on Aug 7th (in the comments section of the comp rules) Joanne Carr, answering a question from Madeline, said they wanted 2 pages double spaced for the synopsis, as it's easier on the eye.
Thanks guys
Thanks. i'll visit the M&B website and Ihreat presents. The reason of the 2nd question was that a 2page single spaced synopsis will become 4 pages when you double space it. It might have been good to use word count.
Oh well, I'll check them out before sending my entry.
Thanks again
Every time we say let there be in any form, something happens - Stella Terrill Mann
http://www.freewebs.com/empire76/
Different requirements
The M&B website states (just like this one) that the synopsis shouldn’t be more than 2 pages single-spaced (although it should be submitted double-spaced). Technically that means it will end up being max 4 pages.
The competition page with blog says 2 pages double spaced. I’ve cut my synopsis to the barest minimum and I still have 3 pages double-spaced. Honestly, I will have to cut part of the plot to make it two pages, so I might get disqualified.
Oh well, there’s still the old fashioned way.
Maybe I’ll email Dee and see what she can gather from M&B. I was hoping she'd respond to my posting
Thanks again, guys
Every time we say let there be in any form, something happens - Stella Terrill Mann
http://www.freewebs.com/empire76/
Synopsis
I don't think what I have is good enough to sub, so I'm probably not having a go this time- think I will wait until it's a bit more polished and do three chapters and a synopsis via the slush pile.
Janet is right, the synopsis for the entries is just two pages double spaced. I spent a long and very painful time cutting mine back from two pages single spaced for the Instant Seduction comp in February, thought it read with all the charm and fascination of a laundry list by the time I'd hacked it to bits, but I did get a positive comment on it from the eds. Good luck with your entries everyone!
Because we all deserve a happy ending!
My blog- http://waitingforthecall.wordpress.com/
Empire - Usually in the
Empire - Usually in the contests it is the equivelent of 2 single spaced pages, but submitted double spaced. I would fix it as double spaced and send it in. In the past a 5 page double spaced synopsis was considered a short synopsis and I think that is what they are going for. Don't worry, just send it in.
for Mulberry
Jane, why not work on your chapter some more and send it to the comp?
It will get seen much more quickly than it will if you submit via the slush pile--- and if the eds liked your writing in the last comp, chances are they'll like this just as much. It's too good an opportunity to miss.
Hey Empire..
I'm here. I was kinda asleep at 3am, lol, and rounds take me a little bit of time through the day. Never worry, I'll get where you post, just somedays are a little slower than others.
Okay, for the single spaced, double spaced thing. On paper, queries are requested to be single spaced with a double space between paragraphs at a reasonable font size--nothing below 12. They're essentially asking, since you're sending digital which adds an element of eye strain, to submit it double-spaced. It sounds like the expected length should be the same. So write it single space, double space it, and call it done.
If you'd like, you can include that explanation in your cover letter portion of your email. That way, they know exactly what you mean. :)
Hope that helps!
Dee
Dee Tenorio
"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
Thanks, Dee
Yes, Dee, that helps. I feel better sending in my entry now.
Good luck to everyone
Every time we say let there be in any form, something happens - Stella Terrill Mann
http://www.freewebs.com/empire76/
Deadline for competition
Hi,
I just wondered is the official deadline the 15th September or the 14th? In the rules above it says BY 15th (so in effect 14th), but in the official rules it says no later than the 15th. Just wondered if someone can clarify that as someone was asking me?
Probably me just being dumb but when I looked I couldn't quite figure it out. I assume the 15th is ok but wouldn't want people to miss out if actually they did mean by the 15th.
Thanks
C
Midnight on the 15th?
Midnight on the 15th?
I did it!
I hit the send button for my entry. Now I have to make sure the novel is complete by 1st October (fingers crossed)
When should I expect a confirm? I haven't got one yet.
Every time we say let there be in any form, something happens - Stella Terrill Mann
http://www.freewebs.com/empire76/
Confirmation
Hey Empire, congrats on your entry! I too sent mine off a day ago - thought I'd better 'cause I was fiddling too much with it.
Anyway, according to the I (heart) presents site, the autoreply email isn't working, so you won't get one. But the entries are getting through so don't worry.
Jax
http://jackieashenden.blogspot.com/
CONGRATS EMPIRE!
Hitting the send button is a bg accomplishment.
I'm right behind you. FINALLY polished that stinkin' synopsis. Check. The first chapter is written and edited, but I want to go over it one more time. Gonna do that tonight. Hopefully I will send that puppy out tomorrow!
How far are you away from the completed novel?
SueB