Writing Guidelines
Writing Guidelines: Here are some guidelines required by Harlequin to be published. Yet following them does not guarantee you to be published. I am posting it just in case someone out there is luckier than I and get's published with them, if you do. Don't forget to thank me and throw me a towel in the future. LOL!
Manuscript Format:
Unless otherwise noted, we do not accept unsolicited complete or partial manuscripts, but ask instead that you submit a query letter. The query letter should include a word count and pertinent facts about yourself as a writer, including your familiarity with the romance genre. Please indicate what series you think your project is appropriate for, if it is completed, what you think makes it special, and previous publishing experience (if any). Also include a synopsis of your story that gives a clear idea of both your plot and characters and is no more than two single-spaced pages. A self-addressed envelope and return international postage coupons will ensure a reply. Should your manuscript be requested, please note the following information.
1. Harlequin®, Silhouette®, Mills & Boon® and Steeple Hill® publish only category/series romance and women's fiction. Please do not submit any type of nonfiction. Your manuscript should be told in the third person, primarily from the heroine's point of view. However, the hero's perspective may be used to enhance tension, plot or character development. Please see the guidelines for each series for details.
2. All material should be the author's own original work. Stories that contain scenes or plotlines that bear a striking resemblance to previously published work are in breach of copyright law and are not acceptable.
3. All material must be typewritten, double-spaced, and on a reasonably heavy bond paper. No disk submissions. Computer-generated material is acceptable, but must be letter quality, and pages must be separated. Any material received on computer reams will be returned without evaluation.
4. Do not submit your material bound in binders, boxes, or containers of any kind. Secure material by rubber bands. Cover sheets must have your complete name, address, and phone number. Each page should be numbered sequentially thereafter. Please type your name and title in the upper left-hand corner of each page. If we ask to see your manuscript, please include a complete synopsis. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard if you require acknowledgment of receipt.
5. All material will be evaluated in as timely a fashion as volume allows. Please do not call regarding the status of your manuscript. You will be notified by mail as soon as your work has been reviewed.
6. Do not send any material that is being considered by another publisher. Multiple submissions are not acceptable. A literary agent is not required in order to submit.
7. You must enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with all material you send in. This will ensure the return of your material. Please send an envelope large enough to accommodate your work and adequate postage in the form of international postage coupons or an international money order, where appropriate.
8. This page is designed as a guide to aid you in understanding our requirements and standards. However, there is no better way to determine what we are looking for than reading our books.
9. We enter into discussions about payment only when a contract is offered. This information is confidential.
10. We take every reasonable care of manuscripts while they are with us and will return any which prove unsuitable (provided return postage is supplied), but we cannot take responsibility for the vagaries of the post office, so please be sure to retain a photocopy of your manuscript against unfortunate losses.
SUBMITTING TO MIRA®
At this time, MIRA Books is only accepting agented submissions. Harlequin and Silhouette published authors should contact their editors if interested in submitting to MIRA.
EDITORIAL OFFICES
TORONTO
Harlequin Books/MIRA Books
225 Duncan Mill Road
Don Mills, Ontario
M3B 3K9
CANADA
NEW YORK
Silhouette/Harlequin Books/
Att. Charles Griensman
Steeple Hill Books
233 Broadway, Suite 1001
New York, NY 10279
U.S.A.
Phone: (212) 553-4200
LONDON
Harlequin Mills & Boon Ltd.
Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road
Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom
TW9 1SR
Manuscript Format:
Unless otherwise noted, we do not accept unsolicited complete or partial manuscripts, but ask instead that you submit a query letter. The query letter should include a word count and pertinent facts about yourself as a writer, including your familiarity with the romance genre. Please indicate what series you think your project is appropriate for, if it is completed, what you think makes it special, and previous publishing experience (if any). Also include a synopsis of your story that gives a clear idea of both your plot and characters and is no more than two single-spaced pages. A self-addressed envelope and return international postage coupons will ensure a reply. Should your manuscript be requested, please note the following information.
1. Harlequin®, Silhouette®, Mills & Boon® and Steeple Hill® publish only category/series romance and women's fiction. Please do not submit any type of nonfiction. Your manuscript should be told in the third person, primarily from the heroine's point of view. However, the hero's perspective may be used to enhance tension, plot or character development. Please see the guidelines for each series for details.
2. All material should be the author's own original work. Stories that contain scenes or plotlines that bear a striking resemblance to previously published work are in breach of copyright law and are not acceptable.
3. All material must be typewritten, double-spaced, and on a reasonably heavy bond paper. No disk submissions. Computer-generated material is acceptable, but must be letter quality, and pages must be separated. Any material received on computer reams will be returned without evaluation.
4. Do not submit your material bound in binders, boxes, or containers of any kind. Secure material by rubber bands. Cover sheets must have your complete name, address, and phone number. Each page should be numbered sequentially thereafter. Please type your name and title in the upper left-hand corner of each page. If we ask to see your manuscript, please include a complete synopsis. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard if you require acknowledgment of receipt.
5. All material will be evaluated in as timely a fashion as volume allows. Please do not call regarding the status of your manuscript. You will be notified by mail as soon as your work has been reviewed.
6. Do not send any material that is being considered by another publisher. Multiple submissions are not acceptable. A literary agent is not required in order to submit.
7. You must enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with all material you send in. This will ensure the return of your material. Please send an envelope large enough to accommodate your work and adequate postage in the form of international postage coupons or an international money order, where appropriate.
8. This page is designed as a guide to aid you in understanding our requirements and standards. However, there is no better way to determine what we are looking for than reading our books.
9. We enter into discussions about payment only when a contract is offered. This information is confidential.
10. We take every reasonable care of manuscripts while they are with us and will return any which prove unsuitable (provided return postage is supplied), but we cannot take responsibility for the vagaries of the post office, so please be sure to retain a photocopy of your manuscript against unfortunate losses.
SUBMITTING TO MIRA®
At this time, MIRA Books is only accepting agented submissions. Harlequin and Silhouette published authors should contact their editors if interested in submitting to MIRA.
EDITORIAL OFFICES
TORONTO
Harlequin Books/MIRA Books
225 Duncan Mill Road
Don Mills, Ontario
M3B 3K9
CANADA
NEW YORK
Silhouette/Harlequin Books/
Att. Charles Griensman
Steeple Hill Books
233 Broadway, Suite 1001
New York, NY 10279
U.S.A.
Phone: (212) 553-4200
LONDON
Harlequin Mills & Boon Ltd.
Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road
Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom
TW9 1SR
Comments
Post a Comment
Thank you for your visit!