Who is Harlequin?
Harlequin is one of the world’s leading publishers of books. Our books are written by over 1100 talented authors worldwide, offering consumers a broad range of reading from romance to bestseller fiction, from young adult novels to nonfiction, from fantasy to inspirational romance and more. Our titles are published in 31 languages and in 111 countries covering six continents. Formats include print, ebook, audio and manga.
Why is Harlequin holding an online conference?
Harlequin editors need to contract four series titles a day to fulfill next year’s publishing schedule, so we’re always on the lookout for fresh, exciting stories to share with our readers. Our online conference is the perfect way to spread the word about series romance and everything that Harlequin has to offer a writer.
What is series romance publishing?
By romance series (sometimes known as category romance) publishing, we mean the titles that are released numbered in a regular schedule each month. We publish 16 series, including Harlequin American Romance, Harlequin Blaze, Harlequin Desire, Harlequin Historical, Harlequin Intrigue, Harlequin Nocturne, Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Romance, Harlequin Romantic Suspense, Harlequin Special Edition, Harlequin Superromance, Kimani Romance, Love Inspired, Love Inspired Historical, Love Inspired Suspense and Mills and Boon Medicals.
What else does Harlequin publish?
In addition to our series romance titles, Harlequin publishes many other fiction and nonfiction titles in imprints such as MIRA, HQN, LUNA, Harlequin Teen, Gold Eagle and more. These imprints only accept agented material.
I’ve never read a romance before – what should I read?
We suggest you visit www.TryHarlequin.com where you can download wonderful examples of the books we publish and find out which series is right for you. Our titles are sold on www.harlequin.com and available at most bookstores and department stores.
Why is Harlequin looking for new authors?
We publish many talented writers already but we are always looking for new voices and authors who have a fresh way of telling a story. Writing for Harlequin is a great career as our many authors can attest!
How many new authors does Harlequin publish every year?
We publish about forty-four new authors a year. Some are brand new writers while others may have written for other houses before joining Harlequin.
Are all of your writers in North America?
Not at all! Though for legal reasons this contest is limited to certain areas, we have authors who write from all corners of the world. Though North America (US, Canada and Caribbean), UK and Australia/NZ have the largest number of authors, we have authors writing in other countries including Egypt, South Africa, Denmark, Iceland, Hungary and more.
Do I need an agent to publish with you?
No. Harlequin’s series contract is very straightforward, and we are happy to work with both agented and unagented authors.
Does Harlequin publish ebooks?
Harlequin was one of the first publishers in North America to make their front list available in ebook format simultaneously with the print edition. We also launched Carina Press, a digital first imprint. We are working to digitize older titles and they can be found in the Harlequin Treasury program.
What’s the difference between New Voices and SYTYCW?
Because we acquire for so many different series and in a global market, we can emphasize different series in each contest. Though the books go worldwide, we can publish them in different lines. So if you’re looking for a “Riva” title in England, you might find it published as “Harlequin Romance” in the United States. The New Voices contest focuses mainly on the series acquired in the UK office, while SYTYCW covers everything.
The Writing Contest
How do I enter the writing contest?
Click on the contest button found at the top of the page. This will take you to a new page where you will find the submission form. Complete all sections of the form and upload your manuscript and synopsis.
How should my manuscript be formatted?
The manuscript should be double-spaced and set in ten or twelve point type.
How long should my synopsis be?
The synopsis should be two to five pages, double-spaced and set in ten or twelve point type.
Can I mail my contest submission?
Contest submissions are only accepted online using the official submission form.
I have three finished manuscripts. Can I enter all three in the contest?
We accept only one entry per person so we recommend you enter the manuscript most closely fitting one of our romance series.
My story doesn’t really fit any of the Harlequin series. Can I still enter the contest?
Your story must be directed toward one of our romance lines. Review the series guidelines and select the series that most closely resembles your story.
Where can I find your writing guidelines?
The writing guidelines for all series can be found on our website at www.harlequin.com/writingguidelines.
Who is eligible to enter the contest?
The contest is open to unpublished writers of original, novel-length fiction only. However, if you published a short story or other fictional piece of 10,000 words or less – say, in a local newspaper, magazine or elsewhere–you are still eligible to enter the contest.
I’m published in nonfiction. Can I enter my fiction manuscript in the contest?
Yes, you are eligible to enter.
The manuscript I’d like to enter was already submitted to one of your editors two months ago. Can I enter the same manuscript in the contest?
Yes, that’s okay.
I entered my story in the New Voices competition. Can I enter the same story in your writing contest?
Yes, that’s okay.
I live in Italy. Can I enter the writing contest?
No. The contest is open only to residents of the UK, US, Canada (excluding Quebec), Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
When can I send my contest entry?
Our online conference, So You Think You Can Write, begins the week of November 7th. We recommend attending all sessions that week and submitting your manuscript soon afterwards when it is polished and ready to be seen by the editors.
What is the closing date of the writing contest?
All entries must be received by 11:59 EST on December 15, 2011.
When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced on www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com on March 1, 2012
What is the prize?
Harlequin will offer the winner a contract and the book will be published in one of our series. In addition, the winner will be assigned an editor who will work with him or her on the manuscript.
Can there be more than one winner?
Only one winner will be selected. However, authors of submissions that show potential for our series programs may be contacted by the Harlequin editors at a future date.
Will my submission be returned after the contest finishes?
Submissions will not be returned to entrants due to the large volume of material expected. All submissions will be deleted from our database once the contest is over.
Assignments
How many assignments will be offered this week?
There will be one each day:
Submit Your First Page
Submit Your Gripping Scene
Submit Your Synopsis
Submit Your Query Letter
What is the deadline each day for each assignment?
All assignments must be submitted by 6 pm EST.
How many assignments will be critiqued by the editors each day?
All assignments will be read and reviewed by the editors who are judging. A select few will be critiqued, marked up with comments and posted on the site the next morning for everyone to see.
When will the critiques be posted the day after an assignment is given?
A selection of critiques will be posted by 10 am EST for everyone to see. Editors will also be on hand to field additional questions and comments.
How long should my gripping scene be?
Choose a scene that has a beginning, middle and end. Look for something dramatic or revealing that will hook an editor. Your scene should be five to six pages double-spaced with ten or twelve point type.
How long should my synopsis be?
Two to three pages double-spaced and use ten or twelve point type.
How long should my query letter be?
One page single-spaced with ten or twelve point type.
Site Questions
Help, I’m having trouble finding something on the site. Who can I contact with my question?
Direct all questions to sytycwhelp@harlequin.caI missed the webinar/live chat/other. Can I still access these afterwards?
Yes, you can find all sessions in our Archive in the main navigation menu.
What is your Twitter handle?
We’ve got a number of Twitter names in usage. For this week, don’t miss @HarlequinSYTYCW and don’t forget to follow #SYTYCW2 for all the updates. But also check out @HarlequinBooks where you’ll also be able to see the lists of all our imprints, staff, fans and links.
Can I find your podcasts on iTunes?
Yes, go to iTunes and look for Meet the Authors or Meet the Editors or Book Chat!