Working in the romance fiction industry requires some very specialist skills. Read on for the Harlequin editors’ top 10 list!
- Our internet search histories are not for the fainthearted (or children).
- It can be weird when the author uses your name for the heroine…especially when things get steamy!
- Apparently, editing romance doesn’t qualify us as relationship counsellors. As anyone who’s ever had to sit through a romance editor dissecting their boyfriend’s ‘emotional conflict’ will testify…
- Looking at hot men with their tops off is part of the job, seriously. It is RESEARCH!
- We are well-versed with undergarments most people have never seen, including chemises and kirtles.
- Going on holiday to Europe can be interesting when all you can say in the language is ‘I love you’…
- We have to say/edit/discuss things that would make our mothers blush…and we have to say them with a straight face in a business context! Best question? Is that even anatomically possible?
- We’ve seen many a grand romantic gesture on paper…so it takes a lot to impress us!
- Editing Medical Romances gives you a false sense of confidence in your own ability to deliver a surprise baby, given the chance.
- We can sniff out a potential romantic plotline in anything.
Let us know if we missed anything!
(Previously published in November 2015)
One reply on “10 Things You Only Know If You’re a Romance Editor”
#7 — WOW! But true. Never thought about it. Editors should be noted in the ranks of MD’s, shrinks, and confessors. Oh my!
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!