Harlequin aspires to be an inclusive publisher where writers of all backgrounds, communities and cultures see opportunities to publish their work, and feel welcome and included. Our goal is to offer a wide range of enjoyable stories in which readers see themselves reflected. We believe this strategy will help to grow larger audiences for books by Harlequin’s global author community.
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion focuses on acquisitions through outreach and communications to writers. Through regular updates, we want to keep the writing community informed of our progress and initiatives.
Publishing More Diverse Authors and Stories
- Romance stories by Black authors are featured on Harlequin’s website and supported by online advertising campaigns.
- THE LIGHTS ON KNOCKBRIDGE LANE by Roan Parrish was chosen as an Amazon Book of the Month in October, the first LGBTQ+ romance published in Harlequin’s series romance program. More LGBTQ+ romance stories have been acquired for Harlequin Special Edition, Harlequin Romantic Suspense and Harlequin Desire.
- Carina Adores, where LGBTQ+ characters find happily-ever-afters, is making its mark with several titles earning top reviews in Entertainment Weekly, POPSUGAR, Bustle and Publishers Weekly since launching in June 2020.
Outreach Initiatives
- We’ve added an events calendar to WriteforHarlequin.com with events for all authors and opportunities for authors in underrepresented communities to pitch and submit their stories to Harlequin editors. Click here to see what’s coming up.
- The #HolidayRomanceIncludesYou blitz returns. Until Dec. 31, 2021, Harlequin is seeking love stories set all through the year around seasonal celebrations and festivities, cultural and religious holidays, family traditions and more by authors in underrepresented communities. Click here for details.
- Our #RomanceIncludesYou pitch event on Nov. 5, 2021 drew a positive response from the romance writing community and resulted in numerous manuscripts being requested by editors. The next event is Mar. 30, 2022.
- As part of our outreach, we invite authors who are underrepresented in publishing to add the #RomanceIncludesYou hashtag with their manuscript title when they submit their story via Submittable. This helps editors easily see submissions for review.
- The Romance Includes You Mentorship continued in 2021. Editors are reviewing submissions received last summer from writers in the UK and Ireland and we hope to announce a recipient in Winter 2022.
We recognize that we have much more to do. We’re excited about continuing this work and welcoming authors of all backgrounds, communities and cultures to the Harlequin community!
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!