For many of us, spring is springing up! (Well, in Toronto we’ve got some unexpected snow.) But if you’re eagerly awaiting spring like me, you’re likely ready for that change in season that comes with feelings of renewal, new beginnings and…spring cleaning?
This can apply to writing, too! We encourage you to dive into starting a new story, dust off an old WIP and refresh it, or look for ways to declutter your prose, your writing process, or your writing desk. If you’re taking on a new project, our team wants to remind you to have fun and don’t sweat the small stuff!
We hope you’ll spring-clean away those small stresses that often come with submitting a story to Harlequin. Here are three things we’re not looking at in a submission, and three things we are!
We’re NOT looking at…
- Page/line spacing and general formatting. Our advice? Don’t overthink this; just keep it clear and simple.
- Font style, font size and colour. Trust your instincts make it clear and readable for a busy editor.
- Page count of your partial ms. While each Harlequin series has submission guidelines on how long the synopsis should be, we don’t have specific requirements for your opening chapters. Take as many pages as you need to set up the story and introduce your characters. NOTE that if you’re submitting to a Harlequin series that requires a full manuscript, we do encourage that you keep the word count as close as possible to series requirements. Here’s why!
We ARE looking at…
- Your fresh, engaging voice!
- Compelling characters with clear goals and motivations.
- A juicy, emotional and tension-filled romantic conflict.
Remember, when we look at your submissions, we’re assessing your story idea and your writing. We aren’t looking at small formatting details, so why should you? These won’t make or break a proposal for a Harlequin editor—what we do want to see is a thoughtfully constructed story. Have fun writing it, because we have lots of fun reading your submissions!
Click here to learn more about our writing guidelines and how to submit!
One reply on “A Romance-Writing Reminder: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff!”
I am into crime fiction (wanna be writer) and since registering for Harlequin – I have been incorporating love interests – a bit of revision – I may have a viable submission 🙂
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!