Our goal at Harlequin is to publish books that women can get lost in, and we never would have gotten to where we are today, with our 70th anniversary in the rear view mirror, without first understanding what our readers want. Recently we’ve noticed a surge of interest in our Love Inspired lines, and in order to serve that audience we’re thrilled to announce that we are acquiring inspirational stories for two different limited series to be published in retail and ebook!
In particular, we know that our readers are looking for wholesome romances that also include gripping themes of intrigue and danger! Just like Love Inspired Suspense all submissions should be told through a Christian worldview and focus on solving mysteries and escaping danger. That said, these series will also differentiate themselves with specific elements.
Fans of Bones, CSI, and Criminal Minds are the perfect fit for Inspirational Cold Case, which stars Christian law enforcement characters fighting their attraction to one another while investigating long-forgotten crimes. Although the murderer may still be on the loose, the case drives the plot, not avoiding or escaping a killer. We love the way the hero and heroine’s search for the truth mirrors the process of realizing their mutual love, and we think you will too!
For those who prefer the great outdoors to watching TV, Inspirational Mountain Rescue takes two Christian characters and throws them into the age-old conflict of man vs. nature! While battling for survival this couple will end up relying on both each other as well as their faith in God. Feel free to include a mystery or other suspenseful situation, but the primary threat should be the mountain setting they find themselves in.
Please be sure to read both Submittable pages closely to see all the key elements needed! We’re happy to take any questions they don’t already answer at submissions@harlequin.com. There’s a lot of excitement among the editors right now and we’re eager to see what you’ll come up with!
15 replies on “Announcing Two New Inspirational Limited Series!”
I absolutely love this!! My mind is going crazy with all kinds of ideas!! Thank you guys!!
We’re just as excited to see what you might have for us!
I sent some questions in but forgot to ask about the timeline for them.
Sorry, Kimberley, but I’m not sure what you mean about sending some questions. Did you check the Submittable pages to see if they had the answers?
Sorry about that. I checked everything, but I didn’t see what I wanted to know. I received a reply and cannot wait to get started! I sent the questions to the email mentioned.
Can you share a deadline for submissions? I’m tempted to submit to both of these, if I have time 🙂
Hi Stacie, all I can currently share is that we’re eager to see submissions as soon as possible! Especially since both off these are limited series, we’re hoping to receive as many as we can now that we’ve made this announcement.
Hiya Evan! Both descriptions say they’re open for a limited time. Any idea when the deadline is? Thanks in advance!
Hi Steph! I responded to Stacie just above-
Can we use a story line based on a real cold case?
Hi Tammy, for something like this I would urge writers to consider the optics. Whereas a cold case from the 50s may be viewed with a level of separation, one that has taken place in recent memory will in all likelihood have living friends and family of the victim. Consider their thoughts and feelings on having a personal tragedy adapted into fiction.
It’s not to say that this is not permitted, but it may be worth mentioning to the editors, at least, that it’s based on a particular crime.
Hi,
Does the manuscript have to be completed in order to submit a synopsis?
yeah, I would like to know about this too. cause from what I saw all the other submissions ask to include only the first three chapters, while this one seems to be the entire manuscript. which is a bit odd, cause no one can write a whole book in a couple of days. at least not one that is reasonably good.
WOW! What a fantastic opportunity.
Is a synopsis/proposal acceptable for previously published authors? Thanks.
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!