This is your last chance to submit your contemporary Harlequin Romance submission to get a response, including editorial feedback, by February 21st!
Here’s a quick reminder of what we’re looking for:
- A cover letter that introduces you and your book and includes any previous publishing credits, first chapter and complete synopsis only – no need to have the full manuscript written!
- If we love the voice, we’ll invite you to submit further chapters and work with you on developing your story to its full potential. Please note that requests for additional chapters are not a guarantee of publication.
- For details on how to submit and for full Ts and Cs please go to https://harlequin.submittable.com/submit/104838/harlequin-romance-blitz
- Only one entry per person.
- All entries will receive editorial feedback by Wednesday 21st February 2018.
And here are our top tips on what makes a great Harlequin Romance:
- The heroine, she is key in this series! She needs to be relatable and her story should make the reader wish they were in her shoes!
- The hero is gorgeous, successful and a strong man who is worthy of the heroine.
- Glamourous, aspirational international settings that whisk the reader away.
- Captivating internal emotional conflicts
- These stories are high on emotional and sensual tension but the bedroom stays firmly shut.
- We’re not currently looking for any cowboy/Western-themed stories.
Just because these romances are sweet, it doesn’t mean they can’t be edge-of-the-seat exciting! This is the home of feel-good, entertaining and fresh paced romance.
For further information check out our What We’re Looking For post on the blog, and follow the editorial team, @SheilaHodgsonMR, @cellisharlequin, @EditorBritton and @CarlyMByrne, on Twitter for more helpful hints and tips!
If you’ve ever dreamed about being published, send us your submission. We want to read your story!
8 replies on “Last Call for Submissions: The Harlequin Romance Blitz Closes TODAY!”
Done. Not sure my story fits well, but I thought it was worth a shot. Best wishes for everyone!
I’ve got jitters from the excitement of waiting. Good luck to everyone who put their babies out into the world!
*squeeeeeeee!*
Thank you so much for hosting the blitz. I submitted with an hour and a half to spare! It’s the first time I’ve submitted anything, so I was shaking, and maybe even shedding a tear or two.
Best of luck to all those who participated, and to the editors – I hope you are able to find the gems you are looking for.
I hope the deadline did not have a time zone associated with it. I can’t see one on the website.
The cut off was 11:59 Greenwich Mean Time, February 14. The Romance, Presents, and Historical lines are based in England, I think (from the location of the editors). I can’t find the reference page I read, but it definitely said the cut off was GMT 11:59, Feb. 14. I hope you were able to make it Kathryn.
Hello Kate, Thanks for the reply. I think I missed it, but no worries!
No worries, except that I put it into the category submission for Harlequin Romance and they may be surprised to see less than the required 3 chapters that they ask for but the cover letter and synopsis clearly mention the blitz.
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!