Malle Vallik, Director for Editorial Digital Initiatives, recently spoke at an RWA conference in Florida about why you should write for Harlequin. She gave a lively presentation with lots of images, asides, stories and information. Malle’s in-person presentation would be a lot more vivid, but here are a few points from her speech…
The Five Key Points about Publishing with Harlequin
#1 – Lots of Publishing Opportunities
Romance is leading the way
- Digital First program
- Prequels/Sequels
- Cosmo
- Print and digital footholds
- Over 75 series books a month
- Over 120 total books a month
#2 – Author/Editor Relationship
Harlequin Editors are everywhereway
- Traditional methods
- Social Media – Twitter, Harlequin Community
- Outreach – Harlequin Blog, SOLD! Blog, SYTYCW
- Chapter Visits
- Judging
- Working with the “slush” pile
- Developing relations with agented and unagented authors
- Conferences
- 83 new to Harlequin authors acquired in 2012
- Over 50 series editors regularly acquiring
- Build relationships with authors over the years
#3 – Harlequin Brand
- Everyone knows our name – we are a destination in print and digital
- Commited space from print and e-tailers
- Marketing company as a whole
- We are trusted by readers
- Explore new programs
#4 – Publishing Expertise
- Relationships with Cosmo
- First major publisher to have all digital frontlist
- Trying different elements–Harlequin Digital First program
#5 – Harlequin Author Network
- Dedicated Concierge
- Access to Print and Digital Sales
- Communication with all areas of the company
- Latest news
- Marketing info
And another visual!
There are many more reasons, of course, that we think we’re the best publishing company in the world! We hope that you agree as well.
Don’t forget to follow Malle @MalleVallik, @HarlequinBooks and all our editors!
Happy Writing!
4 replies on “Malle Vallik Tells Us Why to Write for Harlequin!”
My reason to want to write for Harlequin is simple – I enjoy the books I read (SuperRomance, Intrigue, and others)and want to be a part of that.
However, if someone was on the fence, the list above is very convincing.
How does Harlequin Digital differ from Carina? And if the program doesn’t work, will authors have the chance to write for Harlequin?
Oh how I hope to write for Harlequin one day.
Thanks, all! We do good, don’t we? I love our books too–been reading them for thirty+ years and still enjoying them!
The Carina line follows more of a single title program. The type of stories they publish each month will vary. The Harlequin Digital is closer to the series model. The goal is to publish in groups and themes and let readers know about the variety and popular themes.
Potentially doing some different things–like the Pop! title which I thought was well done. (An exploration of themes and movies bases on Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice!)
And yes, we’re always keeping our eye out for material that could work in our print programs. None of the programs are exclusive–we have authors who write across series for Digital and for regular series. Sometimes it’s just a special project or idea that doesn’t fit into the series project.
check out the guidelines!
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!