Calling all aspiring grip-lit writers!
Do you love writing psychological thrillers? Could you write the next Gone Girl, or The Girl on the Train? Do you want to write for Harlequin? Then this is your chance!
We’re looking for authors with a penchant for unreliable narrators, emotionally twisted characters and dark family secrets, to contribute to a new digital-first project! If you’d like to be considered, please submit a 1-3 chapter sample of your writing (something already published or written is fine, we’re just interested in your voice!) and a cover letter explaining why you’d love to be involved, via the Submittable link below. The deadline for submissions is March 14, 2016.
No previous publication experience is necessary, and we’d welcome submissions from previously published or self-published authors too.
All submissions will receive feedback by April 30, 2016.
21 replies on “Psychological Thriller Submission Call!”
Hi, I sent a submission and then realized I didn’t include a cover letter with why I wanted to be involved. It was more of an query letter since that’s what was the submission entry form asked for. Is there a way I can edit my submission to fix it or should I just withdraw and try again?
Hi Nicole, we’ve reviewed your query letter and it’s totally fine as it is – no need to submit anything new. Thanks for checking, though!
Flo & the SYTYCW Editors
Hi! How long should our sample be? Thanks so much!
Between 1 to 3 chapters would be great – thanks!
Flo & the SYTYCW Editors
Does the submission need to be contemporary or can it be historical?
We’re looking for authors who would feel comfortable writing contemporary psychological thrillers, but if your most relevant sample is historical, we’d be happy to review it. Thanks!
I am interested in submitting to your psychological thriller submission call. However there is not a strong romantic thread. Would my story qualify?
Yes, absolutely!
Flo & the SYTYCW Editors
I’ve already submitted to Desire call, does that count me out of trying for this 🙁 . Have a good idea for one x
Not at all!
Flo & the SYTYCW Editors
What a great opportunity this is to submit a phsychological thriller to Harlequin! I was just wondering – what is the required length of the book? Is it category or single title?
Kind regards,
Linda
We’re primarily looking for voice, so there is no specific word-count requirement – all that’s needed is a great sample of your writing!
Flo & the SYTYCW Editors
Would you prefer to recieve a writing sample that is in the psychologcal thriller genre, or is any genre ok?
I would love to participate and have a psychological thriller, but I submitted it at the end of 2015 to Carina Press. I have not heard back from them yet. Does this mean that I can’t enter for this submission call?
Who would be best to direct my cover letter to?
I have searched for the same thing to no avail. Good luck to you!
I was hoping Flo or one of the SYTYCW Editors could answer. ???
I submitted to the psychological thriller submission call and was declined, does this mean that I can not submit this story to future lines.
Hi, I submitted, but couldn’t find a category for psychological thriller so I submitted to intrigue. I hope that’s okay.
I was devastated to have missed this! Please tell me you are going to do this again?
hi, I’ve written a thriller. It’s called Secrets Of Candlewood Inn. I’d love to submit it. I’m not sure how. Thanks, Cheryl.
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!