Associate Editor Elizabeth Mazer gives you the inside track on choosing which series to submit to!
I’ve often heard people refer to their stories as their children. It’s an understandable comparison. As authors, you labor over your stories for months or even years; you lavish them with time and attention; you watch as the stories develop and grow, taking pride in the milestones they reach. And then, as every parent must, you have to send your child out into the world, to see what they can become. It’s scary—we get it. You love your stories, and hate the thought of putting them out there where they will be vulnerable to disapproval or rejection. So what’s the best way to safeguard your story and make sure it lands where it can be valued and appreciated?
The simplest answer is to do your research. Oh, I’m not talking about research into 1880s fashion before you write your sweeping historical Western. That research is part of the writing process. I’m talking about the targeting process, when you find where your story fits in the publishing landscape. And the best resource is to go directly to the program’s guidelines. Do you think your story could be a perfect fit for Love Inspired Historical? Find out here, where you can see detailed information about word count, strong themes, level of sensuality, “dos and don’ts” for the hero and heroine, and even some popular books or TV shows that will give you a sense of the tone we’re seeking.
You know what else is a great resource? The books themselves! Want to be a Harlequin Presents writer? Start by being a Harlequin Presents reader. That will give you a sense of what kinds of stories caught our editors’ eyes. Browse through our online bookstore—and not just for books to buy. You should also take the time to just scan through the covers and titles. If you want to know what trends are popular, you can learn a lot by examining the line-up. For example, here’s the line-up for Love Inspired in June 2016. Her Rancher Bodyguard, The Amish Midwife’s Courtship, Lakeside Sweetheart, The Cowboy Meets His Match, Falling for the Hometown Hero and Small-Town Nanny. Do you even need me to tell you that popular themes in Love Inspired are Amish, cowboys/ranchers, family/children, and sweet small-town romance? It’s all right there for you to see, if you look for it. Even just looking at the cover images can tell you a lot—note the deliberate intimacy on the covers of a Harlequin Desire; see how often the hero is in a protective stance on the cover of a Harlequin Intrigue; pay attention to how the costumes and backdrops on a Harlequin Nocturne generate a mood of otherworldly sensuality.
Make sure you have a strong understanding of the program you’re targeting before you submit your manuscript. That way, you can send your “children” out into the world with everything they need to succeed.
Did you miss Elizabeth’s post on which editor to target? Read it here!
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!