Bantam Announces “Bantam Discovery:
Bantam/Dell Publishing editor Shauna Summers announced at the Romance Writers of America Conference that in Spring 2008 Bantam will launch Bantam Discovery, a line of books that will be released simultaneously in mass market and trade paperback editions.The plan right now is to release one book a month. The idea is to market the books to different audiences. 2008 slots for Bantam Discovery are already filled. Ms. Summers also said she’s interested in acquiring straight contemporary romance. While paranormal continues to sell well for them, she’s not keen on acquiring new paranormal right now. Bantam is also interested in romantic suspense and thrillers. Ms. Summers is interested in both previously published and unpublished authors. Bantam will consider queries from unagented authors — snail mail only, please. Send your queries to 1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10009 [info gathered from Cindi Myers e-newsletter on 7/22/07]
Harlequin Super Romance Contest Underway
Harlequin Super Romance is sponsoring a Conflict of Interest writing contest. They’re looking for stories with “heightened emotional conflict that raises the stakes — and the sexual tension — for your hero and heroine.” Submit the scene or moment that best illustrates the conflict between the hero and heroine, along with the first chapter and a synopsis of no more than ten pages. The contest is open to both published and unpublished writers. Prizes include a critique by a Superromance editor, a one-year’s subscription to Harlequin Superromance (72 books) and the possibility of publication. Deadline to enter is October 31, 2007. For contest rules, see http://www.superromancecontest.com
Marian Stevens takes third in the “Best Hook Forward”
Another ARWA winner! Marian Stevens’ manuscript, The Rebel, took third place in the Inland Valley RWA’s Best Hook Forward contest. [7/19/07]
Christine Keach takes second and third in “Best Hook Forward”
Congrats to Christine Keach for her excellent placements in the category/contemporary category of the Inland Valley RWA’s Best Hook Forward contest. Fractured Paradise took second place and To Catch a Falling Star placed third. [7/19/07]
Jane Myers Perrine Signs Steeple Hill Contract
Jane Myers Perrine signed a two-book contract with Steeple Hill for her third and fourth novels with them. The first book is a contemporary set in the hill country. The second is a historical, also set in central Texas.
Jane’s second Love Inspired, LOVE’S HEALING TOUCH, will be out in September. [7/19/07]
Michelle McGinnis places first in “Ignite the Flame”
Congrats to Michelle McGinnis! Her manuscript Graphic/Love placed first in the Romantic Comedy category of the Central Ohio Fiction Writers’ “Ignite the Flame” contest. Her pages are now on their way to Chris Keeslar at Dorchester! [7/11/07]
Emily McKay Sells Two Books to Desire
Congratulations to Emily McKay — she just sold two books to Silhouette Desire! (Just in time to celebrate heartily at National Conference with everyone!). [7/7/07]
Christine Keach featured on CelticHearts.org
Our own Christine Keach (w/a Lexi Connor) is featured this month on the CelticHearts.org website. Read her great interview! [7/2/07]
Heather Foeh places Second in the “Four Seasons”
Heather Foeh’s manuscript, Three and a Half Weeks, took second place in the Short/Long Contemporary category of the Windy City RWA’s “Four Seasons” contest. A full manuscript has been requested by one of the judges: Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary Agency. [7/2/07]