Update on HARLEQUIN/SILHOUETTE - from RWA National 2007 - part 1

*** From Cindi Myers eNewsletter ***

This week I’m looking at the first half of the Spotlight on Harlequin/Silhouette from the RWA National Convention in Dallas. This was a two-hour workshop hosted by Birgit Davis Todd and Mary Theresa Hussey.

Harlequin is always looking for new voices and seasoned authors for their programs. There are a lot of opportunities at Harlequin and Silhouette. The company has three acquisition offices – New York, Toronto and London. Harlequin books are published in 100 countries in 26 languages, in print, ebook and audio formats. They are sold online, through mail order bookclubs and in bookclubs, grocery stores, drug stores, discount stores and a variety of outlets.

Harlequin has a stated commitment to “relavent stories well-told.” “We are looking for stories to entertain and emotionally engage the reader,” said Ms. Todd.

Melissa Jeglinsky, Editor for Silhouette Desire spoke first. The line is “powerful, passionate and provocative.” The hero is wealthy and successful. The heroine may be working class or also wealthy – but not as successful as the hero. Setting in the world of glamor and power. There is an intense attraction between the hero and heroine. These are sensual reads, but not overtly sexual, although there should be one fully consummated love scene. The hero and heroine are always aware of the attraction. The heroine may be reluctant to act on it, but the hero is not – he is the pursuer. These are conflict-driven stories. The conflicts should be thought-provoking, intense and interesting – larger than life. There should be more than one conflict in each book. These are 50,000-word books. She is looking for new authors, who should be able to write ‘several titles a year’ for the line.

Kathleen Schiebling, Assoc. Sr. Ed for American Romance announced that American has signed two new authors from the slush pile this year. These are stories of home, family and community. Tried and true themes are welcome – babies, brides, cowboys, twins. Western settings are popular, but remember there are other western states besides settings. A sense of place really sets American romance apart from the other Home and Family settings. The books celebrate regional details. The focus is on romance. The development of the central romance is key. 60,000 words – computer count. Stories are tight, fast-paced, and energetic with a satisfying romantic solution. There is room for subplots and secondary characters, but they should serve the main story and forward the romantic plot. American produces four books a month. The level of sensuality varies.

Kimberly Young, Sr. Editor, Harlequin Romance spoke next. As of Feb. 07, Harlequin Romance expanded to six titles a month. They’re looking for authors who can “pack emotion, laughter, conflict, story and wonderful characters” into 50,000 - 55,000 words. This series is the home of traditional romance. That doesn’t mean old-fashioned. They want ‘feel-good romances.’ Each story should capture the highs and lows of falling in love. Very character-driven, couple-focused series. They want international, cosmopolitan setting with a strong sense of place. The heroes and heroines are people the reader roots for. The stories should have emotional depth. May be ‘feel good chick lit stories or three-hanky reads.” Sensual tension is a must and couples may make love before marriage, but there are no explicit details. Submit three chapters and a 1-2 page synopsis to the London office.

Mary Theresa Hussey spoke on behalf of Patience Smith for Silhouette Romantic Suspense – formerly Silhouette Intimate Moments. The line was re-launched in February 2007 with a new look. These books are love stories with a hint of suspense. The word count is 55,000 - 60,000 words computer word count. Writers should jump into the romance write away and get to the heart of the conflict within a few pages. The stories have elements of suspense but the focus is on the romance. This is not the place for gritty details of the suspense plot. Paranormal elements are welcome as long as these elements are very subtle and shouldn’t play a major role in the story. They welcome military stories, espionage, international settings. They’re actively looking for new authors.

Laura Shin spoke about Superromance. [Laura is no longer with the company. This line is now edited by Wanda Ottewell.] Superromance is looking for new writers. She spoke about the Conflict of Interest contest running through October 31 – details available at eHarlequin.com. This line wants strong, emotional conflicts with a focus on the romance. The passionate, tension-filled conflict should be sustained throughout the novel. Strong characterization is key. www.superromancecontest.com 60,000 - 65,000 words 6 books a month.

Anne Leslie Tuttle, Associate Sr. Editor, Silhouette Nocturne and Harlequin Next spoke about Nocturne. This newer line has been very successful so far, with two titles on the NYT list. Nocturne publishes both established and new authors. The books are dark and very sexy. Two books are released each month. In spite of a comfortable inventory, they are actively seeking new writers. The story should take the readers from everyday life to an atmospheric, complex paranormal words. Contemporary, fast-paced and action packed stories 70,000 - 75,000 words. Powerful, mysterious heroes. Heroines are also powerful, but with some vulnerability and there is a strong attraction between the hero and heroine. The hero should be a darkly tortured, strong alpha male, preferably wealthy. The stories should be fast-paced. Each world has its own rules and conventions. The writing should be evocotive and sensual – sometimes it’s a bit over-the-top. The stories may be set anywhere in the world – vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, psychic powers. She also spoke about what they’re not looking for: a lighter, chick-lit voice; stories in which the heroine is stronger than the hero; beta heroes; slow paced stories.

Tessa Shapcott, Executive editor of Harlequin Presents which is based in London spoke about Presents Collections. Presents Collections are done on a quarterly basis but beginning in August they will be producing Presents Collections stories aimed at a slightly younger readers. Some of these stories have been previously published in England as Modern Extra. Presents Collections is Presents’ younger sister – slightly younger characters, fresh feel. The hero is an alpha male. He’s young and making his way in the world. He’s charismatic. He’s the man every girl in the office wants to fall in love with. He is confident, even audacious. He’s believable, three-dimensional and twenty-first century man. He expects women to be as capable as him. He may have a light-hearted, fun and flirty side. He is climbing the ladder, but has further to go. Presents Collections are very sexy with strong sensuality and lots of passion. The heroine is urban in her outlook and lifestyle. She’s starting in her career, goes to clubs with her friends. The settings may be anywhere in the world. We come to know how she feels about work, her friends and family, how she sees her life. The overall tone for Presents Collections should be sparkling, sensual, with a hint of wit. They are really looking for new writers for Presents Collections. The first collection in August was The Eligible Bachelors – 6 books. 50,000 words. Submit a synopsis and the first three chapters to the London Office.

Marsha Zinberg, Executive Editor, Feature and Custom Publishing oversees Limited Continuities, Nascar, More Than Words, Anthologies and other special releases. More Than Words honors five women who make a difference in their communities. Authors create novellas based on these women’s true stories. Previously these have been released as a trade paperback. Now they will be released as a gift hardcover of new stories to honor the current winners and a mass market paperback of previous stories. The popular Anthology program continues. This showcases established and newer, up-and-coming authors. There will be six new releases in 2008. Nascar and Harlequin have partnered to produce titles that have done very well. Beginning in the latter half of 2007, there will be two new releases every six weeks. There are 16 books in the Nascar series and a number of single titles. They are working on a brand-new 16-book continuity series for 2008, Season of Champions. They’re already looking ahead to 2009 Nascar titles. Limited continuities are another successful venture for Harlequin. Mediterranean Nights is the current series. These books are written by a cross-section of various Harlequin and Silhouette authors. Athena Force – a popular Bombshell series - is returning as a limited continuity. This series launched in August. Other series are planned for 2008 and beyond. Authors for all of these are recommended by their editors.

 ***From Cindi Myers eNewsletter. Subscribe by sending a blank email to cynthiasterling-subscribe@yahoogroups.com***

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