Editorial guidelines
At present the Australian office is a sales and marketing office. All of our editorial staff work through offices in the UK and North America.

Your first step in starting to write a Harlequin novel is to read our editorial guidelines. While these pages are designed to be only a guide and not a substitute for extensive reading or research, they will help you in thinking about which series or imprint you would like to write for and how to submit your manuscript. 

How to submit a novel

Please note that this information is provided as a guide, not as a substitute for extensive reading and research. There is no formula for writing a publishable romance or mainstream women's fiction novel. The editors for each of the series have simply written guidelines that reflect their series' requirements. As a result, each set of guidelines reads a bit differently, with some more specific than others, depending on the degree of focus the editors want their book submissions to have.

What are some other things you can do to help sell your manuscript? First, we expect you to enjoy reading romance fiction. If you are already a fan, your appreciation for this type of book will be apparent in your writing. If you have not done so already, we encourage you to read many, many books from each series. The series that emerges as your favorite is probably the one to which you should submit your manuscript.

Second, remember reading is an emotional experience. We hope you will write from the heart and we will feel touched by what you have to say. When you put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard), do so because you have something to share with other readers.

Manuscript format

Unless otherwise noted, we do not accept unsolicited complete or partial manuscripts, but ask instead that you submit a query letter. The query letter should include a word count and pertinent facts about yourself as a writer, including your familiarity with the romance genre. Please indicate what series you think your project is appropriate for, if it is completed, what you think makes it special, and previous publishing experience (if any). Also include a synopsis of your story that gives a clear idea of both your plot and characters and is no more than two single-spaced pages. A self-addressed envelope and return international postage coupons will ensure a reply. Should your manuscript be requested, please note the following information.

1. Harlequin®, Silhouette®, Mills & Boon® and Steeple Hill® publish only category/series romance and women's fiction. Please do not submit any type of non-fiction. Your manuscript should be told in the third person, primarily from the heroine's point of view. However, the hero's perspective may be used to enhance tension, plot or character development. Please see the guidelines for each series for details.
2. All material should be the author's own original work. Stories that contain scenes or plotlines that bear a striking resemblance to previously published work are in breach of copyright law and are not acceptable.
3. All material must be typewritten, double-spaced, and on a reasonably heavy bond paper. No disk submissions. Computer-generated material is acceptable, but must be letter quality, and pages must be separated. Any material received on computer reams will be returned without evaluation.
4. Do not submit your material bound in binders, boxes, or containers of any kind. Secure material by rubber bands. Cover sheets must have your complete name, address, and phone number. Each page should be numbered sequentially thereafter. Please type your name and title in the upper left-hand corner of each page. If we ask to see your manuscript, please include a complete synopsis. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard if you require acknowledgment of receipt.
5. All material will be evaluated in as timely a fashion as volume allows. Please do not call regarding the status of your manuscript. You will be notified by mail as soon as your work has been reviewed.
6. Do not send any material that is being considered by another publisher. Multiple submissions are not acceptable. A literary agent is not required in order to submit.
7. You must enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with all material you send in. This will ensure the return of your material. Please send an envelope large enough to accommodate your work and adequate postage in the form of international postage coupons or an international money order, where appropriate.
8. This page is designed as a guide to aid you in understanding our requirements and standards. However, there is no better way to determine what we are looking for than reading our books.
9. We enter into discussions about payment only when a contract is offered. This information is confidential.
10. We take every reasonable care of manuscripts while they are with us and will return any which prove unsuitable (provided return postage is supplied), but we cannot take responsibility for the vagaries of the post office, so please be sure to retain a photocopy of your manuscript against unfortunate losses.

SUBMITTING TO MIRA®

At this time, MIRA Books is only accepting agented submissions. Harlequin and Silhouette published authors should contact their editors if interested in submitting to MIRA.

Where to send your manuscript

Manuscripts will not be accepted at the Australian office. Editorial offices are located in

TORONTO
Harlequin Books/MIRA Books
225 Duncan Mill Road
Don Mills, Ontario
M3B 3K9
CANADA

NEW YORK 
Silhouette/Harlequin Books/
Steeple Hill Books
233 Broadway, Suite 1001
New York, NY 10279
U.S.A.
Phone: (212) 553-4200 
 

LONDON
Harlequin Mills & Boon Ltd.
Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road
Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom
TW9 1SR

Frequently asked editorial questions 

Many writers ask similar questions while preparing their romance-novel manuscripts for submission. Below, a few of the most popular, with answers from our editorial staff.

How do I know which series to write for?
By reading books in each series you'll find a series that you like best. This is the series that you should write for.

Do you really read every submission?
Yes. Because of the large number of submissions we receive, however, our response time to each submission varies.

What is the proper format for a manuscript?
Please check our Manuscript Format Guidelines above.

What is an international postal coupon?
If you have sent your manuscript to a foreign country you'll need to enclose an international postage coupon for the return of your manuscript. If your post office does not carry IPCs and you would like to have your manuscript returned, enclose a check made out to Harlequin Enterprises Ltd. for the proper amount of return postage.

Do I need an agent?
Harlequin Enterprises works with both authors who are and authors who are not represented by agents.

How do I know that Harlequin Enterprises has received my manuscript?
Please include a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the manuscript delivery.

What are the most common mistakes an author makes when she sends in her manuscript?

1. Authors often forget to state which series or which editor the manuscript is meant for. In some cases an editor is in charge of more than one series. Therefore, it is very important to state this information clearly in the cover letter or on the front of the manuscript.
2. Authors also send manuscripts to the wrong office. Please make sure to check our Manuscript Format Guidelines for the proper address information. 

Also published as Mills & Boon Modern Romance® and Harlequin Presents®

Length: 50,000 – 55,000 words
Senior Editor: Tessa Shapcott
Editorial Office: London, U.K.

The Mills & Boon Modern line offers the ultimate in emotional and sensual excitement!

Although grounded in reality and reflective of contemporary, relevant trends, these fast-paced stories are essentially escapist romantic fantasies that take the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride. Written in the third person, they can be from the male or female point of view, or seen through the eyes of both protagonists. All are set in sophisticated, glamorous, international locations.

With its focus on strong, wealthy, breathtakingly charismatic alpha-heroes who are tamed by spirited, independent heroines, the central relationship in a Modern novel is a provocatively passionate, highly charged affair, driven by conflict, emotional intensity and overwhelming physical attraction, which may include explicit lovemaking.

We advise keeping in touch with current reader preferences by reading the most recent titles available in the Mills & Boon Modern line. However, we are looking for fresh new voices, so the ability to take popular emotional themes and develop them through innovative, dramatic and compelling storytelling is an important factor in getting published.

New authors should submit the first three chapters and a synopsis. Agented or unagented submissions are welcome.

Also published as Modern Extra

Length: 60,000 words
Senior Editor: Bryony Green
Editorial Office: London

Take an international city background that vividly conveys the sophistication and buzz of cosmopolitan life, an independent woman who knows what she wants from love and her career and a guy who's confident, easygoing and gorgeously sexy…and you have Modern Xtra-Sensual!

These titles promise to deliver to the reader a feel-good experience, focusing on the kind of relationships that women between the ages of 18 and 35 aspire to. Young characters in affluent urban settings — either North American or international — meet, flirt, share experiences, have great, passionate sex and fall in love, finally making a commitment that will bind them together, forever. Though their stories are firmly based around emotional issues, other concerns — such as job and friendship — are also touched upon and resolved in an upbeat way.

Please submit the first three chapters along with a 1-2 page synopsis of your novel to the London office.

Also published as Mills & Boon Tender Romance® and Harlequin Romance®

Length: 50,000 – 55,000 words
Senior Editor: Kimberley Young
Office: London
No. of books per month: 6

You just can't beat the feeling — the excitement, the anticipation, the depth of emotion and the sheer rush of falling in love! This series captures this feeling — again and again! This is an exciting new series with a brand-new editorial vision — offering fantastic short, romantic reads with a lower sensuality level — with stories that are contemporary and 100% relevant to today's woman.

These books are not short on plot, just highly focused on the relationship. The hero and heroine are what the reader is interested in, so secondary characters and subplots should only be there if they drive the central relationship forward.

These stories must be character driven. We're not looking for standard, tried and tested hook-driven plots. Stories must begin with a set of unique, engaging, appealing characters. Their individual circumstances will drive the emotional conflicts and what happens in the story — and because they're unique, the story will be too. We are looking for fresh, appealing, innovative storylines and delivery.

The heroine should be the vehicle through which the reader experiences the romance. The reader wants to be able to identify strongly with her, to like her, to want to be her, or want to be her friend. She must be a strong, convincing woman of the 21st century. The hero should always strong and charismatic, successful in his own way and aspirational — a man you'd want to be with!

Emotional depth really is key to this series. Stories should be driven by strong, emotional conflicts that are character-rooted and relevant to women today. These conflicts should stem from the realities of real women's lives — the importance of home, family, friends; universal hopes and aspirations for love, security and children. They should not veer into the depressing or tragic. These stories are fundamentally feel-good reads — they just need to deliver on the emotion, as well.

There are fundamental romantic fantasies that appeal to women worldwide, and stories in this new series can involve these fantasies — such as forced proximity, sheikhs, royalty, babies, cowboys — so long as they are executed in a fresh, original and character-driven way. These all should be firmly grounded in reality. Readers want to believe that this lasting happiness could actually happen — so this isn't the series for paranormal, mythical or fantastical elements.

There should be high sexual tension between your hero and heroine — a chemistry that leaps off the page from the get-go. Couples can make love — before marriage, just as they do in real-life, but this should be within an emotional context and not described explicitly.

Also published as Mills & Boon Medical Romance® Harlequin Prescription Romance

Length: 50,000 – 55,000 words
Senior Editor: Sheila Hodgson
Editorial Office: London, U.K.

The Medical Romance line is exactly that — intensely emotional romances and pulse-racing medical drama set in today's medical community. The stories capture the pace, warmth, tensions, dilemmas, traumas and triumphs of modern medical professionals — strong, dedicated, determined and caring men and women. Heroes and heroines are equally matched and equally respected professionals. They would also move a mountain to save a life or find the right treatment — heroes and heroines you would like on your side in a medical emergency. These romances usually involve both hero and heroine working together in a medical environment.

The focus should be a developing, emotionally driven romantic relationship pushed forward by the hero and heroine's involvement with patients and their medical treatment, and their medical colleagues. The stories can be sensual, tender or passionate but always highly emotional.

Settings can be anywhere in the world and cover a wide range of medical specialties from the breathless pace of Emergency departments to the heart-wrenching demands of special care baby units. Heroes and heroines can be anything from surgeons to GPs and midwives to paramedics. Above all these stories should offer the experience of medical men and women making life-and-love and life-and-death decisions — and the ultimate in involvement, excitement and tender loving care.

Also published as Mills & Boon Historical Romance

Length: 75,000 – 90,000 words
Senior Editor: Linda Fildew
Editorial Office: London

This series covers a wide range of British and European historical periods from ancient civilizations (e.g. Greece, Rome) up to and including the Second World War.

The books should be historically accurate, sweeping the reader into the dramas, passions and intrigues of that particular chosen time. Against this authentic backdrop, the developing romance should be the main driving force of the story. Actual historical figures can appear, but the hero and heroine are nearly always fictitious. The level of sensuality can vary, dependent on the mood of each individual story. A query letter with a synopsis and first three chapters are advised.

Length: 60,000 - 65,000 words
Associate Senior Editor: Brenda Chin
Editorial Office: Toronto, Canada

The Blaze line of red-hot reads is changing the face of Harlequin and creating a continual buzz with readers. The series features sensuous, highly romantic, innovative stories that are sexy in premise and execution. The tone of the books can run from fun and flirtatious to dark and sensual. Writers can push the boundaries in terms of characterization, plot and explicitness.

Submissions should have a very contemporary feel — what it's like to be young and single today. Heroes and heroines should be in their early 20s and up. We want to see an emphasis on the physical relationship developing between the couple: fully described love scenes along with a high level of fantasy, playfulness and eroticism are needed. And don't forget, secondary characters and subplots contribute to the richness of story and plot action we look for in a successful Blaze novel.

Also published as Harlequin Superromance®

Length: 70,000 - 75,000 words
Senior Editor: Laura Shin
Editorial Office: Toronto

The aim of a Superromance novel is to produce a contemporary, involving read with a mainstream tone in its situations and characters, using romance as the major theme. To achieve this, emphasis should be placed on individual writing styles and unique and topical ideas.

The criteria for Superromance books are flexible. Aside from length, the determining factor for publication will always be quality. Authors should strive to break free of stereotypes, clichés and worn plot devices to create strong believable stories with depth and emotional intensity. Superromance novels are intended to appeal to a wide range of romance readers.

A general familiarity with current Superromance books is advisable to keep abreast of ever-changing trends and overall scope. But we don't want imitations and we are open to innovation. We look for sincere, heartfelt writing based on true-to-life experiences and stories the reader can identify with.

Also published as Silhouette Intrigue® and Harlequin Intrigue®

Length: 60,000 - 65,000 words
Senior Editor: Denise Zaza
Editorial Office: New York, U.S.A.

Taut, edge-of-the-seat contemporary romantic suspense tales of intrigue and desire. Kidnappings, stalkings, women in jeopardy coupled with bestselling romantic themes are examples of story lines we love most. Whether a murder mystery, psychological suspense or thriller, the love story must be inextricably bound to the mystery where all loose ends are tied up neatly…and shared dangers lead right to shared passions. As long as they're in jeopardy and falling in love, our heroes and heroines may traverse a landscape as wide as the world itself. Their lives are on the line…and so are their hearts! 

Also published as Silhouette Desire®

Length: 57,000 words
Senior Editor: Melissa Jeglinski
Editorial Office: New York, U.S.A.
A powerful, passionate and provocative read…guaranteed!

At 57,000 words, Silhouette Desire books are filled to the brim with strong, intense storylines. These sensual love stories immediately involve the reader in the romantic conflict and the quest for a happily-ever-after resolution. The novels should be fast-paced reads, and present the hero and heroine's conflict by the end of chapter one in order for the reader to understand what obstacles will impact the characters for the remainder of the novel.

The Desire hero should be powerful, wealthy — an alpha male with a sense of arrogance and entitlement. While he may be harsh and direct, he is never physically cruel. He is capable of being saved and it's up to the heroine to get him there. The Texan hero should own the ranch, not work on it, and the urban hero should be the company CEO, not a handyman.

The Desire heroine is complex and flawed. She is strong-willed and smart though capable of making terrible mistakes when it comes to matters of the heart. This is primarily her story so much of the book should be from her point-of-view. There is room for the hero's perspective as long as his thoughts are centered on the heroine and their conflict. Instead of dividing the novel equally between both protagonists' points-of-view, Desires should be more 60% heroine and 40% hero.

The conflict should be dramatic with such classic plot lines as revenge, secret pregnancies, marriages of convenience and reunion romances. Plots which focus on suspense, paranormal or character-driven concerns are best directed elsewhere. The story can be set anywhere in the world, but the tone should be true to the author's voice.

Desire novels are sensual reads and a love scene or scenes are still needed. But there is no set number of pages that needs to be fulfilled. Rather, the level of sensuality must be appropriate to the storyline. Above all, every Silhouette Desire novel must fulfil the promise of a powerful, passionate and provocative read.

Also published as Silhouette Sensation® and Silhouette Intimate Moments®

Length: 60,000 – 65,000 words
Associate Senior Editor: Patience Smith
Editor: Natashya Wilson
Editorial Assistant: Diana Ventimiglia
Editorial Office: New York

Silhouette Romantic Suspense books offer an escape read where true-to-life heroines find themselves in the throes of extraordinary circumstances…and in the arms of powerful heroes. These books combine all the classic elements of category novels with the excitement of romantic suspense, creating big, sweeping romances amid dangerous and suspenseful settings. A strong, compelling romance should dominate the book, but there must be a suspense plot. Silhouette Romantic Suspense romances are fuelled by the romance and not the suspense.

When Romantic Suspense characters come together they create sparks that make for an unforgettable love story. The hero should be a force to contend with. He may be harsh and direct, but never cruel. Though formidable and heroic, he is capable of being saved, and it is up to the heroine to get him there. Our heroines should be complex, strong and smart. As independent as the heroine may be, she is often in jeopardy and needs the hero's help to overcome obstacles. Because this is primarily the heroine's story, we ask that roughly 60% of the point-of-view be hers, and 40% the hero's.

The hero and heroine's conflicts need to be presented as soon as possible and carried throughout the novel. The conflicts should be dramatic and compelling. Romantic Suspense books revolve around classic plot lines that are tried and true in category romance: revenge, women in jeopardy, espionage, law enforcement and military, reunion romances, secret babies and others. We are not looking for plots that focus entirely on the suspense or on paranormal elements. The romance must always be at the heart of these books, and gratuitous violence or graphic details must be avoided. These are universal stories and can be set anywhere in the world, but the tone should remain true to the author's voice. Romantic Suspense stories will be consistently high on sensuality, as well as romantic and sexual tension.

Please submit a query letter with a detailed synopsis, or a synopsis and three chapters with a SASE large enough to hold the entirety of your work. We do not accept submissions via email. If a previous editorial relationship with the company has been established that can be continued — or feel free to submit directly to one of the editors above. 

Also published as Silhouette Special Edition®

Length: 60,000 - 65,000 words
Senior Editor: Gail Chasan
Editorial Office: New York, U.S.A.

Sophisticated, substantial and packed with emotion, Special Edition demands writers eager to probe characters deeply, to explore issues that heighten the drama of living and loving, to create compelling romantic plots. Whether the sensuality is sizzling or subtle, whether the plot is wildly innovative or satisfyingly traditional, the novel's emotional vividness, its depth and dimension, should clearly label it a very special contemporary romance. Subplots are welcome, but must further or parallel the developing romantic relationship in a meaningful way. 

Also released as Intimate Moments Bombshell and Sensation Bombshell

The Silhouette Bombshell line is no longer accepting submissions at the present time. If you have questions about the status of projects already submitted, please contact:

Natashya Wilson (Associate Senior Editor)
or
Tara Parsons (Editor)

Silhouette Bombshell
233 Broadway, Suite 1001
New York, NY 10279

Length: 100,000 – 150,000 words
Editors: Valerie Gray, Sasha Bogin, Susan Pezzack and Miranda Stecyk
Editorial Office: Toronto
Web Site: www.MIRABooks.com

MIRA Books is proud to publish outstanding mainstream fiction for readers around the world.

As a result of the broad range of fiction published under the MIRA imprint, there are no tip sheets. MIRA Books publishes mainstream fiction, including contemporary and historical romance; historical fiction; literary fiction; suspense; thrillers; paranormal; family sagas and relationship novels.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the wide range of books published by MIRA Books. Our authors include Valerie Anand, Jennifer Armintrout, Laurie Breton, Stella Cameron, Jan Coffey, Charles Davis, Elizabeth Flock, Heather Graham, Karen Harper, Pam Jenoff, Chris Jordan, Alex Kava, Debbie Macomber, Kat Martin, Curtiss Ann Matlock, Carla Neggers, Marcia Preston, Jason Pinter, Deanna Raybourn, Emilie Richards, M.J. Rose, Sharon Sala, Maggie Shayne, Taylor Smith, Erica Spindler, Anne Stuart, Rachel Vincent, Susan Wiggs, Laura Van Wormer, and Sherryl Woods.

Agented submissions only.

 Not currently published in Australia

Mission Statement
Steeple Hill's fiction that inspires features wholesome Christian entertainment that will help women to better guide themselves, their families and other women in their communities toward purposeful, faith-driven lives.

Length: 60,000 – 65,000 words
Associate Senior Editor: Krista Stroever
Editorial Office: New York

The Love Inspired line is a series of contemporary, inspirational romances that feature Christian characters facing the many challenges of life and love in today's world.

Each story should have an emotional, satisfying and mature romance; however, the characters should not make love unless they are married. These are "sweet" romances. Any physical interactions (i.e., kissing, hugging) should emphasize emotional tenderness rather than sexual desire or sensuality. There should not be an excessive reliance on kissing scenes or use of words such as "desire," "need," etc. Please use euphemisms for the more intimate body parts. Please avoid any mention of nudity.

Drama, humor and even a touch of mystery all have a place in the series. Foul language, taking the Lord's name in vain, euphemisms for curses (heck, darn, gosh) and scenes containing violent content do not. Any subplots should come directly from the main story. Secondary characters (children, family, friends, neighbors, fellow church members, etc.) can also help contribute to a substantial and gratifying story. First person point of view (hero or heroine) can be used where appropriate to the story. Stories can have international settings, though the main characters should be North American.

An element of faith must be present in the books, and should be well-integrated into the plot. The conflict between the main characters should be an emotional one, arising naturally from the characters. And the progression of the story must incorporate the faith journey of hero and heroine, whether struggling to accept faith or simply being active members of their church community. By the end of the story, hero and heroine must be both believers and members of a church community.

Because Steeple Hill sells to both CBA and ABA bookstores, we must adhere to CBA conventions. The stories may not include alcohol consumption by Christian characters, dancing, card playing, gambling or games of chance (including raffles), explicit scatological terms, hero and heroine remaining overnight together alone, Halloween celebrations or magic, or the mention of intimate body parts. Lying is also problematical in the CBA market and characters who are Christian should not lie or deceive others. Possibly there could be exceptional circumstances (matters of life and death), but this has to be OK'd by an editor.

We are looking for authors writing from a Christian worldview and conveying their personal faith and ministry values in entertaining fiction that will touch the hearts of believers and seekers everywhere.

Not published in Australia 

Length: 60,000-65,000 words
Associate Senior Editor: Kathleen Scheibling
Editorial Office: Toronto, Canada

American Romance features fast-paced, heart-warming stories about the pursuit of love, marriage and family in America today. They're set in small towns and big cities, on ranches and in the wilderness, from Texas to Alaska—everywhere people live and love. We're looking for energetic writing and well-constructed plots based on contemporary, credible, appealing characters.

Also important to American Romance is a sense of place and of community. This usually means a strong secondary cast—although the primary romance is always central. We're open to a range of tones and story types, from comedy to drama. Popular themes and story elements are welcome. Level of sensuality varies.

Above all, it's important that these stories have a sense of adventure, optimism and a lively spirit—they're all the best of what it means to be American! 

Also published in Australia under Mira

Length: 80,000 - 110,000 words
Executive Editor: Margaret Marbury
Editorial Office: New York
Web Site: www.RedDressInk.com

As of September 1, 2004, we no longer accept unsolicited manuscripts or proposals. We will accept query letters only. Any unsolicited manuscripts or proposals received after this date will be returned without evaluation.

All queries must be typewritten. Do not query about works in progress, only about completed manuscripts. Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your material. We do not accept submissions via email.

Modern women's fiction has grown in the past few years - and so has Red Dress Ink. RDI continues to define, as well as offer books relevant to, the 21st-century woman. But we're not just about leading the chick lit revolution; we're about leading women's fiction with attitude. We're looking for novels that really set themselves apart from the average chick lit book, from young and crazy tales to contemplative and witty narratives...and anything in between.

Word Length: 80,000 - 110,000 words
Point of view: no restrictions, but we require a strong female protagonist
Tone: Vibrant

As of September 1, 2004, we accept only query letters. Unsolicited manuscripts and proposals will be returned without evaluation.

Send your queries to:

New York
RED DRESS INK
c/o M. Marbury or F. Jacobs
233 Broadway, 10th floor
New York, NY 10279
UNITED STATES

Toronto
RED DRESS INK
c/o K. Lye
225 Duncan Mill Rd
Toronto, Ontario
M3B 3K9
CANADA

Not currently published in Australia

Length: 70,000 – 75,000 words
Editorial Director: Tara Gavin – New York
Associate Senior Editor: Ann Leslie Tuttle
Editorial Assistant: Sean Mackiewicz
Launch: October 2006 (2 books/month)

Nocturne is looking for stories that deliver a dark, very sexy read that will entertain readers and take them from everyday life to an atmospheric, complex, paranormal world filled with characters struggling with life and death issues. These stories will be fast-paced, action-packed and mission-oriented, with a strong level of sensuality. The hero is a key figure — powerful, mysterious and totally attractive to the heroine. In fact, both main characters are very powerful, and their conflict is based on this element. The author must be able to set up a unique existence for the characters, with its own set of rules and mythologies. We are looking for stories of vampires, shape-shifters, werewolves, psychic powers, etc. set in contemporary times.

The plots and characters of Nocturne:

• Fast-paced, action-oriented. There are life/death issues at stake.
• The books are contemporary, but can go back into history, depending on the needs of the story.
• Strong sexual/sensual overlay.
• The main characters are very powerful — and the conflict is based on this element. The hero is an alpha male.
• Characters do not live by predictable rules; instead they respond to the needs of the paranormal world that the author has set up for them.
• There is a "mythology" created to explain the characters existence, and their actions must not run contrary to this set-up. The mythology must remain consistent and support the action of the book.
• Miniseries are welcomed.
• The books can be set anywhere throughout the world.

Books that are good reference points for Nocturne include: stories by Maggie Shayne, Christine Feehan and Sherrilyn Kenyon. Lindsay McKenna's Heart of the Jaguar and the subsequent books in her Jaguar series are also good reference points.

If you want to write a paranormal story with strong sexual, fantasy and danger elements, then please submit a query letter with a detailed synopsis and three chapters with a SASE large enough to hold the entirety of your work.

Not currently published in Australia

Word Length: 90,000 – 150,000 words
Format: Trade paperback
Editor: Susan Pezzack
Editorial Office: Toronto

Modern women have finally begun embracing and taking charge of their own sexuality. Everywhere you turn, the media is celebrating and promoting women and sex: on TV, in Hollywood, in every magazine on the rack. SPICE is Harlequin's new single-title imprint for really good, really smart erotic fiction for the modern woman who also wants a great read.

We are looking to acquire bold, pushing-the-envelope, high-quality editorial from top authors and talented new voices that have the ability to deliver believable, high-wattage sexual content set within the context of contemporary mainstream fiction. We want novels that will take the genre above and beyond today's stereotypical erotica stories.

What will set SPICE apart is its broad spectrum of sexy editorial. Stories in this line will range from highly sensual love stories to more contemplative, humorous tales to gritty, slice-of-life experiences of sex and the modern woman. Our diverse editorial direction will include ethnic, literary (humorous, edgy, urban), mystery/suspense and paranormal genres in first or third person point-of-view (female only), or if it works for the story, multiple points of view.

Please submit partial or full manuscripts accompanied by a synopsis. No emailed submissions, please. Agented submissions are preferred, but not essential. 

LUNA Books delivers a compelling, female-focused fantasy with vivid characters, rich worlds, strong, sympathetic women and romantic subplots.

LUNA Books wants emotionally complex, sweeping stories that highlight the inner female power. Whether the heroine is on a quest to save the world — or someone or something important to her — discover her past or develop her own abilities, these stories are involving, gripping and sweep the reader away into a detailed, convincing world. They also contain romantic subplots that enhance the main story but don't become the focus of the novel.

Word Length: 100,000-150,000
Settings: Other worlds, alternate historical or contemporary
Point of View: First, third, multiple — but predominately from the female characters
Tone: Appropriate to the story

Submit detailed synopsis and three sample chapters or complete manuscript if available. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable. If a previous editorial relationship in the company has been established, that can be continued — or feel free to submit to the editors below:

Mary-Theresa Hussey
Executive Editor
233 Broadway
Suite 1001
New York, NY 10279 

Published in Australia under Mira

Length: 100,000 – 150,000 words
Executive Editor: Tracy Farrell
Editorial Office: New York, U.S.A.

HQN Books is proud to publish outstanding mainstream romance fiction for readers around the world. Because HQN Books is a mainstream imprint, there are no tip sheets.

HQN publishes romance in all sub-genres - historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, paranormal - as long as the story's central focus is romance. Prospective authors can familiarize themselves with the wide range of books we publish by reading work by some of our current authors. These include Beverly Barton, Candace Camp, Millie Criswell, Geralyn Dawson, Shannon Drake, Susan Grant, Rita Herron, Catherine Mann, Kasey Michaels, Linda Lael Miller, Margaret Moore, Diana Palmer, Carly Phillips, Meryl Sawyer, Christina Skye, and Beatrice Small.

The imprint is looking for a wide range of authors from known romance stars to first-time authors. At the moment, we are accepting only agented submissions - unagented authors may send a query letter to determine if their project suits our needs. Please send your projects to our New York Editorial Office. 

Not currently published in Australia

Length: 70,000 – 75,000 words words
Editorial Director: Tara Gavin
Associate Senior Editor: Ann Leslie Tuttle
Editorial Assistant: Sean Mackiewicz
Editorial Office: New York

Harlequin NEXT is looking for stories that are a natural extension of series fiction — stories that celebrate all the stages of a woman's life, not just marriage and new motherhood. These stories will be warm, entertaining and sometimes even inspiring and will feature women facing a wide variety of life stages: from that first baby at 45 to the first date after divorce or widowhood; from that first day of college — accompanied by your freshman daughter! — to dealing with three generations living in the same house. The books are complex, diverse and reflect living and loving in today's complex, diverse world. These stories will end in a happy and satisfying manner, though not necessarily in a romantic resolution. These will be novels for which romance is a piece of the pie, rather than the whole one.

Please submit a query letter, a detailed synopsis, and three chapters with a SASE large enough to hold the entirety of your work. We do not accept submissions via e-mail. 

Not currently published in Australia

Length: Approximately 70-75,000 words
Executive Editor: Paula Eykelhof
Editorial Office: Toronto, Canada

I'm thrilled to introduce a brand-new contemporary romance series from Harlequin, one that's unlike any series we currently publish. The name of this program is Harlequin Everlasting. We'll be launching in February 2007, with two books per month — and we're ready to start acquiring. We invite submissions from both published and unpublished writers.

To put it succinctly, the novels in this series will follow the life and relationship/s of one couple. The books will therefore span considerably more time than the typical series romance — it could be years or even an entire lifetime. The focus of Harlequin Everlasting is on much more of the characters' lives, not just the weeks or months during which the romantic relationship develops and its initial resolution takes place.

We are looking for emotionally intense stories with a strong emphasis on well-rendered and psychologically credible characters (who influence each other's lives over time). The series will be open to a wide range of plots and situations; each story will require a significant conflict that creates urgency, excitement and momentum. Structurally, there will be many more options — interesting and nonlinear ways of structuring the story — than the traditional series romance typically allows. The narrative can start at any point, can include diaries or letters, can move freely back and forth in time, etc. Points of view can vary — and first-person narrative can be used.

We're looking for writers who can create a complex and believable world for the characters and their romance. We want to see an individual and engaging style that is appropriate to the scope of the story. Above all, we want you to write a romance that matters — a sweeping narrative, a memorable story that touches the reader emotionally.

We're looking forward to seeing your submissions and ideas. We prefer to receive a synopsis plus 1-3 chapters.

Contacting authors
To contact one of our authors, write to:
(Author name)
c/o Harlequin Enterprises Ltd.
225 Duncan Mill Road
Don Mills, ON M3B 3K9
Canada
Attn.: Maureen Stead

For Harlequin Historicals authors, write to:
(Author name)
c/o Harlequin Historicals
300 East 42nd St.
New York, NY 10017
U.S.A.

For Silhouette authors, write to:
(Author name)
c/o Silhouette Books
6th Floor
300 East 42nd St.
New York, NY 10017
U.S.A.