HOW TO SUBMIT TO HARLEQUIN – Romance Books

Harlequin is the world’s largest romance publisher and sells two books every second to readers worldwide.  If you have an interest in becoming a Harlequin author, check out this article below that makes it easier for you when submitting your book to Harlequin.

RSJ Virtual Romance Book Con launches a writers program called Market Write Now, with their first Open House guest Harlequin Books.

Over 100 authors, aspiring authors, plus a few readers and agents came together for the RSJ webinar with special guest Harlequin Books this weekend. Executive Senior Editor Glenda Howard, and Senior Editor Denise Zaza, presented all 12 Harlequin lines to attendees who were able to ask questions that directly related to each authors’ specific area of interest.

Moderators for this successful webinar were Karol Jarvis, RSJ convention events coordinator and publisher of TheWriteDNA.com. Assisting on chat was Author Lisa Rayne as co-moderator. Lisa was a 2013 Top 10 So You Think You Can Write Harlequin contest finalist; she is also a sponsor for the RSJ Virtual Romance Book Con this year.

Within the presentation, Harlequin presented the push for more diversity and inclusion within their lines and told attendees how to submit their book to Harlequin. “We are actively seeking authors of color and underrepresented voices.” Attendees included various authors from all kinds of the spectrum, with their being both seasoned authors and aspiring authors within the virtual crowd.  The webinar opened up to 79 participants fast and grew to over 100 attendees from there.

The goal of the webinar was to gain more submissions from #ownvoice authors, a term Harlequin Books calls #romanceincludesyou, and to present an easier way for all authors to submit to the correct line that matches their storytelling style. The goal was successful. Feedback from attendees included, “. . . one of the best Harlequin presentations that I’ve ever seen. More detailed, organized,” and “I didn’t think my stories met with Harlequin lines, but now I see that maybe it can.”

How to Submit to Harlequin Books?

The concept presented went like this. Instead of getting overwhelmed by each of the 12 Harlequin lines, not knowing which one fits an author best, authors were encouraged to first think about their storytelling style. Have you written a story with passion or that’s super sexy, or have you written a story that garners love and inspiration, a suspense story that will keep your readers turning the pages, or is your story set in a historical time in history? Whichever the answer, once the author figures out the kind of story they have written, the answers become clear as to which line to submit to. See the infographic below, and feel free to download it too.

Attendees were also encouraged to visit their new website, WriteforHarlequin.com.  A Harlequin website where authors can stay up-to-date with submission blitz, the “I got the call” segment to meet new Harlequin authors, and the free book section for authors needing to familiarize themselves with the Harlequin lines further.

By the time the webinar was over, 96 attendees had stayed until the end—prizes were given out, including a one-on-one 1st chapter critique with an editor within the RSJ convention family. Additional Q&A from the webinar will be posted soon onto the RSJ convention website to help authors on their write for Harlequin journey.

The webinar was part of the new RSJ Writers Think Tank Program, Market Write Now. The ultimate think tank for authors to get guidance and help throughout their journey as an author with industry experts in their field as invited guests at the think tank table and open house sessions.

What’s Next for the RSJ Writers Program: Market Writer Now?

The next open house with Harlequin Books will take place on March 27th, called CONQUERING THE FIRST CHAPTER. Spaces filled up fast for the What’s Your Harlequin Match webinar, so if you are interested, don’t delay registering when it opens. There is no guarantee that the doors will open to include the waitlist again.

And by all means, if you’re an author, do yourself a favor and sign up for the RSJ think tank for writers and stop trying to figure it all out on your own. Join so we can all build our network, gain advice, and support each other as you write your book and get ready to “Market Write Now.”  Until we all meet up again, keep writing.