Writing for Harlequin Mills & Boon

freeoffers

Got this from an agent the other day...

"Thank you for showing interest in being represented by the *****
Literary Agency. I very much enjoyed reading your manuscript. However,
I don't think it will be the one for us.

I thought the ideas behind the story were very interesting and you write fluidly. The first few chapters certainly grab your attention. The characters were nicely considered and the relationships well thought out. But, overall, it didn't compel me enough.

I'm sorry not to be writing with better news but I wish you luck on your search for representation...."

Ho-hum. Oh well. won't give up the day job just yet!

After initially wanting to slash my wrists I came to the conclusion, after much thought that the comments weren't that bad. And as a dear friend said to me, at least he read it all.

freeoffers

Jei-jei wrote: »

Has anyone here completed a romance novel or short story?

If so, are you looking to upload them anywhere in particular? Best place to do so?

Or are you mainly looking for agents/publishing houses?

Currently looking at the pros and cons..

Not sure what I'll be doing next. Won't be uploading my stories anywhere just yet though. Have you tried looking for an agent?

Anglea

freeoffers wrote: »

Got this from an agent the other day...

"Thank you for showing interest in being represented by the *****
Literary Agency. I very much enjoyed reading your manuscript. However,
I don't think it will be the one for us.

I thought the ideas behind the story were very interesting and you write fluidly. The first few chapters certainly grab your attention. The characters were nicely considered and the relationships well thought out. But, overall, it didn't compel me enough.

I'm sorry not to be writing with better news but I wish you luck on your search for representation...."

Ho-hum. Oh well. won't give up the day job just yet!

After initially wanting to slash my wrists I came to the conclusion, after much thought that the comments weren't that bad. And as a dear friend said to me, at least he read it all.

Hi freeoffers,

This doesn't seem like a standard letter.

Even if this agent doesn't feel that you match his needs, it doesn't mean that there isn't another that will be the right person to represent you.

Or you may decide to send direct to the publisher instead, next time you send anything.

Well done on having the courage to send your manuscript in the first place.

The_Write_Girl

I'm afraid that is a standard rejection and you'll get many more which seem even more personalised. It can take years to get published but don't give up. I reckon I had about 60 rejections before my breakthrough.

Gazing_On_Sunsets

The_Write_Girl wrote: »

I'm afraid that is a standard rejection and you'll get many more which seem even more personalised. It can take years to get published but don't give up. I reckon I had about 60 rejections before my breakthrough.

I disagree slightly - it's not a "standard" rejection of "thanks for sending this, however we regret it is not suitable at this time". It gives some positive feedback i.e writing is fluid, and some helpful advice - needs to be more compelling. (okay so that could be a little more helpful, but still. It's something to focus on.)

In my experience (of a few things published - People's Friend, Woman's Own, currently got some non-fiction out there in magazines too) once you start getting personalised rejections that's really something! :T

The_Write_Girl

Many agents have a variety of different form rejection templates and will use the one most suited to your work. There is a danger of reading into the rejection too much and hanging onto every word written.

You need to be thick skinned as the rejections will pile up thick and fast. But if one agent dislikes it that's not to say that the next one will hate it too.

Pick your agents carefully and sub to the one most suited to the genre in that agency. There are plenty of agents who specialise in women's fiction.

freeoffers

Thanks for the comments. OK, I was perhaps a little disingenuous in my first post about the agent's email. I initially sent part of my manuscript and was then told to send the rest. The agent's email is a reply to the full manuscript which I sent. Also, I have received a similar letter from another agent which actually quoted parts of my story and gave detailed feedback, as well as mentioning the same points as the other agent.

Whether it is standard or not is not the issue. The issue is what to do now, lose heart or carry on. As Anglea and The Write Girl say, what I need to do is send my MS to an agent/publisher who is more suited to the genre.

@Gazing on Sunsets...thanks for your comments. The book I wrote relies heavily on the relationships between characters so maybe it is not a standard rejection. Only the agent knows.

Anglea

I just found this contest closing date mid December

http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/contest/


There are also writing assignments and info for November

---

I'm currently working on a book in the paranormal genre

Bramleyapple

Just found this great thread and checked out some of the links. I seem to have ideas to start stories but then get bogged down in the detail..... and end up with lots of beginnings:rotfl:

I'll keep an eye on what you're all doing and maybe, just maybe, get something finished. That's my first step!

Jei-jei

Bramleyapple, I do the same, or get ideas when I'm out and about and have to scribble them on an old receipt so I don't forget them all. Luckily I'm just finishing off something. Now to just get it in order!

Hope to see you over on Ivanovella in the near future. Don't forget you can sign up freely as a reader:beer: