Writing for Harlequin Mills & Boon

LindsayO

Hi everyone, I'd love to join up to this group. I've got a basic plot summary and the first two chapters (about 3500 words each). It's a modern romance set around a makeover TV programme.

1trainer1

Thanks, I didnt want to seem like too much of an amateur when sending the book to publishers (once its finished).

on the internet I have found a few websites but then after asking for details to be posted to me I have noticed that a lot of them are asking for money to publish my book.

just to clarify would the page settings 7" x 5" when sending to a publisher? when I am typing it it does look a lot more like a book when doing it this size.

heretolearn wrote: »

1trainer 1 - 'im using Microsoft word but have changed the page settings to 7" x 5" so it looks more like book pages'

If you are hoping to submit your book to a publisher you need to send it in the correct format, and making it look like a pretend book isn't it. There's loads of guidance out there but basically one side of paper only, double line spaced, font size 12, serif font such as Times New Roman, big margins of minimum 3cm all round.

cazmanian_minx

1trainer1 wrote: »

just to clarify would the page settings 7" x 5" when sending to a publisher? when I am typing it it does look a lot more like a book when doing it this size.

You don't want to send a publisher anything that looks like a book

When your book is finished, the manuscript should be printed on A4 white paper, one side only. It should be double spaced with the first line of each paragraph indented (in Microsoft Word this is Format - Paragraph and then under Indentation pick First Line from the Special box and under Spacing pick Double from the Line Spacing box). Text needs to be left aligned (not justified) and in an easy-to-read font. Courier New 12 point was standard for years, because that's what typewriters produced, but Times New Roman 12 point or 14 point is taking over. Make sure each page of the manuscript has a header with your name and the book title and a footer with the page number - these should run sequentially from beginning to end, don't start again at 1 for each chapter.

Gazing_On_Sunsets

Quick tip for submissions - (as well as aspiring author, I'm a part time proofreader/editor for a US eBook publisher) - adjust your line and page setting so you are getting 25 lines per page and 10 words per line. That's 250 words a page, give or take, if you are submitting hard copy. It's then very easy to judge the overall word count of the piece.

goingontoolong

Hi guys,

loadsa great advice on this thread, so thanks!

I have been writing a romanic novel for quite a while now, but I have been taking most of the time on the plot and storyline, making sure everything ties in. Now I have done the prologue and part of the 1st chapter so I am quite excited! I have even introduced some vague characters who would make up the next book!

Don' know if I would ever submit to a publisher, although it looks like harlequin are actually very good and will provide decent feedback.

gingerandrubarb

Hi,
Can i join in too, If it's still going on, Also the Nocturne, are we allowed to send one in to that genre?

Best Wishes, x

cazmanian_minx

Absolutely and absolutely Welcome aboard!

LindsayO

This is a fab thread. I have started using the snowflake method suggested further back in the thread. I think I am going to really like it. I now have first two chapters, a sketch of each character and my basic plot worked out. Using the snowflake method alerted me to the fact that I had a problem in my plot, which I now think I have resolved.

suja1983

Hey everyone.

What fabulous advice!

I used to write loads at secondary school and then life took over. Am really up for the challenge of writing a short story for now, and then seeing where it progresses. Saw the link for xcite (:rotfl:) and so am going to try writing a story for that this week, and then we'll see how that goes. :T
I haven't read Mills and Boon books in years. May try and get a couple at the library this week as well.

Good luck.

Likestowrite

Which line is everyone targeting? I'm writing a sweet romance story for the M&B romance line. It's at the planning stage at the moment--I'm working on an outline before I start the actual writing (so I don't get stuck half way!)

Does anyone here visit the Harlequin message forums on eharlequin?