Submissions

INTRODUCTION

These pages are designed to be a guide, not 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” differently, with some more specific than others, depending on the degree of focus the editors would like their 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 favourite 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.

You will also find answers to some frequently asked questions. Should you require further information don't hesitate to contact the appropriate Editorial house. Addresses have been included in this section for your convenience. Good luck!

WHERE TO SEND YOUR MANUSCRIPT

For all Mira, Spice, or Teen submissions, please click here for Harlequin Books.

Editorial Offices

SYDNEY

Harlequin Enterprises Pty Ltd

Level 5

15 Help St

Chatswood, Sydney NSW 2067, Australia

LONDON

Harlequin Mills & Boon Ltd.

Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road

Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom

TW9 1SR

TORONTO

Harlequin Books/MIRA Books

225 Duncan Mill Road

Don Mills, Ontario

M3B 3K9

CANADA

NEW YORK

Harlequin Books/Steeple Hill Books

233 Broadway

Suite 1001

New York, NY 10279

SERIES WRITING GUIDELINES

Click here to view a comprehensive listing of the Mills & Boon series guidelines. Each series will advise the appropriate Editorial office to send your manuscript to.

For all Mira, Spice, or Teen submissions, please click here for Harlequin Books.

MILLS & BOON UK SUBMISSIONS

Mills & Boon UK require the first three chapters and a short synopsis of the story. The synopsis of your story should give a clear idea of both your plot and characters and be no more than two pages. Your covering letter should outline pertinent facts about yourself as a writer including your familiarity with the romance genre and previous publishing experience. Please indicate what series you think your project is appropriate for, and if it is completed.

Email: The UK office also accepts queries or submissions by email. Please send any email submissions as a single Word document attachment, consisting of your covering letter, 3 chapters and synopsis, to: Mills & Boon UK Submissions

NORTH AMERICAN SUBMISSIONS

Please ensure you include an ATTN: line in the address indicating which series and Editorial Staff member we should route your manuscript to. If sending manuscripts to the New York office, a flat fee appropriate to mailing zone should be added for return postage. Within the United States, add $5.00 postage. Outside the U.S. (excluding Canada) add $25.00 and for return mail to Canada add $11.00. All manuscripts will be sent Media Mail. If the appropriate postage is not included manuscripts cannot be returned.

Please note the following information:

• Harlequin Australia would love to hear from you if you have a strong commercial work of fiction or non-fiction for either adults or young adults. Click here for details.


• For our category romances, please see our Series Guidelines for details.


• All material should be the authors own original work. Stories that contain scenes or plot lines that bear a striking resemblance to previously published work are in breach of copyright law and are not acceptable.


• All material must be typewritten and double-spaced. Each page should be numbered sequentially and please type your name and title in the upper left-hand corner of each page.


• If you are posting your work, 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. You must enclose a self-addressed envelope if you wish the return of your material. Please send an envelope large enough to accommodate your work and adequate postage in the form of stamps, international postage coupons or an international money order, as appropriate.


• Our international offices will evaluate all material in as timely a fashion as volume allows. You will be notified when your submission has been received. They do their best to respond to submissions within 12-18 weeks.


• 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.


• Our guidelines should help you understand our requirements and standards. However, there is no better way to determine what we are looking for than reading our books.


• 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, or cyberspace, so please be sure to retain a copy of your manuscript.


• We enter into discussions about payment only when a contract is offered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED EDITORIAL QUESTIONS

Many writers ask similar questions while preparing their romance-novel manuscripts for submission. Here are a few of the most popular questions 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 an international postal coupon?
If you have sent your manuscript to a foreign country, from the UK to Canada for example 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 cheque for the proper amount of return postage.

• If you are submitting your manuscript to our Toronto or New York office, please make the cheque out to Harlequin Enterprises Limited.

• If you are submitting to the London editorial office, cheques can be made out to Harlequin Mills & Boon Limited.

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

How do I know if my manuscript has been received?
Please include a self-addressed postcard, either stamped or with IPC, with the manuscript delivery.

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

• 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. 

• Authors also send manuscripts to the wrong office. Please make sure to check for the proper address information.