by Amanda Thiessen
Hello fellow Harlequin Presents readers,
My name is Amanda and I’m a new addition to the Harlequin Presents Marketing Team. I’ve been reading some of the past blogs to get to know you better and see that there were 20 lucky winners that received a free copy of our first Presents Extra title. I’m curious to hear what you think of this new line so far. I’d love your feedback on a few questions so that we can keep publishing more of the stories you love.
Questions:
1) Did you enjoy the editorial in Harlequin Presents Extra? Why or why not?
2) Do you enjoy the monthly themes? Which themes were your favorites?
3) Are you aware that Presents and Presents Extra are on sale at different times of the month?
I’m looking forward to having an ongoing conversation with you and I hope you can spare a few minutes to answer our questions about Presents Extra.
I get so jealous of all the characters in these stories with the places they travel! I love dreaming about putting myself in their place. I am a hopeless romantic that can’t get enough love stories!
Amanda, as a member of the editorial staff, perhaps you should get someone to check your spelling before you make blog entries. Though I would have thought good spelling would have been a prerequisite for the position.
Whoops, those couple typos were actually my fault — I had to re-key part of Amanda’s post and must have gone too fast. I think I’ve fixed them now. Sorry guys, and sorry especially to Amanda!
~Amy, Harlequin Digital & Internet Team
Amy thanks for rectifying that.
Sophie, I hope you don’t mind when I say that I don’t think there was any need for you to be quite so rude in your comment. I for one, enjoy coming to check the blog to see what’s new when I can, I don’t particularly like reading sarky comments to someone who has given their precious time to do a blog.
Also, I believe Amanda said she was a new addition to the marketing team, not the Editorial staff. While I’m sure the marketing team demand just as high standards of spelling and punctuation, the two jobs nevertheless would be quite different.
If you didn’t mean to come across like that then I do apologize wholeheartedly. I know a lot can get lost in translation via cyber space.
Thanks! Abby Green
I agree Abby! No need for such snarky comments when editors and other Harlequin reps give their time to blog, give advice and discuss the different lines!
Well done Abby,
I was thinking along the same lines myself but feared being assertive enough to comment. You put your point across brilliantly.
And isn’t everyone entitled to a few spelling errors every now and then?
I’m going to have to dubble check this to make sure I have none…
Aideen.
can’t agree more with you abby
Me too… I was horrified when I read Amy’s comment!
Sorry Amy, I meant ‘Sophie’s comment.’
LOL Aideen and good on you Abby, but getting back to Amanda’s blog topic – Amanda, you talk about the Harlequin Presents Extra books and you ask “I’m curious to hear what you think of this new line so far.”
When Presents Extra first came about, those books did come from a different editorial – from books sourced from the Modern Extra, or Modern Heat line – the old Temptation taken over by the UK office. Two of these books a month are now being absorbed into the regular Presents line up.
Whereas aren’t the 4 Presents Extra books now coming from straight Presents editorial? Which means they’ve changed from those first give away books.
So I guess my question is, is Presents Extra still a different line?
Would love to hear other opinions.
Excellent question.
I’m a little confused as to what line I should be commenting on so I’d appreciate somebody clarifying for me too.
Aideen.
I have to agree with Trish – and like Aideen I think a lot of people won’t be sure what they’re being asked to comment on.
At the start of the year, it was clear that the Presents Extra were largely based on the Moden Heat books that are published under that line title here on the UK. The editorial content of those books had its own distinctive voice, not Presents/Modern Romance but the type of Modern Heat books that are the subject of the Writing For Modern Heat Contest on this blog earlier – and as discussed by the Modern Heat Authors under that topic.
But now the Modern Heat books are appearing in the general run of the Presents line and the Presents Extras are books by established Presents authors – and in future there will be, for example, some Presents Extras sourced from the Medical line in the series ‘Mediterranean Doctors’.
So as a reader I would be unsure how to comment – and on what. Each of these lines, Presents/Modern Modern Heat and Medicals have such particular distinctive voices that I wouldn’t be able to judge them as one new line as a whole.
As an author, I’d like to read reader’s responses so would it be possible please to clarify this?
Kate
I’m echoing Trish. Is Presents Extra still a different line? And, heck, I’ll even add a question: are the two Modern Heat books per month that are now in the classic Presents line still published in the UK as Modern Heat, or are they published as Moderns? I’ve been asked these things by readers, most recently some who frequent this site, and I don’t have the answers.
I know, I know. I should have them. I guess Trish should, too, since we both write for Presents, but we don’t. So, Amanda? Can you shed some light here, please?
Finally, I have to agree that Sophie E’s comment was unfortunate. Spontaneity in writing is a hallmark of blogging, isn’t it? I’d hope none of us would avoid participating here out of fear of making spelling errors, grammatical mistakes or typos. For instance, I did notice that Sophie E’s second sentence isn’t really a complete sentence at all…
I’m lost in the blur here on the lines/new ones, etc. I don’t feel quite so bad though if Sandra and Trish are too! LOL.
Yeah, this blog is for those of us who enjoy each Presents. To learn, to get to know one another, not slam. I’m sure there are plenty of blogs out there for that. Don’t sweat it, Amy. We all make snafu’s! And kindness goes a long way.
Amanda? Help here please.
MARIAN
Mrs. Marton,
That was a classic. Subtle and elegant.
Just what one would expect from a lady.
Aideen.
1) Did you enjoy the editorial in Harlequin Presents Extra? Why or why not?
I didn’t realize that there was suppose to be a difference. I have purchased all of the Presents Extras and with the exception of maybe one, they all read like mainline Presents to me. I also noticed that some of the books have older copyrights so I wasn’t sure if Extra was just another venue to publish books in NA that hadn’t previously come out over here.
2) Do you enjoy the monthly themes? Which themes were your favorites?
I don’t really pay attention to the theme (it doesn’t influence if I buy or not). I read the books in order of favorite authors or favorite types of storylines. What would be interesting would be to have continuities come out in Extra (as opposed to themes). With continuities, I tend to save them until all of the books have been released and then read in order.
3) Are you aware that Presents and Presents Extra are on sale at different times of the month?
Yes. In my area, most of the stores (both bookstores and various retail stores) carry both Presents and Presents Extra for 4 week cycles with the new Presents coming out around the beginning of the month and the Presents Extras towards the middle.
Hi all,
I have been meaning to pop on and clear up all the confusion surrounding Presents Extra and Modern Heat but it seems Amanda’s blog has thrown me into action!
Here it is in a nutshell:
Presents Extra consists of four Presents books that are published mid-way through every month. The only difference to ‘regular’ Presents is that these books are themed as a collection – they are not Modern Heats. Two Modern Heats are published every month in Presents.
These changes are in effect from May 2008. Basically, Presents Extra is more of what you love – more Presents!
Any more questions, I’ll be happy to answer them!
Joanne
Thanks for your clarification Joanne and glad to see I’ve not been the only one confused about the new release schedule.
Will the UK Modern Romances still only come out once a month, or will they also follow along a split schedule?
“…they are not Modern Heats.”
But sometimes they are? Such as Julie Cohen’s Mistress In private.
On the other subject, personally I’m more than happy to see typos, spelling errors in blogs and community chatrooms.
The forums are spontaneous by nature and I think it’s great to see people letting what they think flow without too much editing, it’s what makes them fun to be a part of.
On the spelling issue, personally I’m happy to see spelling errors in blog entries and community forums. They’re spontaneous and fun by nature, I think the fact they’re not overedited is a part of what makes them so interesting.
Janet – pre-May 08 some Modern Heats were published in there, but moving forward from May 08 all books in Presents Extra are Presents, not Modern Heat.
I can see why there has been some confusion
Joanne
Getting back to what Amanda asked and responding to other posts here, Presents Extra offers themed collections, for example, in August we have ‘Bought for her Baby’.
So, what themed collections would you love to see in Presents Extra?
Joanne
Hi everyone, it looks like Joanne was able to clear things up but please let me know if you have any further questions.
It would be great to determine which themes you love as well as the ones that you don’t like as much so that we can be sure to give you what you want.
Amanda
Thank you for the clarification, Joanne! I’ve been wondering about the difference too. Now I know.
As for collections, can you ever have too many sheikhs? (IMO, no — ha!) I love marriages of convenience, reunions, and Spanish tycoons.
I do agree with everyone, (readers that is), that the different line names, can sometimes be a little confusing.
Because of the differing title lines from the UK to the US, I think we all tend to stop for a sec to try and identify between them all.
But do you know what? Just bring them all on, I say! The different ‘lines’, really make no difference to my reading habits.
I tend to dip in and out of them all. My reading, rely on theme and author. But the authors publishing here in the UK under the Modern Heat banner, have brought a certain piquancy to my life. As an example – Heidi Rice’s, The Tycoons Very Personal Assistant, Zack’s complete obsession with Kate’s knickers, really made me giggle!
I agree with Lynn, more Sheikhs, Spanish/Greek/Italian tycoons. In my little world, you can never have too much of them!!
But can I say one thing? I wouldn’t, at any cost want to lose the main line, i.e. UK Modern and US Presents. I don’t mind having the extra lines, but its very important, to me at least, that the main Modern/Presents line NEVER, absolutley NEVER, alters.
Hugs to everyone
xx Karen
Jo, my thanks for jumping in and answering the Presents/Presents Extra/Modern/Modern Heat questions. I surely hope that cleared the air.
Karen, since you love sheikhs… you might want to know that I have three, count ‘em, three sheikhs lined up for October, November and December here in the USA. I’ll try and put the covers and excerpts on my website and/or blog over the weekend. All I’ll say now is that they are very sexy–and very Alpha!
Sandra
Hear hear, Karen
I’m am not that familiar these days with the UK’s Harlequin Presents and the Modern.(blushing with embarrassmnt) That would be sacrilegious to terminate them. No no.
I have a new found interest thanks to this Modern Heat, not that the others are not the best by the best writers. But I have a tendency to write with a touch “glib” attitude, and from what I have read so far in the Modern Heath made into Harlequin Presents (still confuses me), I want to make a few attempts of trying some stories for them.
Could you please tell me what the guidelines are for Modern line? Or at least tell me where they are? Just my curiousity…
Thanks so much
Cheers, Judith
Okay, I’ve read back a bit and it says Harlequin Presents are not Modern Heat, as of last May? Modern Heat will not become Harlequin Presents at all. They will be Modern Heat.
I live in Vancouver, Canada–so beautiful here right now
and
is there any way we can purchase Modern Heat ??? I’m reading Julie Cohen’s that also became Harlequin Presents and several others.
I’d better check the message which had a list (I’m sure). As I’m writing this a bell is ringing in my head, yes a bell, what a ditz…as I said I do find it confusing, slowly but surely, inch by inch…
Cheers, Judith
I just so happen to be one of those lucky winners, and due to a bit of a pile up in my reading, I’m just reading the book now (I do love what I’ve read so far!)
It does seem like quite a good read, though I’m not quite clear on how Presents Extra differs from regular presents, other than the different release date and the monthly theme.
I guess it comes down to this: Presents has become a staple in my romance reading, and by extension that includes Presents Extra, which I even had some interest in before they were Presents Extra, and just special releases (I’m assuming those previous special Presents releases were similar, as I only got around to reading one of them).
Keep up the good work!
Thanks to everyone for their comments so far. It’s really interesting to hear your perceptions of how we’re publishing Presents. Amanda, Jo and I are very keen to get this right.
When we decided to answer the call from readers for more Presents, we decided to offer a total of 12 books every month, from January this year, available in two waves: 8 Harlequin Presents titles come on to the shelves at the beginning of the month and then stay for the following four weeks, while 4 Presents Extra titles join them mid-month for a four-week stay; so you should always have 12 titles to choose from. (Presents novels are like cream cakes; you can never have too much of a good thing.)
If you like our Modern Heat novels, you’ll find 2 of those every month amongst the Harlequin Presents titles. For those who want an Extra fix of pure Presents, you’ll it mid-month in Presents Extra, carefully selected stories in themed collections delivering your favourite elements: more Mediterranean men, more marriages, brides, bosses, babies… Well, you know what you like!
But are there any other themes you would like to see more of? Or less of? All feedback welcome!
Hi Sandra
It just so happens, that on my bedside cabinet is ‘The Sheikh’s Defiant Bride’. It arrived with me last week, I have spent the last few days picking it up and stroking the cover, savouring it by looking at the cover and back description.
This sounds a bit kinky doesn’t it? But, being a ‘Sheikh freek’, a girl just can’t jump in willy nilly and gobble it up in one go. No, she has to wait for just that right second to delve in and live Madison’s experience, of the delicious sounding Tariq.
All I can say Sandra, is that you are one of my idols, you’re the best.
Cheers for Tariq.
xx Karen
As a huge presents fan as well as a newbie author….
I’m with Karen and can never have too many sheikhs! I also love any kind of royal heroes, marriages of convenience, revenge and blackmail, mistresses and steamy city playboys just asking to be tamed. I’m liking some of these beyond the Med heroes for a change too – maybe a quartet of Brazilians? And I’ve ALWAYS had a penchant for alpha husbands returning to claim waywards wives …
Slightly less keen on babies/children, heroines as housekeepers or nannies – but only in the sense that I probably wouldn’t want to read four all on those themes
It’s great to have the Presents Extra situation clarified – I too was still confusing them with titles like Julie Cohen’s Delicious back from 06 when they were labelled ‘Modern Extra’ on the cover and were a slightly longer read if I remember correctly. It would be lovely to have these new themed Extras grouped as such on the M&B website.
Sabrina
Ahh…looking on eharlequin as opposed to M&B I see the reason I’ve been confused is that Extra is purely Presents US not Modern UK, I see…
Karen, thanks for your lovely comments. And yes, I can see the need to take one’s time before, um, jumping in with Tariq. He’s delicious. Madison thinks so… and, truly, so do I.
Sandra
xxxx
For those curious about which Presents were also published as Modern Heats, would it help if I noted them somewhere on the blog each month? Or perhaps a list of recent ones published as Presents for people who want a little comparison for the writing contest?
~Amy, Harlequin Digital
I think that would be wonderful Amy.
I know it would certainly be of use to me.
Aideen.
1. Yes I enjoy the presents extras since I need “extra” books at this time to read. So thanks for pub.them.
2. I havent noticed the themes very much & I agree with shannon that it doesnt matter about that. However if its a shiekh read, I grab it no matter what line or whatever category it is under, I read it that night.
3. yes I am aware they are on sale at diff. times of the month as I ck. weekly here so I can get any books I simply must have rt away before they are sold out. The extras are doing well here at local wal mart store. more so that the 1st 8 books it seems. dont know why because I get any of them if I like the author or the international hero…
thanks for the xtras.
Oh & I dont really understand much about the modern heat and the presents but it seems the mod. heat has younger characters that are necessarily wealthy & theres more of an ordinary feel as far as I see. I have read a couple & dont care for the ordinary feel I got from them.
But I know that we are all coming from diff. tastes. thank goodness we arent all just alike.
Another comment I wanted to make is that sometimes I see errors in the writing as well as the pace was off in a recent read but I dont say anything as the authors go to so much trouble writing their books & most of them I enjoy but I do see problems at times. I dont want to be insensitive to anyone so I dont comment negatively about anything.
& I wasnt on here when any typos were made but thats not a problem compared to book errors anyhow.
ps. I meant to say in mod heat the heros are NOT always wealthy as compared to the presents I’ve been reading.
Hello,
I have a question, I was recently reading the July Harlequin Presents when the book I was reading sounded very familiar. I was pretty sure that I had read it already and I decided to look back in my collection to see if I did, which turns out that I did. My question is this, are the books first time print or are they reprints? I was liking the Harlequin Presents Extra because it meant more for me to read. Now I don’t know whether to buy the Extra’s because I’m confused. Thanks in advance!
Hi Balerina! Was the first book you had a Mills & Boon copy? While the Presents Extras are new to North America, they have been published in the UK (and perhaps Australia) previously under various M&B imprints like Modern Romance, Modern Extra, and Medical Romance.
Hey Amy, thanks for answering, but no, it wasn’t a Mills & Boon, all have been in Harlequin Presents, I suscribed to the regular monthly shipment before I switched over to getting them as ebooks. So would it be correct to assume then that it was just a one time thing and that these are first time print books here in the US? Thanks in advance!