Writing Guidelines & Editors’ Tips for the Harlequin Presents Writing Competition 2009!

Keywords: Harlequin Presents Writing Competition 2009, Harlequin Writing Guidelines, How To Write a Romance Novel

ETA: Questions about the contest? Please read the Official Rules post first!

Getting your synopsis ready for the Harlequin Presents Writing Competition 2009? Then start with these writing guidelines for Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern Heat, and Mills & Boon Modern Romance! Manuscripts aimed at either line are suitable for the contest. Plus, the editors have provided a general tip sheet on How To Write the Perfect Romance!

HARLEQUIN PRESENTS^®
(MILLS & BOON^® MODERN HEAT^TM)

Length: 50,000
Office: London
Executive Editor: Tessa Shapcott
Senior Editor: Bryony Green
Editor: Joanne Grant
Editor: Jenny Hutton
Editorial Assistant: Megan Bassett

Modern Heat is a vibrant, sexy, new stream of editorial that launched in the UK in 2006 and has been published within Harlequin Presents since May 2008 (two every month). Upmarket, glossy and sharply contemporary, these stories sparkle with lively dialogue and sizzling sensuality! They offer all the international glamour, passion and alpha male heroes you expect from Modern/Presents, with a flirty young voice and a whole load of sass!

Written by talented, original authors such as Heidi Rice, Natalie Anderson, Kelly Hunter, Kimberly Lang, Anne Oliver, Anna Cleary and Lucy King, these entertaining romances reflect the life experiences of today’s young women, within a chic, glamorous, and usually urban setting. The heroines are often your twenty-something girl-about-town but there’s no compromising on the Modern Heat hero: he must be very alpha and absolutely to die for! There’ll be sparks flying when these two meet – and nothing short of fireworks once they get to the bedroom!

We are on the lookout for new authors who can convey that young urban feel with 21^st century characters, simmering sexual and romantic tension and, of course, that all-important hot sex! And our top editor tip: there is no better way to fully understand the Modern Heat experience than to read as many of them as possible!

HARLEQUIN PRESENTS^®
(MILLS & BOON^® MODERN ROMANCE^TM)

Length: 50,000
Office: London
Executive Editor: Tessa Shapcott
Senior Editor: Bryony Green
Editor: Joanne Grant
Editor: Jenny Hutton
Editorial Assistant: Megan Bassett

Harlequin Presents is the last word in sensual and emotional excitement. Readers are whisked away to exclusive jet-set locations to experience smouldering intensity and red-hot desire.

At the heart of your novel there must be two memorable and engaging characters who leap from the page but who remain credible, no matter what their situation.  When the hero strides into the story he’s a powerful, ruthless man who knows exactly what — and who — he wants and he isn’t used to taking no for an answer!  Yet he has depth and integrity, and he will do anything to make the heroine his. Though she may be shy and vulnerable, she’s also plucky and determined to challenge his arrogant pursuit.

Harlequin Presents explores emotional themes that are universal.  These should be played out as part of highly-charged conflicts that are underpinned by blistering sexual anticipation and released as passionate lovemaking. However, Presents is not the home of purple prose, cliché or melodrama; we want to see writing that offers unique perspectives and bursts with originality.

A Harlequin Presents is more than just a book; it’s an experience, an everyday luxury.  Let the pleasure and passion envelop you as you take a ride in the fast lane of romance!

HOW TO WRITE THE PERFECT ROMANCE!

Before you put finger to keyboard, preparation is key:

• Know and respect your readers – choose the most recent novels and read widely across the romance market. Then target the series/genre that excites you and suits your voice.

• Innovate, don’t imitate! There is no formula – only a format, as with all genre fiction, which allows room for creative expression, unique writing voices and memorable characters.  So throw those clichés out of the window!

Romancing the reader: why we <3 the perfect romance

• I <3 my characters: At the heart of all great romances are two strong, appealing, sympathetic and three-dimensional characters.
• I <3 my conflict: Emotional, character-driven conflict is the foundation of a satisfying romance. Conflict spawns tension and excitement.

o   There are two types of conflict: internal and external:

Internal conflict should be the writer’s main focus: defined by either character – the opposing forces within a personality, motivations and aspirations – or by an emotional situation within a relationship – for example, an unexpected pregnancy or an arranged marriage

External conflict should only be brought in as additional support to the developing romance and plot. External conflict is defined by misunderstandings, circumstances or a secondary character’s influence.

o   Check that your conflict is believable and that it can be sustained over the course of a whole book – ideally two or three conflicts that unfold and are resolved in the course of the story work best. Conflict doesn’t mean endless arguments; layer it with emotional highs and lows. All the best stories have stormy weather and sunny days.

• I <3 dialogue! It’s the key tool to giving life, energy and pace to your writing. Great dialogue can propel your story; bad dialogue can grind it to a halt.  Remember to keep it relevant and consistent to your characters.

• I secondary characters — use with caution! You’re writing a romance, readers are interested in your hero and heroine so keep the focus on them.

How to keep your spirits up:

• We receive thousands of submissions so competition is tough.  If the writing does not show potential a standard response will be sent — this is the case with most submissions.

• If you do receive feedback it is intended constructively and is a vital part of the writing process. Take time to digest any criticism, then apply it to your next submission.

What we want in a nutshell…

• Talented, dedicated authors who are savvy about the romance genre and its readers.
• Unique, fresh voices, compelling characters and innovative stories that will keep readers turning the pages!