Comments on: Harlequin Presents Writing Competition 2009: Live Editor Chat!

By: Isobel Jagger

Isobel Jagger — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:45:44 +0000

Thank you.

By: Isobel Jagger

Isobel Jagger — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:45:10 +0000

Thank you

By: Isobel Jagger

Isobel Jagger — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:43:49 +0000

My question is about format in a manuscript.
If the word or phrase is meant to be in italics in the book do I use italics in the manuscript or do as a friend told me and show them underlined?

By: Lauren Malmsteen

Lauren Malmsteen — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:59:20 +0000

My question is: is it acceptable to quote from someone like Keats? There’s also one small quote from Dylan Thomas (my heroine is Welsh). My thinking is that as long as it’s in the public domain it’s fine, but a different publisher once told me off for being “terribly worthy” in a submission I sent them.

India Gray mentions Endymion in her latest book, but she sidesteps Keats completely. So I just wondered if this was a problem.

Thanks

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:45:07 +0000

I’m just going to copy some unanswered questions from another thread in here so they don’t get lost (or in case anyone else was wondering the same thing )

Is it really a must for the writer’s to be 18 or above?? Would a little younger hurt ? :S

Can partners of contracted authors enter or are they excluded under the family rule?

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:32:33 +0000

Oh, I forgot to ask earlier, sorry. I don’t think anyone has asked this question before.

I read ‘damn’ in Presents novels but how far or what don’t you consider acceptable? What words don’t you allow?

What about the Lords name in Vein? ‘God’ I’m not trying to offend anyone, just trying to see if I can use it. (not that I do myself) This is my characters speaking.

Thank you Joanne and Amy,

Suzanne

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:38:40 +0000

Hi Amy and Joanne,
This is such a great opportunity.

In my first chapter I have two paragraphs of backstory. Is it better not to have any backstory? Or would two para’s be acceptable?

Also, I have a phone conversation the heroine is having with a girl friend. It does have something to do with the circumstances in the next chapter, and the girlfriend will play a part in about chapter four. Is it better not to use this phone conversation? I do feel it is important to the story though.

Thank you,

Suzanne

By: Lynn Raye Harris

Lynn Raye Harris — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:25:53 +0000

My series was only my opinion, so be sure to ask the editors for their tips. They are the fount of wisdom about this topic!

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:58:41 +0000

This is so so cool, Amy. I will certainly be here. I have to figure out the time zones, but it won’t be too hard.

I’ll have a list of questions, but with all the tips, and plus the valuable information on Lynn Rae Harris’ site a lot of information has been covered.

How many entries have been received, and how many do you expect to receive for the competition?

By: Harlequin Presents Editor Chat | Lynn Raye Harris

Harlequin Presents Editor Chat | Lynn Raye Harris — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:15:27 +0000

[...] 23rd, you’ll be able to chat live with Harlequin Presents editor Joanne Grant! Go to the I Heart Presents blog for more [...]