Comments on: The Harlequin Presents Competition 2009 Update – First Round Judging!

By: Rhaina

Rhaina — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:26:45 +0000

I would like to see Intrigue have a competition or the Steeple Hill Historial and Suspense lines.

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:17:01 +0000

Thanks, Amy!

This is my first contest that puts an actual chapter of my writing in front of an editor.

Just curious as to how it’s done. Thanks for taking the time to answer us newbies. LOL

By: Amy

Amy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:26:51 +0000

I don’t think the “rounds” are exactly formal — from my experience, “first round” is likely weeding out submissions that are completely wrong (think 100,000-word fantasy novels…). As with regular submissions, the editors may give feedback where they can but it’s not always possible due to the volume of entries and workload.

The editors are planning a post of some common mistakes, things they like, etc. Probably after that the winner & runners up will be announced. Remember it’s only a few weeks until the winners are picked so you won’t be tenter hooks for ages!
~Amy

By: Rhaina

Rhaina — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:44:21 +0000

I’m so excited! Come on December!!

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:53:52 +0000

Hi!
Just wondering how often the editors post updates. Does anyone know?
Are we notified when we’re eliminated or if we’re being considered as finalists?
Curious minds want to know…LOL

By: Rachael

Rachael — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:38:51 +0000

Hi,
As Tobie and Meghan said, it would be great to know at which level our entry got eliminated. Has any entry been eliminated till now for not adhering to the basic guidelines? [wrong format,non adhering word limits etc]

By: Meghan

Meghan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:54:36 +0000

Thank you for the update, Joanne (although knowing the number of entries has not helped the jitters at all!)
I’d like to second what Tobie said – any indication as to the level of our work will be much appreciated.
Thank you to all the editors for the effort you are putting into this competition. Happy reading.

By: Tobie

Tobie — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:13:47 +0000

Amy,

thank you for arranging the update, even though the numbers are terrifying.

I understand you won’t be able to give feedback on entries, but will we know which round our entry made it through to? Not that any of us want to hear it was our baby that was dropped at round one, but it might at least give us some guidance as to whether our writing is getting closer to the mark.

Thanks for all your input on the website/ blog!

By: Lynn Raye Harris

Lynn Raye Harris — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:37:01 +0000

Wow, how cool to see everyone! And how exciting for the entrants. My advice to the writers is to go do something else, though, and try to forget about it. That’s what I did. Plus I’d convinced myself I wouldn’t win. It was quite a pleasant (okay, earth-shattering) surprise.

By: Shelby Benton

Shelby Benton — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:56:53 +0000

Thank you editors for giving us aspiring writers the chance to hope and dream (isn’t that what Harlequin’s all about after all?). Can’t wait to read the winning entry!