The Riskies are very happy to welcome Linda Fildew, Senior Editor at Harlequin Historicals! We invited her here to dish about what they’re looking for in new manuscripts, plus some great upcoming titles to watch for in the bookstores. Linda will also be popping in to answer your questions! One commenter will win signed copies of books from Diane and Amanda (Diane will give one book of the winner’s choice from her backlist, seen on her website; Amanda will give one hot-off-the-press copy of her January ’09 book High Seas Stowaway!)
Riskies: Welcome to Risky Regencies! Tell us about the Harlequin Historical program. How many books do you publish each month? What time periods does the line encompass?
Linda Fildew: Thank you for inviting me and the Historical Team onto your blog site! We’re looking forward to answering as many questions as we can.
I am the Senior Editor for Harlequin’s Historical Romance line with responsibilities for acquiring and scheduling the books which appear in both North America’s Harlequin Historical and UK’s Mills and Boon Historical lines. Harlequin is a global company, so keeping in mind what has worldwide appeal is an important part of the acquisition process.
We publish 72 original historical books a year and encourage time periods from Ancient Civilizations–such as Greece, Rome, and Egypt–up to and including the Second World War. We like to offer readers variety in settings, although the Regency period is a key seller and remains ever-popular. Westerns, of course, are particularly popular with North American readers.
We have a 6-book program in both NA and UK–4 at retail and 2 at Reader Service (Direct to Consumer) in North America, 5 at retail and 1 at Reader Service in the UK. All books are available on eHarlequin.com or millsandboon.co.uk. Every current title is also available as an ebook download and we are continually adding to our ebook backlist.
RR: What are some upcoming books we should look for?
LF: We have some wonderful books I’d suggest you look for this month! To get you in the Christmas mood, we have a real cracker from Christine Merrill–The Mistletoe Wager. This Regency is packed full of warm wit and sensuality as an estranged couple get snowed in at a festive house party.
Cheryl St. John is guaranteed to stir hearts with her rugged Western hero in Her Montana Man. Protecting people runs through Jonas Black’s blood, and Eliza Jane Sutherland is one woman who needs his strong arms around her.
Another sexy hero can be found in Deb Marlowe’s Regency An Improper Aristocrat. The scandalous son of a disgraced mother, can the Earl of Treyford learn to be the true gentleman that Miss Latimer deserves?
And something a bit different is Michelle Style’s Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife. We do find that readers love these strong alpha male heroes–honorable and true, he is attractive because you know he will do everything in his power to protect and care for the heroine. It wasn’t the threat of conquest that shook Sela to the core. It was the way her heart responded to the proud face and chiseled body of Vikar Hrutson, jaarl, leader of the invading force–and Sela’s ex-husband! A month full of variety, I hope you agree, packed with that all-vital emotional intensity.
And looking ahead we have more splendid books coming in 2009! Here’s a taster of just a few:
Bronwyn Scott’s The Viscount Claims His Bride is in January. This is linked to her Undone ebook (more on this exciting new program later) where Viscount St. Just has returned home from war and needs now to woo back the woman he left behind.
Outlaws, even innocent ones, just can’t risk doctor’s visits. But Quinn Rowlan desperately needs a nurse for his injured brother. Kidnapping is the only answer. Except Quinn snatches the wrong woman! Kate Bridges’s Wanted in Alaska will steal your heart this February.
In March, we’ve something a little different for Harlequin Historical, with Nicola Cornick’s Kidnapped: His Innocent Mistress which is written in the first person. The emotion is heightened in this sensual tale where the heroine finds herself embarking on an adventure, and is ruined by the wicked Mr. Sinclair!
In April, we are proud to launch debut author Ann Lethbridge with her sensual Regency The Rake’s Inherited Courtesan. We are always looking to take on new talented authors (6 so far in 2008) and do encourage submissions (more on this later!)
Coming in May is a special treat. Three Regency authors who are good friends–well known to the Risky Regencies!–have combined in a wonderful project. The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor is an anthology of three linked short stories featuring three scandalous sisters. Set in a sumptuous villa on the Thames, the family house parties are notorious. Love and mayhem are the order of the day! Sit back and enjoy. The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor is part of Harlequin’s year-long 2009 celebration for its 60th anniversary. (Riskies note: this is the anthology of Diane, Amanda, and Deb Marlowe!!)
There are many more treats in store, so do, please, keep updated on the books we are publishing in Harlequin Historical.
RR: That all sounds wonderful! And you have a new program, too. Tell us more about the “Undone” stories.
LF: Undone is an exciting new venture for Harlequin Historical! Launched November 1, 2008, these short, sexy, scandalous stories appear in ebook format. Available from eharlequin and other ebook distributors. The length is between 10 and 15,000 words, and we encourage submissions for any time period. We’ve widened our horizons and are also encouraging paranormal and time travel stories. We are looking for a high level of sensuality that flows naturally out of the plotline. There should be a strong emotional basis to the heightened attraction–it’s vital the reader can believe in the intense emotion driving the characters as their relationship develops. These stories should be hot, sexy, and subtly explicit without the lovemaking being vulgar or gratuitous. Full guidelines are on eHarlequin’s website. We launched with 4 Undones and will continue with 1 a month. For any aspiring writers who have been daunted by the idea of writing an historical of over 70,000 words, the shorter Undones might now give you the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
Building on the increasing popularity of sensual books in the marketplace, we are also introducing Undone into full-length Harlequin Historical at Retail–one book a quarter–where we are highlighting particularly sensual, provocative storylines. Our first one is Amanda McCabe’s High Seas Stowaway in January ’09, which neatly follows on from her ebook Undone (Shipwrecked and Seduced) in November.
RR: What are some stories you would love to see that haven’t come your way yet? What do you love to see in stories?
LF: I’ll answer this back to front, if I may! What I love to see is a storyline where you can tell the author is in love with her characters. There’s a depth to their personalities which shows that the writer has got to know them intimately and understands what motivates and drives them. It’s how the hero and heroine interact that is key to a good historical romance. The authentic background is important, but it’s the developing relationship between your main protagonists that is key. Take the reader into their world and hold them there with good pacing, natural dialogue, intense emotion, and a strong storyline.
Stories I would love to see? Well, we are encouraging some time travel and paranormal in our Undone ebook stories. If these work well then we could look to bring these different elements into Harlequin Historical itself. We’ve published some Gothic Regencies and a Halloween anthology so we are venturing forth in this area. I’ve yet to see ancient Greek or Egyptian settings. The story would have to be very strong for us to consider it, but we are always open to submissions.
RR: What are the biggest mistakes you see aspiring authors make? What about your own authors?
LF: The biggest mistake–both unpublished and published authors can fall into this trap–is to get carried away by the historical events so that the romance gets moved to the sidelines. I completely understand it must be tempting to use all that research detail, and it is essential research is done to make the book as authentic as possible, but the trick comes in knowing what to put in the story and what to leave out! The main focus of the story should be the relationship.
RR: What brought you to work at Harlequin? What is a typical day at the office like?
LF: I came to publishing because of a love of books, and I’ve been at Harlequin Mills and Boon all my working life. Quite amazing, I know! I joined just before Mills and Boon launched its historical program, then called Masquerade, and was part of the team which got this off the ground. I still have a photo of myself dressed in Regency costume at the launch party! I’ve worked in a number of editorial acquisition roles on the contemporary side of the business, and am most happy to be back now with my first love, Historicals.
There is no “typical” day at the office, which is good because each day presents its own delights and challenges. Most days emails are checked first thing to see what manuscripts have been submitted and what author, overseas, marketing queries have been raised. We have weekly historical team meetings to discuss work in progress and weekly general editorial meetings where we consider the books being put forth for acquisition. There are UK and NA art meetings to look at packaging in both markets, and much careful consideration does go in the whole package from the cover art to title to blurb copy–all must work together to create a buy-me book. For me, the most pleasure I get from the job comes from the author relationships I’ve developed over the years. I’m fortunate in having a truly delightful group of authors with whom to work–assessing the first draft, discussing the revisions, developing winning cover copy and ultimately seeing the books on the shelves. I greatly respect each and every author’s creative ability and take pleasure from the fact that the editor/author collaborative effort produces a book that will be read and enjoyed around the world.
RR: What are your submission procedures?
LF: For full-length manuscripts, we’d ask to see the first three chapters and a 1-2 page synopsis of your complete story. These should come to our UK address which is on our website. We now also accept queries or submissions by email and these should be sent, as a Word document attachment, to submissions@hmb.co.uk
Submissions for ebook Undone should be complete manuscripts only and should be submitted electronically–no partials or queries, please. Submissions should be sent as Word-compatible attachment. Submissions should also follow standard formatting guidelines and should be double-spaced and typed in a clear, legible font on numbered pages. Author name and title should appear as a header or footer on each page. The Historical Undone email address is undone@harlequin.ca
Thank you so much, Linda, for taking time out of your (very busy) day to visit us here!
This is so exciting!! Welcome to Linda. Since I’m a further six hours ahead, (and sick child is currently sleeping), I thought I’d get a leg-up and comment quickly.
How many of the Undones do you plan on acquiring from writers who haven’t sold yet? Would that be an easier foot-in-the-door than a regular Historical? Thanks.
Riskies, the LOLRegencies were a scream. Thanks for the laughs.
Diane and Ammanda, thanks so much for this opportunity to speak with Linda.
I bought a copy of the 100 years of Mills & Boon, and my dad (never thought he would admit to it) and I delighted in looking back through the cover evolution and reading about the history of M&B. These were my first romance novels (and clearly his). 🙂
Linda,
It’s great to see all the new directions historicals are going. The Undones are fantastic and I hope there will be lots more coming. And I intend getting busy writing and submitting some from down under, too.
You’ve inspired me,
Thanks,
Sue,
Good morning, Linda! It’s great to see you here.
I had a question about the Undones. Will they ever be translated into foreign languages? (some Italian friends were asking me this)
Also, do you see HH expanding into more books a month or does the current offering seem like enough for readers?
Thanks for being here!
Historicals are my first love, and I so enjoy the consistently excellent voices of your writers, particularly Christine Merrill (and the Riskies!). I also find in thse penny-pinching times that HHs are a great value. Thanks for the excellent advice! Off to write…
I just bought The Improper Aristocrat. I look forward to reading it!
Linda, thanks for being here! I’m writing my first western historical set in frontier Texas (I usually write romantic suspense.) For me it was very difficult to get into the sensibilities of a 19th century character. I thought, though, that people who lived on the frontier would probably have a different way of looking at life anyway.
Is this a mistake you see often, inserting 21st ideals into 19th century characters? How much leeway do you allow independent women of the time?
Hi Linda! And hello to all the historical team! It’s lovely to see you all here at the Riskies!
Linda, I would dearly love to see that photo of you in Regency garb. 🙂 I have several of Diane, Ammanda and I dressed up from when we danced with the Jane Austen dancers in Bath. We had a great time!
I’m sure a lot of people will be excited to hear that the Undone line will be open to paranormal elements. I read the Halloween Husbands anthology and it was charming!
Thank you so much for offering writers this exciting opportunity through your Undone line. I’m sure you’re getting oodles of submissions. What can writers expect as far as a submission response time?
I’ve already started Michelle’s book and will move on to Bronwyn’s!
Hi Linda,
Great to see you here! And so kind of you to mention my first book. I am really excited about writing for Harlequin Mills and Boone and looking forward to seeing my book on the shelves.
I have heard a lot of buzz about the Undone’s and I see you are planning one Undone a month? Do you think this will expand over time?
Ann
Sue
So pleased to hear that you are enjoying the Undones we’ve published so far and that they’ve inspired you. I wish you all success with your writing.
Well, what a number of comments already! I hope between Suzanne Clarke, Mimi Berchie and myself (the historical team) we will be able to answer you all.
Keira – I hope your sick child is on the mend. In answer to your query on Undone. So far we’ve commissioned stories from our established author base, but we are actively looking for new, talented writers so submissions from unpublished authors are welcome. It could be easier to be published in Undone 1) because the length is shorter and you don’t have to commit so much time to the writing process and, if the first one doesn’t succeed, then you can refine your writing style over several submissions. 2) because our horizons are wider with Undone and we’re happy to consider storylines – such as paranormal – which might be outside of our regular publications.
Welcome to the Riskies, Linda. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us and for taking risks with historical settings. Much as I adore the British Regency, I enjoy both reading and writing other time periods and locations as well. I also think it’s healthy for the historical romance genre to offer an interesting variety.
Linda, thank you for making the time to reply to my questions.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the Undones were set up as bridges for series, spin-offs of a previous series, and setups for future ones.
Using NaNoWriMo, I had a jump start on a story that I hope to send to your team in the new year.
Looking forward to seeing you at RWA in DC.
PS: The wee one’s showing improvement. Laughter and words always spill forth the minute things change for the better. Kids are so resilient!
Hi Michelle
Thanks for your questions.
Undone is a new venture that all of our Overseas companies are excited about. The UK will be launching in the New Year, but I have no firm information about other countries as yet. Watch this space!
The Undone program is 1-a-month after the launch of 4 in November. It’s a little too soon to say if we will increase in number, but if sales perform well, and we have sufficient strong editorial, then there could be more sexy, scandalous short stories out there to tantalise you.
With Harlequin Historical, we have a 6-book program – 4 at Retail and 2 at Reader Service. All 6 are available on the eHarlequin website and for eBook download. There aren’t any plans to increase the number of books at the moment.
Hi, Linda! (aren’t I lucky to have her as an editor?)
I invited people to ask questions yesterday. here is the first one, from Beth:
I hope this is the right place to post my question for Linda Fildew. I will check in on your blog in the morning.
I submitted a short story to eHarlequin Undone. Guidelines say to include the short story with the submission as a Word attachment. If no response is given to show recipt of the email, does this mean my submission was lost in cyberspace?
How long should an author wait before following up?
Beth
Hi Linda. Great interview. Lots of great information. I love Harlequin Historicals.
I couldn’t resist popping in and saying ‘Hi!’! It always so great to see the enthusiasm for HHs and we are thrilled with the response so far to the Undones! I think they are just the perfect quick Historical fix 🙂
OOps, just one question. The other was from Keira, who wound up asking it herself.
By the way, MaryF is an award-winning author! So far her books are out from primarily epublishers but her Hot Shot just won an Eppie! So, Linda, watch for that western of hers. I’m going to make sure she sends it to you!
Maggie
Historicals are my first love, too. I grew up on Anya Seton, Mary Renault and Georgette Heyer. It’s wonderful to learn that you enjoy the ‘consistently excellent voices’ of HH’s writers. This is a lovely compliment because authors and editors alike strive to give readers the best books possible. All success with your own writing endeavours.
Hi, Joanne! I have to get used to that lovely married name. Had to read twice to realize it was you!
Joanne is pictured with me holding a National Reader’s Choice Award, often described as a tombstone.
Hello Linda and Joanne! Just had to pop in and say “hi” and thanks for being here on my way out the door. 🙂
What kinds of storylines would you look for in ancient Greece/Egypt settings? What about WWII? (would a French setting work, or would England be better?)
I’m sure I will think of more on the drive to work…
(and Keira, tell The Wee One Hello Kitty wants her to get better very soon!)
Hi Joanne! Good to see you here. 🙂
Linda–thanks for the information on Undone overseas…fingers crossed that it ends up going into other countries!
What I love about the Undone line is it gives you a chance to write a story for secondary characters, that might not be fully featured in a regular length book.
I am curious about the full-length Undones. You said that Amanda’s High Seas Stowaway would be in this category (And by the way, I LOVE that cover! Woo!).
Are these books going to have any sort of marking or distinguishing feature to let readers know they are more sensual? Just curious as to how that will work. 🙂
What a great interview! Thank you Linda for visiting the Riskies and giving out so much great information.
I just finished Deb Marlowe’s AN IMPROPER ARISTOCRAT and I loved it!! What a wonderful story and such great characters! Great job, Yankee Lady!
Today I am taking Christine Merrill’s The Mistletoe Wager to work with me to read on my breaks and lunch!
Linda, I find it interesting that you mentioned Harlequin’s interest in Paranormals as that is what my question concerns. I would love to know what sorts of Paranormal Historicals Harlequin might be interested in and what part the paranormal elements might play.
I have only completed one that has been described as a Gothic historical paranormal. LOL My question is in writing this sort of story how big an element should the paranormal aspect be? I have read stories where the paranormal overwhelms the story and the romance and many other combinations of those elements. What is Harlequin looking for as far as a ratio of paranormal to romance to story line content? I hope that question makes sense!
Thank you so much for coming out and doing this great interview!
Mary, you are going from hot and hunky firemen to hot and hunky cowboys? I can’t wait to read your western!
Thanks for picking up AIA and MAJOR CONGRATs on your Eppie!
I would second or third the request to see the photo of Linda from the Masquerade launch party.
The one thing I know –and like Diane I am lucky enough to have Linda (and Mimi) as my editor — is how much enthusiam the whole historical team have for the line. Take them at their word. They want strong romances in a historical setting and they are looking for new authors both in Undone and in HH.
It is also lovely to see Jo here — although it did take me a second…
Hi Joanne!
I’m going to offer a major bribe to you and Linda and Suzie–chocolate? coffee? wine?–if you guys will send me a pic of Maddie’s wedding!
Louisa,
I’m so glad you enjoyed An Improper Aristocrat! Trey and Chione were a joy to write.
I immediately thought of you and Raven’s Heart when I saw the great news about paranormal elements in Undone!
Michelle, I just got my author copies, and on the back cover under the blurb it has an “Undone” logo in a sort of curly font. 🙂
Hi Deb! I am happy to take a bribe any day – wine, cheese or chocolate will do me 😉 I’ll pass on your enthusiasm to Maddie!
Come to think of it, I still owe some authors wedding pics…
Thanks for joining the Riskies, Linda (and team!) and thanks to the Riskies for inviting you! With geographic distance making “chat” so infrequent, I couldn’t resist jumping in to say hello.
Hi to the featured HH and Undone authors who’ve stopped by, too. My TBR pile grows ever more towering!
First question from an e-book dummie: can the Undone e-books be read simply on a regular computer or must you have an e-reader device?
Like Ammanda, I’m interested in the types of stories that might interest you in WWII or WWI timeframes and whether a French-set story might be considered. Also, with the perennial popularity of Regencies (can’t complain about that!) Westerns and Medievals, will the “other” time period continue to receive 1 slot a month?
I also add my vote to seeing the pic of Linda in Regency dress!
Hi MaryF
Congrats on your Hot Shot winning an Eppie!
That’s a very good question – characters must be believable for their time, but they also need qualities to make them stand out for the reader – and of course, the hero! Even though women would have been bound by certain social and moral codes, which can add beautifully to conflict and tension in the story, they still need to be women that today’s women would aspire to be. Strong, sympathetic and believable motivation is key here.
For example, your heroine could be an impoverished country miss about to come to London for her first Season, a worldly Regency widow, newly independent after her husband’s death, or a ranch-owning heroine desperate to protect her property. They are all different characters, but the life experiences (society, family, relationships etc.) that have shaped them over the years should enable the reader to identify and sympathise with them, and so believe in them. Definitely, the reader would expect to see the same strength of character in all as they embark on their emotional journeys to find true love at the end.
You are writing for a readership that lives in the twenty-first century, so there is a need to create characters that can still resonate with the reader while being true to the period. It’s certainly not easy! There is a balance of fantasy and reality needed here – too much of one or the other and it’s likely the reader could either struggle to believe what’s happening, or feel bogged down in historical fact!
Also, sometimes, it’s easy to let modern phrases and words creep in, so that’s something to keep an eye on, too.
Thank you, Linda! I’m fairly new to reading Harlequin Historicals. (You can thank Michelle Willingham for that. 😉 )
Now, I find I devour them.
I’m thrilled to see a first person historical. It is something I’ve been wanting to see.
My question to you, what is the maximum length you accept for Harlequin Historical?
Thank you,
Renee
Hi Louisa
Great to hear you are enjoying our titles!
While a paranormal element is fine in our Undone ebooks, the romance does need to take centre stage. Paranormal elements should be small and shouldn’t overwhelm the story.
Regarding what part they could play, we wouldn’t dictate how paranormal elements could be used – this is very much open and down to the writer to make it work for the story.
Hope this is helpful and all the best with your writing!
Hi Elena,
I’m with you on that one! The Regency period is my comfortable favourite too – as well as for most of our Historical readers, but it is sooo refreshing for us as editors to work on manuscripts exploring other periods and locations too!
I’m guessing Regencies will always be a mainstay in our series, but we do like to remind aspiring authors they can go even as far back as the ancient Egyptians history, but I’m yet to see an acient Egyptian romance land on my desk…!
I was thrilled to hear that Linda was going to be here today and it’s great to see how much enthusiasm there is for HH and to hear how much people enjoy the books. Thank you for mentioning my first person historical, Linda. I was delighted that HH were prepared to publish a first person manuscript. I’m also excited to hear about the potential for paranormal and time travel elements in the Undone stories and maybe in the HH line in future. That’s great news! One of the things I like most about HH is the different and unusual backgrounds and settings, and the way that the line is always open to new idea and developments. It’s really inspiring!
Wow! It is lively in here!
As it is the 1st of December, there is a new Historical Undone! ebook available now on eHarlequin by Annie Burrows, called Notorious lord, Compromised Miss.
Just thought you may want to know 🙂
Hi Renee
The word length for Harlequin Historical is 75000 words. All the submission information can be found at eHarlequin.com and millsandboon.co.uk.
All the best with your future writing!
Renee–thank you so much for reading my books!
Julia–yes, they can. I had to download Adobe Digital Editions, but once I did that, I was able to read the e-books just fine on a regular computer. I wasn’t able to use regular Adobe Reader, and I hadn’t realized that.
(waving to Suzy and Mimi!)
Hi Amanda and Julia
It’s good that you both might be inspired by our ‘other’ time slot, be it Greece, Egypt or WWI/II. Either France or England would work for the WW setting.
With Regencies (including late Georgian/Victorian), Westerns and Medievals taking up approximately 66 of the 72 publication slots, you can see that the ‘other’ period numbers just 6. This does mean that the storylines would have to be exceptional, but I know you’ll both be up for the challenge. I would ask that you run any story ideas by your editors who will discuss them with me, because anything as different as this will need to be considered bearing your future writing strategy in mind.
I know time is getting late and I don’t want Beth’s question to be missed:
I hope this is the right place to post my question for Linda Fildew. I will check in on your blog in the morning.
I submitted a short story to eHarlequin Undone. Guidelines say to include the short story with the submission as a Word attachment. If no response is given to show recipt of the email, does this mean my submission was lost in cyberspace?
How long should an author wait before following up?
Beth
Anytime, Michelle. Love your books!
Renee
Hi Linda-
So glad you’ve dropped by Riskies to chat with us! I’m very happy Harlequin has their historicals available as ebooks because that makes it easy for me to get my hands- uh, eyeballs- on them.
And I love Undone. The first four were terrific, and just the right length to grab a quick romance when time was pressing. I’ve been experimenting with that length now, and it’s great fun. The story I’m finishing now is definitely a historical, but I really think too paranormal for Undone. But now that I’ve done one, I can see I want to do more. So I hope to submit later.
One question: The buzz I’ve heard about Undone is that you’re really looking for spin-offs from larger stories you’re publishing, and mostly by your regular authors. But I’m not getting that sense. Would you clarify this?
Hi Dianne!
Most curious. Not sure where some of my postings have gone. Off into cyber space, no doubt, never to be seen again. I did answer a question about response times for Tracey and for Beth –
I would suggest that you allow 12 weeks for a response and if you don’t hear by then, do, please, ask about the story’s status via the website. Wishing you all success.
I’m surprised Beth didn’t get an acknowledgement, so would suggest that she drop the website a note now, to make sure they do have it in hand.
Hi Deb, Michelle
I’ll see if I can put my hand on that photo of me in a flowing blue Regency creation atopped by a
bobbing feather! So young . . .
Hi Linda! How exciting to have you guest blogging here! Thanks for taking the time.
I submitted an Egyptian short story to Undone a couple of months ago and haven’t heard anything. I had a lot of fun writing it since I adore Ancient Egypt, so I was pleased to have the experience. I haven’t heard anything back yet and so my question is: What, if anything, should I do now?
Now that NaNoWriMo is done, I will be reading again. I had to take November “off” from reading fiction, so I could accomplish my novel, which will also be submitted to Harlequin under the Love Inspired Historical line.
Thank you, Linda!
Blogger gets wonky sometimes.
I too want to see that photo of you in Regency dress! You could have worn the dress to Beau Monde’s soiree!
Lisa, congrats on finishing a book on NanoWriMo! See Linda’s answer which must have come in at the same time you were sending.
Hi Linda, thanks for visiting with us!
Linda, Mimi, Joanne, and Suzy,
You should pick up our Janet’s The Rules of Gentility, out in the UK from Little Black Dress. It is a first person, lovingly written spoof on the Regency genre!
Here’s what Publisher’s Weekly said of it: “The saga of an Austen-era bachelorette puts the lie to Regency delicacy in this fun romantic spoof”
Thanks for stopping by–the Undone stuff sounds fabulous, and launching with Amanda is even fabulous-er!
Well, I’m the only one from the historical team remaining now and am about to head for home. We’ll pop on briefly tomorrow to check if we’ve missed any West Coast questions, given that you are some hours behind us here. Thank you, Risky Regency Ladies, for your kind welcome. It has been fun spending time with you.
Delle
It’s true that to launch Undone we approached our established author base (amazing to think that from first concept discussions to launch it was just 5 months!). It made good sense to link the short stories to regular full-length ones, where appropriate, so that readers could get long as well as short story satisfaction!
Now that we’re becoming established and stories are now available for writers to see the kind of editorial we’re acquiring, we’re delighted to be able to invite non-Harlequin and unpublished authors to submit to us. I do hope you feel encouraged to submit to us in due course.
Ok, transmission closing down for now. Thanks again for your warm welcome.
Hi Linda! Great blog, and great fun to see the photos. Thanks for sharing.
I’m blogging about Her Montana Man at Writers at Play and celebrating its release today!
http://www.writersatplay.com/wordpress/