Pitch to Presents

The Harlequin editors in Richmond are running a pitch contest for their Presents line (published in South Africa as Mills & Boon Modern). If you'd like to enter, you need to act quick as the pitch closes on Monday 27th February.

Aspiring writers can pitch their previously unsubmitted manuscripts to the editors. They're looking for strong Alpha males, exotic settings, and feisty heroines who challenge these heroes.

To enter, you need to write a blurb (the back cover copy) of about 80-100 words, and also provide an extract of 200-250 words. The blurb should be as catchy and enticing as possible, and the extract can be from any part of the story, preferably a scene with intense emotion and sensuality to showcase your writing.

Email your blurb and extract in the body of an email to Harlequin Hosty Rae at doeraemi@gmail.com, including 'Pitch to Presents' in the subject of the email - and don't forget to include your full name.
No attachments please.

The editors will then choose 5 entrants who will have the opportunity to pitch in an online chat with the editors on 15th March. Winners will be announced a week before.

Entrants MUST be able to use the Harlequin chat room at the given chat time on 15th March, as another venue or option will not be offered, and if you are selected and don't pitch, you'll have cost someone else an opportunity.

Your manuscript does not have to be complete, and you can enter even if you have another submission already in with the editors, however this must be a new story that is not currently under consideration, and which has not been published elsewhere.

Further information is available here and here.

Good luck, and let us know if you're entering.

The 2009 Presents Contest

The deadline for the 2009 Harlequin Presents contest is rapidly approaching. If you would like to break into the Harlequin / Mills & Boon market, then this is your chance to submit and be noticed.

Why?
Because with only 150-200 entries and a response time of only one month, you're going to have your opening chapter read much sooner than if you submit through the slush pile.

What?
Harlequin is looking for the first chapter and a 2-page, double-spaced synopsis for a novel aimed at Harlequin Presents (published here in SA as Mills & Boon Modern and Modern Heat). To check out the guidelines for these lines, click here.

How?
Details of how to enter are available here.

But ...
The deadline is 2nd November, so you only have 3 weeks in which to submit.

If you already have a completed novel ready to submit, then go for it!
If you haven't even started, don't worry - it's not too late. I'd suggest you use the next 3 weeks to write the first chapter and synopsis, then take the opportunity of NaNo to complete the novel in time for that wonderful request you're going to get from the Harlequin editors ...

[Yes, I know that's not the NaNo ideal and they'd prefer you start a new novel on 1st November - but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to get ahead in this business!]

The next blog post will give tips on how to write a winning chapter, and after that we have some wonderful news for South African romance writers. So keep checking in here ...

Writing Contests

There are a few contests currently open to aspiring romance writers in South Africa:

If you have a completed single title novel you might consider Penguin's contest for aspiring African authors. For more information, check out http://www.penguinbooks.co.za/african-winners/index.php.

For category romance writers, Harlequin is running another Presents contest (Modern & Modern Heat to us here in SA). All you need to enter is a synopsis and first chapter - but as Amanda Holly can attest, it's probably a good idea to have written a little more than that! Winners of the last two contests have already sold their completed manuscripts to Harlequin, but even if you aren't confident of winning, I highly recommend you enter. Every entrant is guaranteed feedback and I know several people who've had full manuscripts requested based on their entries. (Isn't it time you submitted yours, Mandy?) Details are available on http://www.iheartpresents.com/2009/07/official-rules-for-the-harlequin-presents-writing-competition-2009/.

Finally, Essentials magazine is running another Voice of Africa short story contest in conjunction with Mills&Boon. Pick up the August issue of Essentials, or visit their website at http://www.essentials.co.za/index.php?p[IGcms_nodes][IGcms_nodesUID]=da425e83de610e013f2f16d3fdbfdca3. The prizes are absolutely awesome!

So get writing, and please leave a comment to let us know if you plan to enter any of these. Good luck to all entrants!