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• Writing guidelines and submission samples.
• Writing articles – updated monthly, from editors and authors

Unless otherwise noted, we do not accept unsolicited complete or partial manuscripts, but ask instead that you submit a query letter. The query letter should include a word count and pertinent facts about yourself as a writer, including your familiarity with the romance genre. Please indicate what series you think your project is appropriate for, if it is completed, what you think makes it special, and previous publishing experience (if any). Also include a synopsis of your story that gives a clear idea of both your plot and characters and is no more than two single-spaced pages. A self-addressed envelope and return international postage coupons will ensure a reply. Should your manuscript be requested, please note the following information.

• Harlequin, Silhouette, Mills & Boon and Steeple Hill publish only category/series romance and women's fiction. Please do not submit any type of nonfiction. Your manuscript should be told in the third person, primarily from the heroine's point of view. However, the hero's perspective may be used to enhance tension, plot or character development. Please see the writing guidelines for each series for details.

• All material should be the author's own original work. Stories that contain scenes or plotlines that bear a striking resemblance to previously published work are in breach of copyright law and are not acceptable.

• All material must be typewritten, double-spaced, and on a reasonably heavy bond paper. No disk submissions. Computer-generated material is acceptable, but must be letter quality, and pages must be separated. Any material received on computer reams will be returned without evaluation.

• Do not submit your material bound in binders, boxes, or containers of any kind. Secure material by rubber bands. Cover sheets must have your complete name, address and phone number. Each page should be numbered sequentially thereafter. Please type your name and title in the upper left-hand corner of each page. If we ask to see your manuscript, please include a complete synopsis. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard if you require acknowledgment of receipt.

• All material will be evaluated in as timely a fashion as volume allows. Please do not call regarding the status of your manuscript. You will be notified by mail as soon as your work has been reviewed.

• Do not send any material that is being considered by another publisher. Multiple submissions are not acceptable. A literary agent is not required in order to submit.

• You must enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with all material you send in. This will ensure the return of your material. Please send an envelope large enough to accommodate your work and adequate postage in the form of international postage coupons or an international money order, where appropriate.

• This page is designed as a guide to aid you in understanding our requirements and standards. However, there is no better way to determine what we are looking for than reading our books.

• We enter into discussions about payment only when a contract is offered. This information is confidential.

• We take every reasonable care of manuscripts while they are with us and will return any which prove unsuitable (provided return postage is supplied), but we cannot take responsibility for the vagaries of the post office, so please be sure to retain a copy of your manuscript against unfortunate losses.

SUBMITTING TO THE LONDON OFFICE

Further information

Find more information about writing for all the Mills & Boon series at millsandboon.co.uk or at eHarlequin.com. Our Meet the Editors podcasts are also available from eHarlequin.com.

More detailed guidelines are available upon request, accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope, or e-mail submissions@hmb.co.uk.

Submissions Procedure

Mills & Boon require the first three chapters and a short synopsis of the story. The synopsis of your story should give a clear idea of both your plot and characters and be no more than two pages. Your covering letter should outline pertinent facts about yourself as a writer including your familiarity with the romance genre and previous publishing experience. Please indicate what series you think your project is appropriate for, and if it is completed.

SEND YOUR SUBMISSION TO:

Editorial Department
Harlequin Mills & Boon Ltd.
Eton House
18-24 Paradise Road
Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1SR
United Kingdom

E-mail:
We now also accept queries or submissions by e-mail. Please send any e-mail submissions as a Word document attachment to: submissions@hmb.co.uk. Please note that any further correspondence will then be sent to you by way of the e-mail address you supply.

All material will be evaluated in as timely a fashion as volume allows. You will be notified when your submission has been received. We do our best to respond to submissions within 12–18 weeks.

SUBMITTING TO MIRA
At this time, MIRA Books is only accepting agented submissions. Harlequin and Silhouette published authors should contact their editors if interested in submitting to MIRA.

EDITORIAL OFFICES

TORONTO

NEW YORK

When sending manuscripts to our New York office, a flat fee appropriate to mailing zone should be added for return postage. Within the United States, add $5.00 postage. Outside the US (excluding Canada) add $25.00 and for return mail to Canada add $11.00. All manuscripts will be sent Media Mail. If the appropriate postage is not included manuscripts cannot be returned.

LONDON