Six Magic Words for creating a Bestseller

Notes on Susan Elizabeth Phillips – Six Magic Words for creating a Bestseller.

Write the compelling book, not necessarily the most creative or artistic one. What makes a bestseller?
1. Plot is Riveting
2. You care deeply about the characters.
3. The author reveals an unfamiliar world (Narnia, etc.)
4. Captivating Author’s Voice

The 6 Magic words are: Keep The Reader In The Story

As long as you don’t pull them out, you have a winner. Try to master good craft. Create dazzling characters who are sympathetic, but not perfect. They should be realistic but larger than life. Well-motivated characters, but don’t manipulate their behavior to advance your plot. Move the plot by giving the characters strengths and weaknesses. Let them develop and grow throughout the story. Take the hero and follow his emotional thread throughout the story, then do the same for the heroine. Make them diametric opposites. If he’s a fireman, she should be an arsonist.

Harlequin Historicals

Notes on Harlequin/Mills & Boon Historicals – presented by Joanne Carr
These are richly-emotional stories with time periods ranging from ancient civilizations to World War II. They publish one Regency and one Western per month, along with a Medieval and slots are open to other time periods. Typically 6 books a month of 80,000 words (3 Harlequin Historicals and 3 Mills & Boon Historicals). Must bring the time period to life. Research is fundamental, but the history can’t eclipse the romance. Keep the stories emotional. They want strong, commanding heroes and spirited heroines. Fully-rounded characters, even if they are unconventional. Beware of slang or flowery language. There is no limit to the sensuality. They can be sexy but not in a gratuitous way.

Harlequin Bombshell and Love Inspired

Notes on Bombshell - presented by Mary Teresa Hussey
They want “kickass” women with a strong romantic element. Currently they are not looking for new titles or new authors.

Notes on Love Inspired by Krista Stroever
Warmly, emotional, character-driven romances. Safe, family-driven stories. No sex, but more plot. These stories are read by grandmothers and granddaughters. Café novels and military themes are becoming popular (e.g. a soldier coming home for Christmas). Family reunion stories are also popular. The number of Love Inspired Suspense books has increased to 4 books a month. They like Detective/FBI/Firemen/Cowboys. Family and children are a plus in these types of suspense novels.

Superromance

Notes on Superromance – presented by Victoria Curran
These are character-driven stories, grounded in reality. Big, emotional love stories. They are evocative and 70-75,000 words in length. The author may explore other storylines. They produce 6 books a month. There are different levels of sensuality. The range in tones is from light to deeply emotional, but grounded in reality. They want fresh, cliché-free stories. Legitimate and active sustained conflict. All authors may submit 3 chapters and a synopsis (the synopsis has no length restrictions).

Harlequin Intrigue

Notes on Harlequin Intrigue –
Breathtaking, romantic suspense. They like their authors to be prolific and write many titles a year. Think crime drama. 75,000 words in length (280-300 pages), mystery and suspense. Usually a murder plot or woman-in-jeopardy. Romance is integral to the plot. There must be strong reasons for each decision made by the hero/heroine. Pacing must be unrelenting. Main characters must evade certain death. Tension must escalate. No graphic or explicit scenes. The story determines the level of sensuality. Lots of room to build new authors.

Harlequin Next

Notes on Harlequin Next - presented by Tara Gavin
Women’s fiction. It’s the stage after first love, first job. Sometimes it’s a humorous, slice-of-life story. All celebrate a woman’s life: “Look at what I’ve accomplished. What comes next?” They are strong, well-told stories for the woman entering the next stage of her life. They should be uplifting and rewarding. Not necessarily a “Walk down the aisle” ending, but it must be a satisfying ending. Prolific, high-quality writing. It’s a great way to establish yourself as a writer.

Harlequin Desire

Notes on Harlequin Desire – presented by Mary Teresa Hussey
They have undergone major changes. Less character, more conflict. Conflicts must involve characters in a dramatic way. Multiple conflicts (internal and external). Heroes are wealthy and aren’t afraid to spend their money. White collar heroes (alpha males, executives) The heroine teaches him about romance. She’s an average woman, but not a shrinking violet. She’s a true match for the hero. At least one, intense, but not overtly graphic sex scene. Can have more. The reader must be able to relate to the heroine. To compare against Presents, Desires are White, Presents are Red.

Harlequin American

Notes on Harlequin American
The length is 60-65,000 words. In November of 2005, they reached their highest sales ever. They have a new cover style, similar to photography. They are seeking new authors. Currently they are hosting a contest: The Great American Romance Contest (see greatamericanromancecontest.com for details.) They want one chapter and a synopsis (synopsis length should be no more than 10 pages). The deadline is October 31st. Prizes include possible publication, editorial critiques, and a one year subscription to the Harlequin American line. They want fast-paced, heart-warming stories. Energy, stories that move. Contemporary and appealing. Small town settings continue to be popular, but you can do ranches or even big cities as long as the tone is right. Community is important in American romance. Family and friends are part of the hero/heroine’s lives. They are open to cowboys, brides, and babies as long as there is a fresh twist. They want at least 2 books a year from authors.

Harlequin Blaze

Notes on Harlequin Blaze – presented by Brenda Chin
Blaze is celebrating its fifth year in publication. They produce 6 books a month. The books are hot with lots of sex. They are increasingly looking for stories with depth. They like subplots, secondary characters, multiple character point-of-views, and are moving toward a “single title” feel. They’ve added lots of new variety to the line to include time travels, thrillers, ghosts, and European bedroom settings.

Silhouette Special Edition Notes

Notes on Silhouette Special Edition – presented by Gail Chasan.
Special Edition involves love, life, and family, primarily with North American settings. They bought two new authors in 2007. Babies, brides, weddings, and western themes continue to be popular. They want a fresh, contemporary romance with a couple that anyone might know (e.g. a hero/heroine you might be friends with). They enjoy classic stories.