What are some other things you can do to help sell your manuscript?
First, we expect you to enjoy reading romance fiction. If you are already a fan, your appreciation for this type of book will be apparent in the writing. If you have not done so already, we encourage you to read many, many books from each series. The series that emerges as your favourite is probably where you should submit your manuscript.
Second, remember reading is an emotional experience. We hope you will write from the heart and we will feel touched by what you have to say. When you put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard), do so because you have something to share with other readers.
Guidelines for writing different series of Mills & Boon
MILLS & BOON® MODERN ROMANCE™
Length: 50,000
Modern Romance is the last word in sensual and emotional excitement. Readers are whisked away to exclusive jet-set locations to experience smouldering intensity and red-hot desire.
At the heart of your novel there must be two memorable and engaging characters who leap from the page but who remain credible, no matter what their situation. When the hero strides into the story he's a powerful, ruthless man who knows exactly what - and who - he wants and he isn't used to taking no for an answer! Yet he has depth and integrity, and he will do anything to make the heroine his. Though she may be shy and vulnerable, she's also plucky and determined to challenge his arrogant pursuit.
Modern Romance explores emotional themes that are universal. These should be played out as part of highly-charged conflicts that are underpinned by blistering sexual anticipation and released as passionate lovemaking. However, Modern is not the home of purple prose, cliché or melodrama; we want to see writing that offers unique perspectives and bursts with originality.
A Modern Romance is more than just a book; it's an experience, an everyday luxury. Let the pleasure and passion envelop you as you take a ride in the fast lane of romance.
MILLS & BOON® ROMANCE
Length: 50,000 words
Do you love a happy ending? Do you love to get lost in a story that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions? Whether your writing is witty or has you reaching for the hankies - if you love a true romance this is the series for you!
Do you want to walk in your heroine's shoes?
We celebrate women: their lives, triumphs, families, hopes, dreams…and most importantly their journey to falling in love. These are heroines every woman can relate to, root for, a friend you can laugh with and cry with. There should be a sense that the story really could happen to you!
Do you want pure Romance?
Behind every strong woman…there's a strong man. A guy you could meet on the sunniest of days, but who'll be there for you on the rainiest. Each story delivers 100% pure romance - but happily leaves the explicit detail on the cutting room floor! Readers come to this series to experience the feel-good high of love blossoming!
Do you want to explore a rainbow of emotional scenarios?
Vibrant, hilarious, heart-wrenching, exciting, uplifting, unexpected, intelligent, warm…all this and more can be found in Harlequin Romance.
So - wherever in the world your book is set, whether it's fun and flirty or deeply emotional, let your imagination fly. The possibilities in Romance are endless
Desire :
Length: 50,000–55,000 words
At 50–55,000 words, Desire books are filled to the brim with strong, intense storylines. These sensual love stories immediately involve the reader in a romantic, emotional conflict and the quest for a happily-ever-after resolution. The novels should be fresh, fast-paced, modern and present the hero and heroine's conflicts by the end of chapter one. Readers need to understand immediately what obstacles will impact the characters throughout the novel.
The Desire hero should be powerful and wealthy — an alpha male with a sense of entitlement, and sometimes arrogance. While he may be harsh or direct, he is never physically cruel. Beneath his alpha exterior, he displays some vulnerability, and he is capable of being saved. It's up to the heroine to get him there. The Texan hero should own the ranch, not work on it, and the urban hero should be someone in charge, not a handyman. The Desire hero often has fewer scenes from his point of view, but in many ways, he owns the story. Readers should want to fall in love with and rescue the Desire hero themselves!
The Desire heroine is complex and flawed. She is strong-willed and smart, though capable of making mistakes when it comes to matters of the heart. The heroine is equally as important as the hero, if not more so. There is room for both protagonists' perspective, but Desire novels are usually 60% heroine and 40% hero.
The conflict should be dramatic and original. Unexpected and new takes on classic plot lines, such as secret pregnancies, marriages of convenience and reunion romances, are welcome. Plots that focus on suspense or paranormal are best directed elsewhere. The story can be set anywhere in the world, but the tone should be true to the author's voice.
Desire novels are sensual reads and a love scene or scenes are needed, but there is no set number. Rather, the level of sensuality must be appropriate to the storyline. Above all, every Desire novel must fulfill the promise of a powerful, passionate and provocative read.
MILLS & BOON® HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Length: 70,000 – 75,000 words
Do you dream of waltzing in the strong arms of a Regency rake, or maybe of walking on the wild side with a Medieval warrior? Our readers’ dreams are wide-ranging, which is why we encourage submissions for all time periods, from ancient civilisations up to and including the Second World War.
Write what you know. Research is key to writing a strong historical romance. While you don’t need to be a professional historian, you do need to be able to bring a period vividly to life through accurate historical detail. The trick? Having done your research, know what to leave in and what to prune out.
There is no limit to the level of sensuality if it seems appropriate to both the characters and the story. We look for a range from traditional non-explicit stories through to highly sensual. Any lovemaking should evolve naturally out of the developing relationship.
Story focus. The central relationship is the key driving force of the story. The characters must be convincing because, despite their living in a time distant from our own, the emotions they experience will be the same then as now – love is timeless.
Special Moments (special edition)
Length: 55,000–60,000 words
Sophisticated, substantial and packed with emotion, Special Edition demands writers eager to probe characters deeply, to explore issues that heighten the drama of living and loving, to create compelling romantic plots. Whether the sensuality is sizzling or subtle, whether the plot is wildly innovative or satisfyingly traditional, the novel's emotional vividness, its depth and dimension, should clearly label it a very special contemporary romance. Subplots are welcome, but must further or parallel the developing romantic relationship in a meaningful way.
Submissions Procedure
Mills & Boon requires 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. We now also accept queries or submissions by email. Please email us at aspiringauthor@millsandboonindia.com
You can also send your manuscript at:
Harlequin Mills & Boon India Pvt Ltd,
Level 1, Trade centre,
Bandra- Kurla Complex,
Bandra (E),
Mumbai - 400051.
Contact Information:
For inquiries: aspiringauthor@millsandboonindia.com
For submissions: aspiringauthor@millsandboonindia.com
Website: http://www.millsandboonindia.com
First, we expect you to enjoy reading romance fiction. If you are already a fan, your appreciation for this type of book will be apparent in the writing. If you have not done so already, we encourage you to read many, many books from each series. The series that emerges as your favourite is probably where you should submit your manuscript.
Second, remember reading is an emotional experience. We hope you will write from the heart and we will feel touched by what you have to say. When you put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard), do so because you have something to share with other readers.
Guidelines for writing different series of Mills & Boon
MILLS & BOON® MODERN ROMANCE™
Length: 50,000
Modern Romance is the last word in sensual and emotional excitement. Readers are whisked away to exclusive jet-set locations to experience smouldering intensity and red-hot desire.
At the heart of your novel there must be two memorable and engaging characters who leap from the page but who remain credible, no matter what their situation. When the hero strides into the story he's a powerful, ruthless man who knows exactly what - and who - he wants and he isn't used to taking no for an answer! Yet he has depth and integrity, and he will do anything to make the heroine his. Though she may be shy and vulnerable, she's also plucky and determined to challenge his arrogant pursuit.
Modern Romance explores emotional themes that are universal. These should be played out as part of highly-charged conflicts that are underpinned by blistering sexual anticipation and released as passionate lovemaking. However, Modern is not the home of purple prose, cliché or melodrama; we want to see writing that offers unique perspectives and bursts with originality.
A Modern Romance is more than just a book; it's an experience, an everyday luxury. Let the pleasure and passion envelop you as you take a ride in the fast lane of romance.
MILLS & BOON® ROMANCE
Length: 50,000 words
Do you love a happy ending? Do you love to get lost in a story that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions? Whether your writing is witty or has you reaching for the hankies - if you love a true romance this is the series for you!
Do you want to walk in your heroine's shoes?
We celebrate women: their lives, triumphs, families, hopes, dreams…and most importantly their journey to falling in love. These are heroines every woman can relate to, root for, a friend you can laugh with and cry with. There should be a sense that the story really could happen to you!
Do you want pure Romance?
Behind every strong woman…there's a strong man. A guy you could meet on the sunniest of days, but who'll be there for you on the rainiest. Each story delivers 100% pure romance - but happily leaves the explicit detail on the cutting room floor! Readers come to this series to experience the feel-good high of love blossoming!
Do you want to explore a rainbow of emotional scenarios?
Vibrant, hilarious, heart-wrenching, exciting, uplifting, unexpected, intelligent, warm…all this and more can be found in Harlequin Romance.
So - wherever in the world your book is set, whether it's fun and flirty or deeply emotional, let your imagination fly. The possibilities in Romance are endless
Desire :
Length: 50,000–55,000 words
At 50–55,000 words, Desire books are filled to the brim with strong, intense storylines. These sensual love stories immediately involve the reader in a romantic, emotional conflict and the quest for a happily-ever-after resolution. The novels should be fresh, fast-paced, modern and present the hero and heroine's conflicts by the end of chapter one. Readers need to understand immediately what obstacles will impact the characters throughout the novel.
The Desire hero should be powerful and wealthy — an alpha male with a sense of entitlement, and sometimes arrogance. While he may be harsh or direct, he is never physically cruel. Beneath his alpha exterior, he displays some vulnerability, and he is capable of being saved. It's up to the heroine to get him there. The Texan hero should own the ranch, not work on it, and the urban hero should be someone in charge, not a handyman. The Desire hero often has fewer scenes from his point of view, but in many ways, he owns the story. Readers should want to fall in love with and rescue the Desire hero themselves!
The Desire heroine is complex and flawed. She is strong-willed and smart, though capable of making mistakes when it comes to matters of the heart. The heroine is equally as important as the hero, if not more so. There is room for both protagonists' perspective, but Desire novels are usually 60% heroine and 40% hero.
The conflict should be dramatic and original. Unexpected and new takes on classic plot lines, such as secret pregnancies, marriages of convenience and reunion romances, are welcome. Plots that focus on suspense or paranormal are best directed elsewhere. The story can be set anywhere in the world, but the tone should be true to the author's voice.
Desire novels are sensual reads and a love scene or scenes are needed, but there is no set number. Rather, the level of sensuality must be appropriate to the storyline. Above all, every Desire novel must fulfill the promise of a powerful, passionate and provocative read.
MILLS & BOON® HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Length: 70,000 – 75,000 words
Do you dream of waltzing in the strong arms of a Regency rake, or maybe of walking on the wild side with a Medieval warrior? Our readers’ dreams are wide-ranging, which is why we encourage submissions for all time periods, from ancient civilisations up to and including the Second World War.
Write what you know. Research is key to writing a strong historical romance. While you don’t need to be a professional historian, you do need to be able to bring a period vividly to life through accurate historical detail. The trick? Having done your research, know what to leave in and what to prune out.
There is no limit to the level of sensuality if it seems appropriate to both the characters and the story. We look for a range from traditional non-explicit stories through to highly sensual. Any lovemaking should evolve naturally out of the developing relationship.
Story focus. The central relationship is the key driving force of the story. The characters must be convincing because, despite their living in a time distant from our own, the emotions they experience will be the same then as now – love is timeless.
Special Moments (special edition)
Length: 55,000–60,000 words
Sophisticated, substantial and packed with emotion, Special Edition demands writers eager to probe characters deeply, to explore issues that heighten the drama of living and loving, to create compelling romantic plots. Whether the sensuality is sizzling or subtle, whether the plot is wildly innovative or satisfyingly traditional, the novel's emotional vividness, its depth and dimension, should clearly label it a very special contemporary romance. Subplots are welcome, but must further or parallel the developing romantic relationship in a meaningful way.
Submissions Procedure
Mills & Boon requires 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. We now also accept queries or submissions by email. Please email us at aspiringauthor@millsandboonindia.com
You can also send your manuscript at:
Harlequin Mills & Boon India Pvt Ltd,
Level 1, Trade centre,
Bandra- Kurla Complex,
Bandra (E),
Mumbai - 400051.
Contact Information:
For inquiries: aspiringauthor@millsandboonindia.com
For submissions: aspiringauthor@millsandboonindia.com
Website: http://www.millsandboonindia.com
