Writers, I would appreciate your help right now:
As you know, a couple of weeks ago I sent a submission to Harlequin's NY office. Their website states that it often takes 6-8 weeks for them to process submissions and that one should not give up hope of a reply for 3 months. I sent my submission snail mail which means you can figure it was about 3 days until they recieved it. So, with that in mind, it has been a very short time span since I submitted.
Today, I arrived home to a hand-addressed manilla envelope from Harlequin. It was not my SASE. As you can imagine, I was pretty excited. I opened it up to find a print-out of sumission guidlines from Mills and Boon. Going back to the envelope, I realized it had been sent all the way from the Mills and Boon office in the UK. I did not pay for postage. There is no other note in the package.
I don't understand what has happened here. Do you think they want me to re-submit to Mills and Boon this time? Why would a company pay the $2-3 of airmail charges to sent me a print-out of their submission guidlines which are posted clearly on the internet. I never requested guidlines and never contacted this office.
I am confounded. Help!
I'd be inclined to phone or e-mail them to ask for clarification.
ReplyDeleteI just called them and the woman I talked to was as puzzled as I am, but she gave me the direct line to the corporate office in Toronto and told me to call on Monday. I've decided to take it as a good sign that Mills and Boon would pay overseas postage. I don't think a company would do that if they weren't interested. The only thing I can figure is that maybe the wrong thing was put into the envelope.
DeleteSo maybe they meant to send a contract? ;-)
DeleteJust curious--which imprint there takes direct submissions? I thought they wanted agented submissions only.
ReplyDeleteSounds like Harlequin is subtly suggesting (without a written note to direct you) that you send your MS to Mills and Boon. M&B appear to have a great 'Romance' market niche in the UK, so why not send your MS on to them --- can't hurt!
ReplyDelete