Mills & Boon

[aphina101]

OK, so for years I have been thinking about it but I have never actually done it. I turned twenty five last month and a random question from my father has made me consider what I want to do with the rest of my life.

My dream job of all time would be to write for a living a close second would be to edit other's work and a third would be cupcake baker

Comments

[queerlyobscure]

Have you checked out Carina Press? They're the ebook imprint of Harlequin/Mills and Boon and I've heard from other authors that they're a lot more open to taking on stuff that's outside of the print lines. I mean, I haven't ever heard a rave review of how awesome they are, but I haven't heard any complaints and I've reviewed a couple and found the editing clean and the covers nice.

I would warn that I *do* hear a lot about Harlequin/Mills and Boon (the print side) stuffing authors around, and I know that their royalty rates are hideously low. Also, it's important to watch their contract for first-refusal clauses because if they do fuck you around you don't want them automatically getting first crack at the rights for your hypothetical next book. They are notorious for this, as well.

[aphina101]

Firstly, thank you so much for your advice. I love writing but I don't know anything about the publishing side of things and all the people I know aren't orientated that way. I read up on Carina's website and it seems so much wider than Mills and Boon. It's like a breath of fresh air compared to the strict guide lines I've seen posted on the other site.

Thanks for the warning, to be honest I would never have thought of that otherwise. As you can tell I am a total noob at the publishing gig! I am thinking about submitting to Dreamspinner for one of their anthologies at the mo.

[queerlyobscure]

You're always welcome :) - Carina do seem to be a lot less rigid about what they will and will not publish, which is always a good sign, I think.

Dreamspinner are great to work with on anthologies! The workflow is nice and straightforward, they pay you on time and then keep you in the loop after. I'd sincerely encourage it!

[aphina101]

I am really having trouble with my anthology story. I think I just need to give myself some space away from it.

I think your right about Carina and to be honest it seems more friendly and welcoming as well. Thanks for your advice on dreamspinner!