Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Submissions Guidelines Updated
So I said to Angela James, “Tell me what you really, really want when it comes to submissions.” She said, “You know, I just happen to have a list.” She sent it my way, and I said, “Oh yeah, I would love to see more of that.”
Since we’re launching with our Quench Romance! imprint, we wanted to make sure our submission guidelines reflected what we’re looking for right now. As with the original guidelines, we want romance, and lots of it! We love variety and we love great stories. That part hasn’t changed.
So what’s new?
As you’ll see when you check out the revised guidelines, while Quench is all about romance, we’ve created two sub-imprints. The first focuses on the unusual: steampunk, space cowboys, cyberpunk, science fiction, fantasy, urban fantasy, and new twists on classic paranormal themes. and new twists on classic paranormal themes. We’re looking for sexy, sweet, adventurous, and unusual, thought not necessarily at the same time.
Our second sub-imprint is Quench Classics. Inspired by a discussion among readers who wanted to buy digital versions of comfort reads and classic romances, Quench Classics is focused on those books readers want to read over and over…and thanks to modern technology, readers can carry a library of favorites with them everywhere they go!
Check out the updated guidelines. Note the gentle comments about sending us a complete query package (ah, the synopsis, such torture to write, such a thing of beauty when it comes to making important decisions about your manuscript!). If you’re looking for specific tips about how to wow us with your cover letter, I quote from Angie’s comments on the Risky Regencies site (hint: lots of good advice and comments throughout the interview and comment thread):
One thing that has always worked to catch my attention in a query letter is just a short line that personalizes it to me, maybe the author reads my blog, has read an interview with me, follows me on twitter. Saying something like, I read in an interview with you on Risky Regencies that you’re especially interested in fantasy romances, so I’m submitting my… Shows that you’ve done your homework and you’re interested in working with me/my press, not just blindly sending out 25 query letters. Other queries have caught my attention in various ways, but it’s almost always something that shows they’re interested in me as an editor/my press specifically.
Does that include gay or m/m romance?
Alex — yes it does. We are totally, completely, 100% focused on great romance. It is all about the story, the characters. Though we might draw the line at were-starfish. For obvious reasons.
WHAT? YOU DISCRIMINATE WERE-STARFISH? YOU ARE EVOL!
(It’s the mutilation you can’t deal with, admit it.
)
And – NICE, I’ll spread the news.
Actually, it’s the regeneration part
. We all have that one thing, you know?
Oh crikey. I submitted to you on 5th August so, scared that I no longer was following the submissions guidelines, I’ve double-checked them. I’m pretty sure I’m OK still – except I believe my ms fits into your Quench Romance imprint.
Should I re-submit? (Sorry to be a pain in the you-know-what)
No worries, Sue. Your submission is in the inbox and just fine.
Sue — everything that was submitted prior to the guideline change is being considered. No need to resubmit and no worries.