Writing Resources from an Unlikely Place

I hate to admit (seeing how I am might completely fit into the female stereotype right now)but I love writing and reading chick lit. I mean write what you know, right? Well, back in my creative writing days I used to visit eHarlequin.com. It just so happens to be a site that is completely overloaded with information that it might take you a while to navigate through the site, but there is an interesting section that even you non-romance writer mite like called “Write” (not very creative I know).


There is a section on Writing Guidelines, which gives you all the different rules on submitting to the various imprints of the Harlequin Company, including MIRA and Red Dress Ink. After reading these guidelines, you might want to submit a manuscript and they have a section that shows you submission samples to give you an idea of how things are formatted. Like Lukeman stated the same general ideas apply, but now you are able to see actual examples on the website. You can see how to write a sample query letter or a sample synopsis. It is a great place to learn the tools of the trade.

They also have an area where you can submit your manuscript for feedback. A place where experts can read you story and give you ideas on how to improve it. There are also various articles about being a writer and how to submit your work. Articles such as “Top 10 Writing Dos or Don’ts” and “What turns your readers off?” are just to name a few.

Like I said even if Romance is not your genre, it would not hurt to look at the site to get a few ideas on how writing and the industry works. And you never know…you might just find your niche.