ハーレクインロマンス(ＨＱ)って何？

どうして「ハーレクイン」なんて社名に使ってるの？

沢山シリーズがあるけど、どう違うの？
毎月５日発売 / 毎月２０日発売

お・ま・け！

どうして「ハーレクイン」なんて社名に使ってるの？

沢山シリーズがあるけど、どう違うの？

ハーレクイン社の公式サイトに掲載されていますので、是非チェックして下さい。

尚、国内販売されているものは、ハーレクイン本社が発行しているもの全てではありません。原書でしか読めないシリーズもあります。下記はＨＱから作家志望の方へ向けた、「執筆のガイド」からの引用です。日頃、読者サイドからだけの視点でＨＱを見ている私たちですが、執筆するサイドからも作品を覗いてみませんか？

本家のサイトからの引用のため、日本向けに発売されていないシリーズも含まれており、「読みたいなぁ」なんて思っちゃいました。また、日本国内では別名でシリーズ化されているものもあるようですね。意外にも、条件が細かく設定されているのに驚きました。「少なくとも一人はこういうキャラを入れろ」だの、「ロマンスとのバランス配置を良くすること」だの。でも作品を読む限りでは、下記の条件に当てはまっていなくてもそのシリーズに入っていることも多いと思う気がするのは私だけだろうか？

日本語にするのがメンドーなのと（ワハハ、ごめん）(^0^;)、高校程度の英語力で分かるように書かれている様なので、原文を引用しました。

ヒマができたら、またはリクエストでも来たら、和訳版を作成します。

HARLEQUIN ROMANCE(R)

(Mills & Boon Enchanted(R)) 50,000-55,000 words Editorial Office: London

Written in third person, from the heroine's point of view, each book should focus almost exclusively on the developing relationship between the main protagonists. The emphasis should be on warm and tender emotions, with no sexual explicitness; lovemaking should only take place when the emotional commitment between the characters justifies it. These heartwarming stories must be written with freshness and sincerity, featuring spirited, engaging heroines portrayed with depth and affection-as well as heroes who are charismatic enough to fulfil every woman's dreams! Readers should be thrilled by the tenderness of their developing relationship, and gripped by romantic suspense as the couple strives to overcome the emotional barriers between them and find tru e happiness in the romance of a lifetime!

HARLEQUIN PRESENTS(R)

(Mills & Boon PresentsTM) 50,000-55,000 words Editorial Office: London

Pick up a Harlequin Presents novel and you enter a world full of spine-tingling passion and provocative, tantalizing romantic excitement! Although grounded in reality, these stories offer compelling modern fantasies to readers all around the world, and t here is scope within this line to develop relevant, contemporary issues, which touch the lives of today's women. Each novel is written in the third person and features spirited, independent heroines-who aren't afraid to take the initiative!-and breathtak ingly attractive, larger-than-life heroes. The conflict between these characters should be lively and evenly matched, but always balanced by a developing romance that may include explicit lovemaking. Presents novels capture the drama and intensity of a powerful, sensual love affair.

MEDICAL ROMANCETM

50,000-55,000 words Editorial Office: London

These are present day romances in a medical setting. There should be a good balance between the romance, the medicine and the underlying story. At least one of the main characters should be a medical professional, and developing the romance is easier if the hero and heroine work together. Medical detail should be accurate but preferably without using technical language. An exploration of patients and their illnesses is permitted, but not in such numbers as to overwhelm the growing love story. Setting s can be anywhere in the world. More detailed guidelines are available on request with a stamped addressed envelope.

HARLEQUIN TEMPTATION(R)

Length: 60,000 words Senior Editor: Birgit Davis-Todd Editorial Office: Toronto

The sensual, passionate face of romantic fantasy.... This is Harlequin's boldest, most sensuous series, focusing on men and women living and loving-today! Almost anything goes in Temptation: the stories may be humorous, topical, adventurous or glitzy, but at heart, they are pure romantic fantasy. Think fast -paced, use the desires and language of women today, add a high level of sexual tension, along with strong conflicts and then throw in a good dash of "what if..." The results should sizzle!

HARLEQUIN AMERICAN ROMANCE(R)

Length:70,000-75,000 words Senior Editor: Debra Matteucci Editorial Office: New York

In this fun, fast-paced, well-plotted page-turner, a dynamic premise hooks the reader instantly, sweeping her into a contemporary fairy tale where anything's possible and all dreams come true. The themes are innovative or involve romantic staples that sud denly take daring, imaginative new twists. Our heroes always meet their greatest challenge in a sassy, headstrong heroine. Sizzling repartee and spirited one-upmanship barely mask the attraction that underlies their every moment together. They're bound to encounter the unexpected in their situation, in each other, and in a world where everything comes out right in the end.

HARLEQUIN LOVE AND LAUGHTERTM

Length: 50,000・5,000 words Associate Senior Editor: Malle Vallik Editorial Office: Toronto

These romantic comedy stories have two essential elements: love and laughter. Fast paced and plot driven, Harlequin Love & Laughter novels depend upon the comedy building from the relationship between the hero and heroine. We are looking for a comic premi se, a strong comic voice and a great romance. A high degree of sexual tension is a must and while we encourage love scenes, they are not a requirement. So, whether your story is a screwball comedy, a comedy of errors or whatever tickles your funny bone, t he most important thing is to make them love and make them laugh!

Please contact the senior editor by letter with your query.

HARLEQUIN HISTORICALS(R)

Length: 95,000-105,000 words Senior Editor: Tracy Farrell Editorial Office: New York

The primary element of a Harlequin Historicals novel is romance. The story should focus on the heroine and how her love for one man changes her life forever. For this reason it is very important that you have an appealing and believable hero and heroine, and that their relationship is a compelling one. The conflicts they must overcome and the situations they face can be as varied as the setting you have chosen; but there must be romantic tension, some spark between your hero and heroine that keeps your re ader interested.

We will not accept books set after 1900. We're looking primarily for books set in North America, England or France between 1100 and 1900 AD. We do not buy many novels set during the American Civil War, we are, however, flexible, and will consider most per iods and settings. We are not looking for gothics or family sagas, nor are we interested in the kind of comedy of manners typified by straight Regencies. Historical romances set during the Regency period, however, will definitely be considered.

HISTORICAL ROMANCETM

Length: 75,000-85,000 words Senior Editor: Tracy Farrell Editorial Office: London

(Note: the Historical Romance queries should be sent to the Harlequin Mills & Boon offices. Harlequin Historicals queries should be sent to the Harlequin New York offices.)

This series covers a wide range of British and European historical periods from 1066 to approximately 1920. The romance should take priority, with all the emotional impact of a growing love, and should be developed over a relatively short space of time. But, the historical detail should be accurate, without sounding like a textbook, and should help to create a true sense of the chosen setting, so that the reader becomes immersed in that time. A query letter and brief synopses is advised.

HARLEQUIN SUPERROMANCE(R)

Length: 85,000 words Senior Editor: Paula Eykelhof Editorial Office: Toronto

The aim of Superromance novels is to produce a contemporary, involving read with a mainstream tone (i.e. language, situations, characters and so forth), using romance as the major theme. To achieve this, emphasis should be placed on individual writing sty les and unique and topical ideas.

The criteria for Superromance books are flexible. Aside from length, the determining factor for publication will always be quality. Authors should strive to break free of stereotypes, clich駸 and worn plot devices to create strong believable stories with depth and emotional intensity. Superromance novels are intended to appeal to a wide range of romance readers.

A general familiarity with current Superromance books is advisable to keep abreast of ever-changing trends and overall scope. But we don't want imitations and we are open to innovation. We look for sincere, heartfelt writing based on true-to-life experien ces and fantasies the reader can identify with.

HARLEQUIN INTRIGUE(R)

Length: 70,000-75,000 words Senior Editor: Debra Matteucci Editorial Office: New York

Taut, on the edge-of-your-seat contemporary romantic suspense tales of intrigue and desire. Kidnappings, the stalking of personal-ad applicants and women in jeopardy are examples of story lines we love most. Whether a murder mystery, psychological suspens e, thriller, or a woman-in-jeopardy, the love story must be inextricably bound to the mystery at the level of the novel's premise. Gripping plots twist, turn and thicken, always leading toward a final resolution where all loose ends are tied up neatly...a nd shared dangers lead right to shared passions. As long as theyｹre in jeopardy and falling in love, our mature heroes and heroines may traverse a landscape as wide as the world itself. Their lives are on the line...and so are their hearts!

SILHOUETTE ROMANCE(R)

Length: 53,000-58,000 words Senior Editor: Mary Theresa Hussey Editorial Office: New York

Silhouette Romance requires talented authors able to portray modern relationships in the context of romantic love. Although the hero and heroine don't actually make love unless married, sexual tension is vitally important. Writers are encouraged to try cr eative new approaches to classic romantic and contemporary fairy-tale plots. Our ultimate goal is to give readers vibrant love stories with heightened emotional impact-books that touch readers' hearts and celebrate their values, including the traditional ideals of love, marriage and family.

SILHOUETTE DESIRE(R)

Length: 55,000-60,000 words Senior Editor: Joan Marlow Golan Editorial Office: New York

Sensual, believable, compelling, these books are written for today's woman. Innocent or experienced, the heroine is someone we identify with; the hero is irresistible. The conflict should be an emotional one, springing naturally from the unique characters youｹve chosen. The focus is on the developing relationship, set in a believable plot. Sensuality is key, but lovemaking is never taken lightly. Secondary characters and subplots need to blend with the core story. Innovative new directions in storytelling and fresh approaches to classic romantic plots are welcome.

SILHOUETTE SPECIAL EDITION(R)

Length: 75,000-80,000 words Senior Editor: Karen Taylor Richman Editorial Office: New York

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 o r 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 deve loping romantic relationship in a meaningful way.

SILHOUETTE INTIMATE MOMENTS(R)

Length: 80,000 words Executive Senior Editor: Leslie Wainger Editorial Office: New York

Believable characters swept into a world of larger-than-life romance are the hallmark of Silhouette Intimate Moments books. These books offer you the freedom to combine the universally appealing elements of a category romance with the flash and excitement of mainstream fiction. Adventure, suspense, melodrama, glamour-let your imagination be your guide as you blend old and new to create a novel with emotional depth and tantalizing complexity. The novels explore new directions in romantic fiction, or mine c lassic plots in contemporary ways, always with the goal of tempting today's demanding reader.

YOURS TRULYTM

Length: 50,000 words Executive Senior Editor: Leslie Wainger Editorial Office: New York

Silhouette's new line of short, sassy contemporary romance novels about unexpectedly meeting, dating...and marrying Mr. Right.

Please contact the senior editor by letter with your query.

LOVE INSPIRED(R)

Length: 70,000-75,000 words Senior Editor: Tracy Farrell Editorial Office: New York

The Love Inspired line is a series of contemporary, inspirational romances that feature Christian characters facing the many challenges of life and love in today's world as they learn important lessons about the power of trust and faith.

We are looking for compelling and thoughtfully developed romances that promote strong family values and high moral standards. Each story should have an emotional, satisfying and mature romance; however, the characters should not make love unless they are married. These are sweet romances. There should be no overt sensuality in the books. Any physical interactions (i.e. kissing, hugging) should emphasize emotional tenderness rather than sexual desire.

Drama, humor, and even a touch of mystery all have a place in the series. Foul language, swearing and scenes containing violent content do not. Any subplots should come directly from the main story. Secondary characters (children, family, friends, neighb ors, fellow church members, etc.) can also help contribute to a substantial and gratifying story.

Although an element of faith should be present in the books, it should be well integrated into the plot. And the conflict between the main characters should be an emotional one, arising naturally from the characters you've created.

MIRA(R)

The Brightest Star in Women's Fiction Length: 100,000-150,000 words Senior Editor: Dianne Moggy Editorial Office: Toronto

MIRA Books is proud to publish outstanding mainstream womenｹs fiction for readers around the world.

As a result of the broad range of fiction published under the MIRA imprint, there are no tip sheets. MIRA publishes mainstream contemporary and historical romance, romantic suspense, thrillers, family sagas and relationship novels.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the wide range of books published by MIRA. Our authors include Mary Lynn Baxter, Rebecca Brandewyne, Candace Camp, Jasmine Cresswell, Margot Dalton, Christiane Heggan, Lynn Erickson, Elizabeth Gage, Penny Jo rdan, R.J. Kaiser, Debbie Macomber, Diana Palmer, Heather Graham Pozzessere, Emilie Richards, Sharon Sala, Taylor Smith, Erica Spindler, Laura Van Wormer and Susan Wiggs.

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