Allison Lyons

Allison Lyons is the Senior Editor of Harlequin Romantic Suspense. She has been with the company for more than 25 years and has worked with more authors than she can count. Although her focus is romantic suspense, she works on a variety of genres, including contemporary Westerns and inspirational romances. 

Although she has a prolific author base, she is also actively looking to acquire more books for Romantic Suspense. She’s always on the hunt for fresh voices, new twists on tried-and-true themes and a story that’s so good, it will hook her from the very first page. When not working, Allison enjoys reading anything she can get her hands on, running, taking long walks, trying new foods and visiting with friends and family.

What is the minimum word-count your agency takes, or your publishing house requires? 
Single title only (70k and upwards)

What sub-genres or genres are you not looking for?
Fantasy, paranormal, super sexy

Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?

• Romantic suspense
• Diverse voices
• Own voices

What genre is your personal favourite?
Romantic suspense

What is your major turn-off in a book?
unrelatable characters, sloppy writing, plots that aren't resolved

What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
strong/relatable characters, a believable and gripping plot, an incredible opening

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Keep the pitch to focusing on the highlights without going too deeply into the plot. Think of it like an elevator pitch--what will sell this to the listener right away. 

All-time favourite book?

Current favourite book?

Favourite tropes?

Favourite movies?

Favourite TV shows?

Impossible to answer!

The Lincoln Highway, The Frozen River, All the Sinners Bleed...I could go on!

Flawed but loveable characters, Strong heroines

Moonlighting, Amelie, Goodfellas, American Fiction

English mysteries, true crime, Schitt's Creek, so many more Abbott Elementary