HELENA BACON
Helena is an Editorial Assistant on the Harlequin Presents team, but she edits across four Harlequin/Mills & Boon series. She's passionate about category romance, and helping to get the love stories that need to be told into the hands of readers who'll fall head over heels for them.What is Helena looking for?
What is the minimum word-count your agency takes, or your publishing house requires?
Category length (45k-55k)
What sub-genres or genres are you not looking for?
We're not accepting YA romances or anything with paranormal/fantasy elements.
Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
We'd be particularly keen to see compelling Medical Romances, so if you're sitting on a story about medical professionals losing their hearts as they save lives together, send them our way. And I'm always looking for new voices who could fit into the wonderful world of Harlequin Presents, our uber-glamorous, intensely emotional billionaire romance series!
What genre is your personal favourite?
The way to my heart is through Historical romance: if you're working on a Regency or Victorian romance, then I can't wait to see it. I'm especially interested in fresh voices and new takes on classic Historical tropes, particularly if they feature diverse characters and queer romances.
What is your major turn-off in a book?
While exciting, event-packed plots are all well and good, I always think that well-developed characterization and convincing motivation are far more important. If it feels like you're relying too much on external influences and events to power your story - the intervention of a jealous ex triggers your couple's climactic argument and estrangement, for example - I'm more likely to set your novel aside. It's usually a sign that you haven't put enough time into exploring your characters' emotional development, and using that to explain and motivate their actions. And it's that emotional depth that will make your protagonists (and your story) sing!
What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
I love stories that aren't afraid to really explore intense emotions and can powerfully convey them on the page. When your hero or heroine feels butterflies, I want to feel them too!
Any advice to your potential pitchers?
In the spirit of reconciliation, Romance Writers of Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia, and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.