RNA CONFERENCE: Meet the Publishers

With the RNA Conference fast approaching the RNA blog today welcomes Industry Professionals who are offering 121s to delegates. We have asked all IPs a series of questions so that members can get to know them prior to interviews.

A warm welcome to Rosie de Courcy (RdeC) Head of Zeus; Julia Williams (JW) Mills & Boon; Pia Fenton (PF) ChocLit; Natasha Harding (NH) Bookouture; Emily Yau (EY) Ebury and Laurie Johnson (LJ) Mills & Boon.

What would you not like to see in a submission?

RdeC   Anything paranoral

JW      We are looking for fresh original voices in the line, who can bring a new twist and dimension to a classic love story.  We don’t want stories where there is no emotional depth or where the characters don’t grow. And we do want to see stories that target our series effectively and give our readers the HEA they’re looking for.

 

Pia Fenton

PF      I don’t want to see stories with unhappy endings (it should at least be a positive one), or stories with weak heroes, TSTL heroines and too much ‘telling’ instead of ‘showing’.  And no YA, children’s books, non-fiction or poetry please.

NH      I’m looking for complete novels to discuss not partially written books.

EY      One of my most frequent complaints is that a story is passive – when a novel is made up of a series of unfortunate events (pardon the pun), which our protagonist must overcome. I like to know the main concept of a novel from the first few chapters, with the primary dramatic tension being introduced in one (or a few) events early on. A character driving their own narrative is much more interesting to me and helps to make them more engaging and likable.

LJ       Clichéd and untargeted storylines with two-dimensional characters and unfounded set-ups. The common misconception is that it’s easy to write a Mills & Boon book, that it’s romance-by-numbers—let me assure you, it’s not! Our authors work hard to create their stories, build their characters and develop their plotlines.

What is it you hope to achieve on your own behalf?

RdeC   To find a new star for Head of Zeus

JW      As an editor I am always looking for fresh original voices that can tell an old story in a new way. I am always keen to nurture new talent and look forward to meeting writers at the start of their career.

PF       I’m not there to achieve anything for myself personally – in my role as commissioning editor for Choc Lit I’m looking for great stories that will suit their style/brand and authors who will be an asset to the Choc Lit team.

 

Natasha Harding

NH    I’m actively acquiring in my role at Bookouture so I'd love to find new commercial fiction authors to work with. I’m particularly looking for a world war two saga, a laugh out loud romantic comedy and a novel that perfect for mums.

EY    I’m always on the lookout for new talent so am really looking forward to meeting lots of authors from the RNA community. I always welcome the opportunity to talk to writers – after all, I love talking about books! – and even if it doesn’t come to anything I find that it really helps to spark ideas on both sides.

LJ       I would like to acquire fresh, new authors! It’s exhilarating to read raw voices brimming with potential and be the one to help take their book from concept to published manuscript.

What is your company looking for at the present time?

RdeC   Classy storytellers

JW      Mills & Boon is looking for strong themes and key selling hooks told from fresh new angles. We want strong, targeted, marketable editorial that fits the romance promise for the series we acquire in the UK—Mills & Boon Modern, Medical, Historical and Cherish. 

PF     Quality adult fiction with romance at the heart (unless the author is aiming for the Death by Choc Lit imprint ie crime), preferably featuring the hero’s point of view and with a male hero. 60-100,000 word completed manuscripts previously unpublished and not currently accepted by an agent or other publisher.  Sub-genres:  contemporary, historical, thrillers, mystery, romantic suspense, fantasy, time slip.

NH     Commercial fiction, primarily women’s fiction and crime, from authors who are able to write two or more books a year.

 

Emily Yau

EY      Ebury fiction is interested in new and exciting voices in women’s fiction, whether that’s big-idea issue-led novels that will have readers reaching for the box of tissues, or lovely, charming reads that you want to curl up with and that have a slightly different angle to those that have already been published.

LJ       Mills & Boon is looking for strong themes and key selling hooks told from fresh new angles. We want strong, targeted, marketable editorial that fits the romance promise for the series we acquire in the UK—Mills & Boon Modern, Medical, Historical and Cherish.

Will you be joining any of our panels or workshops over the 

conference weekend?

Rosie de Courcy

RdeC   Yes, both

JW    We will be running a workshop called Make a Date with Mills & Boon. Where we will be discussing the secrets to writing successfully for series romance and looking at what makes a perfect hero and heroine. We can also give you some insights into what Mills& Boon can do for you as an author.

           

PF       Yes, but not on Choc Lit’s behalf – I’ll be my ‘author self’.  As Christina Courtenay I will be doing a workshop together with Anna Belfrage on time slip vs time travel in romantic fiction, and as Pia Fenton I’ll take part in a panel/workshop with the Paisley Piranha author collective about romance, relationships and realism in YA.

NH      No

EY      Yes – The State of the Industry, chaired by Nicola Cornick at 4.30-5.30pm, Friday 14th July 2017.

 

Laurie Johnson

LJ       Yes, we will be running a workshop called Make a Date with Mills & Boon. Drop by and discover the secrets to writing series romance, looking at the perfect hero and heroines; learn what Harlequin Mills & Boon can do for you as an author; and meet the editors you’ll be submitting to.

If you had one piece of advice to give to a writer, what would it
be?

RdeC   Study and analyse the structure of suspenseful storytelling.   
            It’s a craft to be learned

JW      Develop a thick skin and listen to advice and learn from it, and if it’s your dream, never ever give up.

PF       Find yourself a writing/critique buddy, they are invaluable!

           

NH     Find two authors who have a similar style and/or subject to you writing and use these as comparisons for your work. This will be really useful information when submitting to agents and publishers as well as for beta readers.

EY     Do your research – it really helps when an author knows their genre and their audience: which books and authors write in a similar market to you and – more importantly – why is yours different, or *gasp* even better? And of course, research is hugely important for other areas, such as plotting out a novel, constructing a striking cover letter and deciding which agents to send your submission to. These things take time to perfect, so don’t rush it.

LJ       Think about who your audience is, who you are writing this story for, what readers you want to reach. Target your story for them and then choose a publishing imprint that fits the story you’re selling.

Thank you all for answering our questions today and we hope you will enjoy the 2017

RNA Conference.

Compiled by Natalie Kleinman

If you would like to write for the blog please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com

RoNAs Awards 2017: Young Adult Romance

This year’s shortlisted novels include a Regency romp, boy bands, heart transplants and rock stars.

Love Song by Sophia Bennett tells the story of seventeen-year-old Nina who goes on tour with mega-band The Point and quickly learns how dysfunctional they are behind the scenes. Cut off from the world, recording in a huge, shabby house in Northumberland, she comes to know and understand them. Trouble is, they come to understand her…

Readers commented on the boy band in Sophia’s story and the strong character of Nina, the heroine; we asked her where the idea for the story came from:

I’ve always been a not-so-secret fan of One Direction, and particularly Harry Styles. As I watched the boys relentlessly touring I became convinced their lifestyle must be taking its toll on their lives and friendships and wondered what it must be like behind the scenes. So I found myself writing about a girl who gets to be a part of it.

As I travel to a lot of schools to talk about my writing, I get to meet teenage girls all the time and am struck by how vulnerable they can be under their confident exterior, and how often their interests – pop music, fashion – are disparaged. So I wanted Love Song to be a celebration of the joy of fandom, and the pleasure we can all get from loving music.

Natasha Farrant’s Lydia: The Wild Girl of Pride and Prejudice is a feminist Regency romp, which takes a fresh look at Austen’s much-loved Pride and Prejudice, focusing on the ambitions and aspirations of the youngest, and wildest, of the Bennet sisters.

There have been several rewritings of Austen; we asked Natasha what drew her to Lydia’s character:

Lydia was a suggestion from my publishers, which I accepted because I thought it would be fun. And it was. I spent a happy year immersed in all things Austen, and had the most fun I have ever had writing any book, ever. But it also surprised me, because as soon as I started to plan her story, Lydia’s voice took complete hold of me. Even though she did not start life as my creation, I felt a connection with her that I have never had with any other character I have written. At first I attributed it to the genius of Austen. Quite soon I realised something quite different: in writing Lydia, I was writing myself. Lydia is me as a teenager – a funny mixture of awkward and confident, passionate and selfish, longing to be in love and desperate for “real life” to start. I didn’t like myself much as a teenager, but I love her – all the more so because she has made me realise that maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t as bad as I have always thought.  It ended up being the most cathartic of books, a happy experience but also one which left me somewhat dazed for months, like I’d been taken over by a whirlwind.

New England Dreams by Pia Fenton tells the story of Sienna who takes time out from family problems in the UK and ends up kissing a guy she meets on a flight to the US. She doubts she’ll ever see him again but fate has other ideas. When they end up attending the same school, neither admits to having met before. The chemistry is still there though – should they let it have free rein or should the attraction stay in their dreams?

We asked Pia how she manages to capture the American high school setting so well:

My YA stories are all based on memories from my own teenage years – I attended an American high school in Tokyo, Japan, (ASIJ) where I had a fantastic time.  Those years were some of the best in my life and a high-school reunion brought it all back.  That’s when I began to write YA and it’s such fun!

In Instructions for a Second Hand Heart by Tamsyn Murray, Jonny needs a new heart and his time is running out. Niamh has just lost her twin brother in a tragic accident. As Jonny gets better, he becomes obsessed with the first owner of his heart and meets a grieving Niamh. Neither of them expects to fall in love...

The subject matter of this book was an emotive one but sensitively dealt with, we asked Tamsyn what inspired her to write the book:

The novel was inspired by a link Jojo Moyes shared on Facebook back in September 2012, to a blog by a mother who had just donated her own son’s organs after a tragic accident. The comfort that mother felt from knowing her son’s heart was out there somewhere, still beating, never left me – I’ve been on the organ donor register since I was sixteen and I knew right away that I wanted to write a story inspired by the blog I’d read. It is the hardest book I have ever written and I cried so many tears as I wrote – for the children I learned about during my research as well as for my own characters – but four years later, here it is and I am incredibly proud to have written it.

Paige Toon’s All About the Hype focuses on Jessie Jefferson getting used to being the daughter of one of the world’s most famous rock­ stars. With her own music career on the rise and a gorgeous love interest, Jessie’s glamorous LA life couldn’t get any better…  But things are about to get really com­plicated. Is her celebrity status all it’s cracked up to be?

We asked Paige what stirred her to write Jessie’s story:

I was inspired during my time at Heat by real-life rock stars who have children with multiple women. What must it be like for these kids, who don’t have much of a relationship with their dad – or even their half-siblings? What must it be like to barely know more about their famous dad than the rest of the population? I found the idea of forming a relationship with a famous parent at a later stage in life interesting, and that’s the direction I took when writing about fifteen-year-old Jessie.

A NIGHT FOR ROMANCE

All roads led to London for the annual Romantic Novelist Association’s Romantic Novelist of the Year Awards (RoNA’s) held this year in the Gladstone Library at the Liberal Club, One Whitehall Place.

Bubbly

Members, guests and finalists met to chat over a glass of bubbly before the main event of the evening got under way. We had a chance to peruse the books that were up for awards under the six sections as well as catch up with friends and fellow members. The RNA is nothing if not friendly and we love a celebration and a party. Who would win and what else was in store during the evening ahead?

Canapes and Introductions

Jane Wenham Jones & Barbara Taylor Bradford

After finding our tables and partaking of the delicious canapes our Chair, Pia Fenton welcomed everyone to the event. Agents, publishers, established authors, new writers, friends and family clapped enthusiastically as Jane Wenham Jones started the evening’s proceedings by introducing our special guest, Barbara Taylor Bradford. There was more than one author in the room who had dreamt of becoming a writer after reading Barbara’s A Woman of Substance. Barbara was warm and encouraging offering advice to any would be aspirant to be focussed and concentrated. Those of us in the room were focussed on Barbara, looking as immaculate as any heroine.

Category Winners

This year, books shortlisted for the RoNA Rose, for category/series and shorter romance, competed for the first time with all other categories for the overall prize of Romantic Novel of the Year. Prior to announcing the overall award winner, Barbara Taylor Bradford revealed the winners of the individual categories and presented them with star-shaped crystal trophies.

Historical – Hazel Gaynor, The Girl Who Came Home

William Morrow, (Harper Collins)

For novels set in a period before 1960

Hazel Gaynor

RoNa Rose – Louise Allen, Scandal’s Virgin

(Harlequin Mills & Boon Historical)

For category/series and shorter romance.

Epic – Ella Harper, Pieces of You

(Avon)

For novels containing serious issues or themes, including gritty, 

multi-generational stories.

Contemporary – Lucy Dillon, A Hundred Pieces of Me

(Hodder & Stoughton)

For mainstream romantic novels set post-1960, and can include chick lit, 
paranormaland romantic suspense.

Lucy Dillon

Young Adult– Joss Stirling, Struck - formerly Storm & Stone

(Oxford University Press)

Featuring protagonists who are teenagers or young adults.

Joss Stirling

Romantic Comedy – Lucy-Anne Holmes, Just a Girl Standing in Front of a Boy

(Sphere (Little, Brown)

For consistently humorous or amusing novels.

Lucy Holmes

The categories and the award winners with Barbara Taylor Bradford.

The Romantic Novelist of the Year Award would be announced later in the proceedings. Who would be the winner?

Outstanding Achievements

A high spot of the evening was the presentation of Outstanding Achievement awards to two of our favourite authors, Jill Mansell and Carole Matthews, both ladies having reached the pinnacle of their careers by having twenty five books published. In her acceptance speech Jill revisited her twenty-one year old self when becoming a writer wasn’t even yet a dream and Carole attributed her fat bottom (not true) and repetitive strain industry to her career. Naturally – because that’s the sort of people they are – they heaved praise and thanks upon all the people who had helped them along the way.

Team of Judges

All too soon the official part of the evening was drawing to an end. A panel of independent judges read the six category winners’ novels before meeting to debate the finer points of each book. The panel included Sarah Broadhurst, formerly The Bookseller; Alison Flood, Guardian.co.uk; Jane Mays, The Daily Mail; Karin Stoecker, ex-Editorial Director, Harlequin Books and Matt Bates of WHSmith Travel.

The Big Moment!

Barbara opened the red envelope and announced the winner of the Romantic Novel of the Year Award to be…Joss Stirling with, Struck. A fantastic achievement and the first time the prize has gone to a novel in the young adult category. Barbara Taylor Bradford presented Joss with her trophies and a cheque for £5000

 

Praise

The five judges were fulsome in their praise of Struck:

            “A fast -paced novel, full of adventure and danger, as well as a satisfying romance with an instant attraction.”

            “Mean Girls meets 21 Jump Street, navigating life and themes of school cliques and bullying.”

            “Main characters were well drawn.”

            “A satisfying developing relationship between heroine and hero. A provocative read which delivered on the romance. Good plot. Great hero and heroine.” 

            “An absorbing read that really pulled you in – I admired the energy and pace.”

Our heartiest congratulations to Joss and indeed to all of the contenders and winners.

Until Next Year

Guests lingered to sip wine and chat before heading for home and your intrepid blogging team took the opportunity to chat to potential interviewees for the blog. Yet another fabulous RNA event had come to an end. Well done to the organisers and the committee for pulling off another fabulous and memorable event. Farewell until next year – but first we have the Summer Party, our Summer Conference and the Winter Party. See you there!

Elaine & Natalie

RNA Winter Party: A cold night but a warm atmosphere

Today we welcome Francesca Capaldi Burgess and Elaine Roberts to the blog. Both ladies accepted our challenge to cover the RNA Winter Party for our blog and what a fantastic job they did too!

On Wednesday 19^th November, members of the RNA gathered for the annual winter party, ready to meet up with old friends and make new ones. As with some previous events, we occupied the wonderful panelled Hall of India and Pakistan at the Royal Over-Seas League in London.
It was the first time the two of us had been to the winter party, so didn't know how it would compare to the other enjoyable RNA events we'd attended. It was soon clear that everyone present was bound on making it a joyful evening, judging by the animated chatter and laughter. Many people acquainted only on social media took the opportunity to met in real life. A good deal of head bowing and squinting took place as we all tried to read each other's name badges to find out who we were!

180 people attended, representing the industry across the board, from writers new and established, to editors, agents and publishers, all of whom mingled seamlessly. As usual, the frocks were fabulous, a fact celebrated by a photo call on the grand staircase (due to appear on the front cover of Romance Matters).

Tracy Hartshorn (aka Sally Quilford)

Tracy Hartshorn (who writes as Sally Quilford), the main organiser of the event, did a splendid job. She could be spotted for a good part of the evening on the front desk welcoming guests. Tracy explained afterwards that, “The RNA parties take several months to organise, culminating in just three hours of party time. But what a three hours they are. The mood is always cheerful and positive, and it gives a glow of satisfaction to those of us who do the organising to know that our work hasn’t been wasted. The Winter Party was no different. A good time was had by all, including me!”

Chairman: Pia Fenton

Our chairman, Pia Fenton, gave a speech thanking the committee, along with others who’ve contributed to the work of the RNA, for all their efforts. We raised a glass to those no longer with us. Pia thanked those who’d helped with the organisation of the party, particularly Tracy, who got a rousing round of applause.

   



Waiters weaved their way through the guests offering an array of canapés which included mini fish and chips and tiny pies. The bite sized chocolate cakes were particularly delicious. Not only did everything taste good, it looked good as well, the catering as ever living up to the splendour of the venue.





Wendy Clarke, Deirdre Parlmer, Karen Aldous, Rosemary Goodacre

First time attendee, Wendy Clarke told us, “I’m not much of a ‘party person’ and was expecting to spend most of my first RNA party behind one of the pillars – but I’m happy to say that this couldn’t have been further from the truth. From the moment I walked in, the welcoming atmosphere enveloped me and any fears of awkwardness evaporated. I didn’t feel the need to hide behind a pillar once – which was just as well, as there weren’t any.”





Vanessa Savage & Catherine Miller




Having some well earned time off from her adorable twins, Romaniacs member Catherine Miller declared it “another wonderful RNA party.” She went on to say that, “It's great that NWS members are made to feel so welcome.” As New Writers’ Scheme members ourselves we can certainly vouch for this. 

Sue Barnard

Another newby, Sue Barnard, said, “My first RNA party, but definitely not my last! What a great evening. It was wonderful to be able to put faces to names at last, and I made some lovely new friends too. I'm only sorry I couldn't stay longer!”



Rachel Crafts & Maggie Swinburne

Maggie Swinburne, editor of the twice monthly My Weekly Pocket Novels, travelled down from Scotland for the event because she said it was, “lovely to meet people”. She relayed some funny stories to our group regarding her job as editor, along with some tips on what she looks for in a story. She also came wielding the guidelines and is hoping for more submissions.



As the evening wound down and people started to don their coats and flat shoes (what a relief!), it was evident by the smiles and hearty farewells that the evening had been another RNA success. It might have been cold outside but the atmosphere inside was warm and friendly.

A hearty thank you to Tracy Hartshorn and all those involved in organising the evening.

Thank you, Elaine & Francesca for a wonderful blog post. Here they are earning a well deserved rest in between their reporting duties:

Elaine Roberts & Francesca Burgess

If you would like to cover an event for the RNA blog please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com