Hi, this is Caridad’s editor at Harlequin/Silhouette, Stacy Boyd. I’ll be the guest blogger all week. A few days ago, Caridad kindly sent me a list of questions for my first post (I was terribly worried I wouldn’t be able to think of anything to write about) and maybe I’ll end up writing about the daily life of a romance editor or trends in the marketplace. But today, as I was re-reading some proposals from the next books in The Calling series, I remembered just what it was about that first book, Darkness Calls, that pulled me in.
I had just been hired at Harlequin/Silhouette, and I was working for Karen Taylor Richman, who was then senior editor of Silhouette Special Edition. Karen had met Caridad at a writing event in New Jersey, and she asked me to take a look at a promising project. Darkness Calls—and specifically the characters of Ryder and Diana—really spoke to me. I loved Caridad’s writing style, which was compelling and emotional.
I wanted to buy that book.
But, at the time, the company had no line publishing the mix of strong heroine, suspense, paranormal and romance that Caridad had written. Silhouette Bombshell hadn’t yet been created. Silhouette Nocturne was only a glimmer in the higher-ups’ eyes. Yet Caridad must have wanted to sell that book as much as I wanted to buy it, because when I asked for revision after revision, working to make it a book that would fit into Silhouette Intimate Moments (the line that is now called Silhouette Romantic Suspense), she eagerly complied.
I’m so glad she chose to do the extra work. That book started a series that is still one of my favorites, and readers seem to like it just as much. Plus, now that the lines and imprints have become less rigid, Caridad has had opportunities to write many stories that don’t always fit the conventions of category romance. (My favorite being the revisit to Ryder and Diana as hero and heroine in Death Calls.)
I’m happy to see The Calling with its own website. Now, if I can just get the proposals for the next few books in the series off my desk and under contract, we’ll have even more to talk about….
Hi Stacy–
Could you tell us if there’s anything new on the Silhouette/Harlequin horizon for those of us who write humorous single title? And what’s the status of NEXT, RDI, and HQN? Are they still buying new manuscripts on a regular basis? Anything in particular they want or don’t want?
Hi Stacy, I’d love to know what your favourite genre of romance is and who your favourite authors are
I want to say thanks to all of you for dropping by! Also, thanks for all your kind comments about the books.
So glad to hear from you that they are moving off the shelves. I’m so happy that Stacy’s belief in not only THE CALLING, but paranormals helped lead to Nocturne.
Thanks again to Stacy and to all of you for dropping by!
Hi Caridad i LOVE your books!! and i entered your contest on writterspace would definatly love one of those purses ^_^ You are a wonderful writter keep them coming and i will keep buying hehe!!!
Cari, I was at the bookstore the other day and the owner mentioned your series. She complained that she can’t keep up with the demand!
Way to go, dude!
Best,
Mary
A purely – ahem – hypothetical question for Stacy. If an author were to pitch to you at a conference (and you asked to see the work) and realized after pitching to you that she had submitted the book to the Nocturne line (at the advice of another editor at HQ), but said author also learned after the fact that her book did not fit Nocturne at all (length/tone) and tried to withdraw the submission from Nocturne, but was alas, too late…If that book were then rejected by Nocturne for the very reasons noted above, would Stacy still wish to see the book. Word on the street is that once rejected by HQ, always rejected by HQ. Any advice? From a purely hypothetical standpoint, of course.
Hello Stacy,
If Chick lit is dead…then whats hot? If I have a book I would have sold as chick lit….what should I call it? Romantic Humor & Suspense?
Thanks,
Jeannie
Hi, Stacy! I’ve Cari’s side of the work that goes into writing a series, what’s it like on the editorial side? It’s great to hear there will be more Calling books – they’re great, and I adore the new covers.
Berta
Hi Stacy! Working as an editor must be such an exciting job. And to work closely with an author and leanr to know her, even better. Great to hear your thoughts of everything which has to do with your job.
Hi Stacy, reader/writer here! I just wanted to take a fast moment to thank you for taking the time and working so closely and devotedly with a lady who has fast become one of my new favorite writers. Did I see a glimmer of a mention additional books in The Calling series awaiting contract? Could we maybe have a small hint?
Hi Stacy,
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. I’m wondering what types of work you’re looking for and if you think there’s a market for romantic comedy and or books along the lines of what RDI prints. My understanding is that the market has decreased somewhat.
Thanks again and have a great day!
Hi Stacy, So excited you are on Caridad’s blog. I too want to know about how much time you usually spend to edit a new author’s work. Do you work with other editors and/or assistants? Caridad’s work is wonderfully emotional and I can see why you worked with her. If you like an author’s work and no one else does, is it usually a no for that book? Finally, I know we’d all love to hear more about one of the days of your life as an editor.
Thank you so much for being here,
an aspiring to be published writer, Judith
Hi Stacy! I’m a reader but I would love to know how you decide if a manuscript is good enough to publish? Are you more careful about publishing a book from a new author than one you already know? Do you find it hard to turn down someone’s work? Do you make the decision yourself or do you work with others? As you can see, I’m filled with questions? lol
Hope you have a cheery Valentine’s Day
Hi Stacy,
I’d love to hear about a day in the life of a romance editor.
Stacy, here’s a tough one for you!
What are the five top things a writer can do to completely turn you off a manuscript?????
Hi Stacy and thanks so much for blogging with us!
I think you know how much I loved THE CALLING and it has been such a delight to work with you on this project — it’s a piece of my heart, really and I can’t say thanks enough for giving me the opportunity to share it with others.
Hi Stacey,
Just wanted to drop by and say hello. I write for Desire and Harlequin Historical and Demetria Lucas is my editor. It’s good to see you here!
Charlene Sands