Harlequin does not accept unsolicited manuscripts; that is, manuscripts not requested at conferences or submitted by agents. They also do not accept multiple submissions, so if you send a solicited manuscript, do not send the manuscript to Harlequin and another publisher simultaneously. Harlequin does accept query letters, however, outlining a book's unique qualities. Make sure the query letter includes the manuscript's word count, which series or imprint is likely to be interested in it, and what makes the book distinctive among romance novels. Describe your familiarity with your chosen genre and any publishing experience you may have.
Harlequin will contact you by mail if they are interested in seeing the entire manuscript.
The manuscript should be typewritten in12 pt Times New Roman or Arial font, double-spaced and unbound. Leave the pages loose with only a sturdy rubber band wrapped around the manuscript. On the cover sheet include your name, address, phone number, email address (optional) and your book's title. Put your name and book title in the upper-left corner of all story pages, with page numbers in the upper right. Most word processing software, including Microsoft Word, has "headers" that allow you to put this information at the top automatically.
If you are unsure of formatting, Harlequin has examples of a query letter, synopsis, manuscript page and proofreader marks on its website under the heading "Learn to Write."
Do not send disks, and do not print the story out on reams of computer paper. Submit your stories by mail only, not as email attachments. With your manuscript, enclose a SASE, or self-addressed stamped envelope, with enough postage to cover the return of your manuscript. Do not call to inquire about the editorial status of the manuscript. When it has been read, the editor will respond to you by mail using your SASE.
Stories published by Harlequin, Silhouette and Steeple Hill must be told from the heroine's perspective, but in third person ("She walked to work...," not "I walked to work..."). Only use the male point of view as a dramatic tool, a plot device or to establish his character. Avoid telling the story through another female character, such as a sister or best friend.
Harlequin, Silhouette or Steeple Hill all share the same address. If you know the name of a particular editor you would like to read your query letter, include her name by adding an attention line ("ATTN: Editor's Name) below the publisher's name in the address.
Do not submit unsolicited nonfiction to Harlequin, since Harlequin's Nonfiction series accepts agented material only.
Certain smaller Harlequin imprints follow different submission rules than the big divisions. Harlequin Teen wants a synopsis and the first chapter included with the query letter. Silhouette Nocturne only accepts completed manuscripts of 10,000-15,000 words without a synopsis or query letter. Submit these as Microsoft Word attachments in an email. This same goes for Harlequin Historical and Spice Briefs, although the latter should only be 5,000-10,000 words long.