How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to submit a book to Harlequin
Reads unsolicited work
Harlequin’s series lines take unagented manuscripts through harlequin.submittable.com: the full manuscript or first three chapters, with a synopsis. Afterglow takes agented work too. It has bought Mills & Boon and Silhouette.
Where pitches like these are made: Frankfurt Book Fair · Bartleby08, CC BY-SA 4.0
In its own words
“Harlequin Series lines accept unagented submissions from authors.”
“Afterglow by Harlequin accepts both agented and unagented submissions.”
“All submissions must include either a full manuscript or the first three chapters, plus a synopsis.”
What it says it looks for
“Our editors are looking for bold, emotional, expansive stories with layered hooks and stand out tropes.”
“We’re looking for original, unpublished work by authors who have the skills and imagination to write unique stories for Harlequin Special Edition, told in their own words.”
“A page-turning edge-of-your-seat read is what we are looking for in a Harlequin Intrigue book.”
What it has bought from outside
1971
Mills & Boon (London romance publisher)
“On October 1, 1971, Harlequin purchased Mills & Boon.” en.wikipedia.org
1984
Silhouette Books (romance imprint) from Simon & Schuster
“In 1984, Harlequin purchased Silhouette from Simon & Schuster.” en.wikipedia.org
1957
North American distribution rights to Mills & Boon romances from Mills & Boon
“in 1957 Harlequin acquired the North American distribution rights to the category romance novels which had been published by Mills & Boon in the British Commonwealth” en.wikipedia.org
