Susan Stephens' Writing Diary

Writing for Harlequin is a dream come true, but every published author you care to name was once unpublished.
We all dreamed the dream, and along with the dreaming we worked our socks off
(and still do, but that's for another mail!)


I can promise you that every manuscript is read and given due consideration by an outstanding editorial team.
If you receive anything more than a standard rejection slip, soak in every tiny bit of advice you are given in the letter.
If you do receive the standard rejection slip, don't give up- your next book may tug at someone's heart.

Please remember that some of the best guidelines out there are available from www.eharlequin.com and many of the associated sites.

Join your local chapter of the RWA, RNA, or whichever writers' group you have in your country.
Listen to all criticism- there may be a grain of truth in it even if it hurts.
Accept praise with modesty- but don't linger- praise can also make you complacent- and that's a place none of us should ever want to be.

Finally, there are many self help books, and one of the best is my dear friend, Kate Walker's 12 point guide.










I do hope this has been of some help to you. And my final piece of advice is of course, NEVER GIVE UP.

And just for fun, here's another cover of The Greek's Bridal Purchase, my February 2007 Harlequin Presents release








Now, don't worry about the upcoming contests- I will let you know in plenty of time when anything new breaks, and in the meantime, there's my January contest on the Susan Stephens site to keep you entertained.
I share your excitement- it's going to be great.

Hugs around the world!

from your friend, Susan