C.J. Miller

Write and Revise: - Write 3 manuscripts targeted to Silhouette Romantic Suspense/ Harlequin Romantic Suspense - Revise 2 manuscripts with critique partner's help - Write/revise 1 hour per night on weekdays (except Friday), 2 hours per day on the weekends Read: - Keep looped into romantic suspense: read Harlequin's monthly romantic suspense titles (SRS/HRS) and read some Intrigues when possible - Explore other genres: read 6 books this year that aren't romance - Romance: read 1 romance, non-suspense book per month - New skills: read 1 book this year on writing techniques or self-editing Submit: - Submit 2 manuscripts for consideration to Harlequin Writing activities: - Participate more in Harlequin's forums - Enter contests on Harlequin's site that will help get my manuscripts published - Update this blog with my writing progress more often Business: - Keep up with reading agent and editor blogs and publishing news - Get a publishing contract

I received the post card I included with my revised full manuscript submission in the mail postmarked November 30th. The editor has my work, and now I wait, distracting myself with new edits and fresh manuscripts. If the editor does not like the revised full, my next submission should be closer to what she wants. I have a better idea of how to craft my story for Silhouette Romantic Suspense.

I thought it might be helpful to include what exactly I sent in my revision package: - brief letter to the editor thanking her for the opportunity, reminding her what my story was about, and letting her know I had made the changes she'd suggested - self-address stamped postcard (can be purchased from USPS) so the editor can drop it in the mail when she opens the package. This is piece of mind for me that the package wasn't lost en route. - revised synopsis (4 pages double-spaced) Eharlequin guidelines specify a two-page single-spaced synopsis, but their example shows a double-spaced synopsis. When I asked for clarification from eharl (always follow specification!) the response was to send it double-spaced. - self addressed return envelope with postage (not to hold the manuscript, I don't need that returned, just a regular letter sized for a response from the editor) - cover page with my contact information and information about the book (title, word count, author ...

I mailed my revised manuscript to Silhouette Romantic Suspense last night. I had set a deadline for myself of a month based on feedback from other Harlequin authors and was pleased I met the deadline with no problem. More than proving I can/am willing to make changes in a timely manner, knowing I had four weeks prevented me from reviewing one scene again and again or obsessing about the editor's comments. When I got stuck on something, I sidelined it, and worked on another area of the manuscript and circled around later. I made continuous progress and felt really good about that. I also heeded the warning of one Harlequin authors, who mentioned she is careful to leave the parts of the manuscript not commented on alone (unless other changes impact it) since the editor liked the story enough to spend the time on revisions, rewriting the whole book isn't necessary. It was tempting to start major rewrites on every chapter, but I focused my time on the parts of the story the edito...

I received a request for revisions from an editor at Silhouette Romantic Suspense! The letter was approximately 3 pages of suggestions, some of the points about the manuscript as a whole, and some specific to a given scene. After conferring with several wonderful people on SubCare and with the help and encouragement of friends and family, I've worked out a plan of action. I have approximately a month to complete the changes and send them back. 1. Take a day (or two) to think about the changes. Read the letter about 10 times. 2. Go through the manuscript and mark (via comments and track changes) places where the editor suggests I make revisions. 3. Skim through the manuscript (I've written two more books for SRS since I submitted this one) and refamiliarize myself with the story. Make comments in the margins where I see some of the overarching problems referenced in the letter. 4. Complete smaller changes or those I am most clear about. 5. Tackle the more complicat...

I received my first full manuscript request from an editor at Silhouette Romantic Suspense after sending the first 3 chapters (along with query letter and synopsis) at the beginning of June. The request came in the same envelope that normally delivers rejections (the one I send with my query), so I was expecting another rejection. I am thrilled to have made this progress, so while I know this doesn't mean this manuscript with be published, it does mean something in my writing caught the eye of an editor! In other good news, one of my critique partners told me that at the RWA conference, Harlequin was looking for romantic suspense. That's great news for me!

I write like Stephen King Analyze your writing! Not sure this is ideal for a romance writer, but how fun!