Avon / HarperCollins - Getting Your Book Published

Avon is a well known historical romance publishing company, and they are part of the HarperCollins network. While HarperCollins requires an agent to submit, their AvonRomance area does not. However, their help page has a broken link to the submission form for avon. The most I can find is the email address avonromance@harpercollins.com. QUERY in subject, two-page description in main body.

Notes from other authors seem to indicate Avon is seeking darker content.

In October 2008 I sent in a message to that address, for Believing Your Eyes. I sent a full page synopsis of the story.

November 11, 2008 - email response -
Dear Writer:

Thank you for the opportunity to consider your work. Unfortunately, your story idea is not right for us at this time. We apologize for the form letter, but with the number of submissions we receive, it's not possible to give a personal response in every case.

But thank you again for your interest in Avon Books; we wish you success in finding a home for your work.

The Editors
Avon Romance

On November 30th 2008 I sent them a fresh query letter for A Sense of Duty, again with a full two page synopsis of the story.

December 4, 2008 - email response -
Dear Writer:

Thank you for the opportunity to consider your work. Unfortunately, your story idea is not right for us at this time. We apologize for the form letter, but with the number of submissions we receive, it's not possible to give a personal response in every case.

But thank you again for your interest in Avon Books; we wish you success in finding a home for your work.

The Editors
Avon Romance

Look familiar? :) That was quick of them at least! I wish they would tell me if they simply aren't running things in this era right now, or if they don't like swordswomen, or if it is something actually about the way I write the one-page summaries.

I did write them on Dec 31st 2008 to ask them this very question; we will see if they respond.

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