September 3, 2008 • Print This Post
Harlequin is launching a website where readers can give input directly to the editors and publisher. The site isn’t live yet. When it is, you’ll be able to access it through www.TellHarlequin.com. You can read more about the venture here.
Honestly, I think this is pretty cool. It’s a way of saying “we care” to readers. Sure, it could have some problems, but it’s pretty innovative and shows great promise. We’ll have to see how it works when the site goes up.
Until then, I have a question: If you could tell authors, editors and publishers something you’ve been wanting to say, what would it be? Do you have suggestions, concerns, thoughts…?
To get the conversation going, I’ll give away a copy of one of my books - winner’s choice - to a person randomly selected from those commenting. Any title, including the upcoming holiday antho TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT, is available except for HOT AS HELL since I don’t have it yet (Sorry!). Comment with your thoughts and you’ll be entered. I’ll pick a winner by Thursday and post the person’s name here.
UPDATE: I’m very sorry for being a day late, guys. I got to revising a story and lost all track of time. But, we have a winner…Stacy!! Congrats!!! Email me and I’ll get your choice out to you.
Posted by HelenKay Dimon @ 6:00 am • Filed under: HelenKay Dimon
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Oh boy, this is a tough question this early in the morning (LOL), but hmm. . . overall I’ve been pretty happy with what I’ve been picking up and reading and who’ve I’ve been reading. . . but that’s arguably still a thought, and not all comments and thoughts are bad, right? LOL But if there is one thing I could say, is that selfishly, sure wish authors can write faster, waiting for the next book is too hard! LOLOLOLOL
Lois
I would like to know why it takes so long for a book that is published under the Modern Heat line to make it to America? I also wish they would open up the one month pre-order to all the lines at eharlequin(most are, but a few are not available until the current month).
I would say not so many secret babies. I don’t like the idea of a secret baby since that means some poor man missed out on years of his child’s life.
I think this definitely sounds like a great idea. I’m with Maureen, though, about the secret babies/children. There have been a lot of them and I think they may be overused.
I am curious, though, as to how much weight is going to be given to the ideas put forth by the participants of Tell Harlequin in comparison to the ideas already being considered by Harlequin.
Overall, I have been pretty happy with what and who I have been reading.
I think it could be useful, so long as the criticisms are constructive and suggestions remain reasonable - I’d hate to see it turned into a nasty bitch fest when they obviously are open to and interested in readers’ opinions.
(I don’t need to be entered in the draw, thank you!)
I would probably tell them what sub genres I would like to see more of and let them know we like to see more special sales.
i like it all, not much complanits. maybe the authors website should be updated more, more excerpts. overall i am happy with harlequin.
Usually I don’t think I’ve too much to say in terms of suggestions, although sometimes I think it would be helpful for there to be easily accessed lists of titles in a mini-series, for instance (especially those that are all by different authors). And argh–secret babies are a pet peeve of mine… ugh!
I, too, am curious how this will be different than “ordinary” ways of giving input/feedback to editors/publishers. Maybe in that it makes a channel obvious and available?
As for writing to authors, I tend to already do that sometimes but going to their websites or blog–I don’t remember giving suggestions before, but sometimes I write if I’ve loved something
Thanks for letting us know about this, HelenKay!
I would ask for more fantasy and paranormal.
I want to tell them to stop cutting the page count on the books. I would rather the books longer than shorter.
I always try to send some feedback to authors.
I’m pretty easy to please, not much riles me. The biggest thing might be the whole cover issue (making sure it matches the characters or setting). Or more of a variety in where the story is set.
I’m part of the Tell Harlequin panel - and have done a few things. I think it’ll be interesting to see what their “population” is - and the cross section.
I also wonder what readers know about what lines - it seemed that a lot of people were asking for the type of story in the “Everlasting Love” line and just had no idea. Maybe it’s just Harlequin, or the books I’ve been reading, but there doesn’t seem to be a happy medium with age.
Across the board as well, one “concern” I have is the reason for putting something in a book. Perhaps it’s the genres or authors I’ve been reading, but it seems a number of stories have a scene that “pushes the envelope” - but it’s pointless. Much like the gratuitous boob shot in movies or tv shows. Pointless, distracting, and a waste of time.
Or, when characters aren’t realistic. Like, women wearing sweater sets to a night club (like pounding music, meat market college scene) - and she and everyone else thinks she’s dressed perfectly. Little details that are a bit off.
At the same time, I’ve been reading some absolutely fabulous books. The characters are well developed, the stories well written, and most importantly to me, the focus is on the relationship between the hero and heroine.
I would ask for my anthologies with short stories from my favorite authors.
As long as people express their views in ways that are informative and not crude or vulgar I think it will be a wonderful site.
wtg stacy