Call for Submissions

Avon Red

Please tell editors/publishers you read their guidelines on the
Erotica Readers & Writers Association Website
www.erotica-readers.com

Avan Red is an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
www.harpercollins.com/imprints/avon/SubmissionGuidelines.aspx

As a writer, your imagination allows you to create so many stories.  And at Avon Books, we are eagerly seeking those stories.  Our program allows us to publish the most unforgettable voices in historical and contemporary romance.

Your mission: to write the very best book possible.
Our goal: to find the perfect spot on the Avon list for that book.

Right now we are looking for romances in several areas—historical romance, contemporary romance, including romantic suspense; paranormal romance, women's fiction, African-American romance, inspirational romance, and erotica.

So, don't hesitate!  Here's the information you'll need to get started.  Now is the time to make your dream of becoming an Avon romance writer come true!

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
(90,000—100,000 words)
At Avon, we're seeking deliciously romantic historical novels for all parts of the list. These are love stories set primarily in Great Britain before 1900, and they are filled with all the promise—and passion—that Avon readers expect.

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
(90,000—100,000 words)
We seek stories of emotional complexity, written by authors with unique voices. Books with humor, drama, romantic suspense—all types and tones can be right for Avon. If your manuscript is exciting, electrifying, and exceptional we want to know more.

PARANORMAL ROMANCE
(90,000—100,000 words)
Vampires, werewolves, and witches, oh my! We are seeking all types of paranormal romance, contemporary or historical. The darker the better.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN ROMANCE
(90,000 words)
We are actively seeking romance with African-American heroes and heroines. These should be contemporary or historical love stories of approximately 90,000-100,000 words, set in the United States. This is not a ‘line.’ Each author will be packaged, and developed, individually. So, if your manuscript has the unforgettable emotion, irresistiblecharacters (especially the hero), and sizzling sensuality that are hallmarks of Avon romance, please send us a query e-mail right away.

EROTICA
(short stories 25,000—40,000 words/novels 80,000—90,000 words)
We are so excited to be at the forefront of this up-and-coming genre. The sexier the better is our motto. Avon Red began with two anthologies and we've now built up to 80,000 - 90,000 steamy one story novels. There are no holds barred in these super sensual stories. We're looking for more sexy novels and novellas, so, if we're going to need a cold shower after reading your manuscript, please send your query letter via e-mail today!

AVON A
(60,000—90,000 words)
Avon A publishes general commercial women's fiction as well as quality nonfiction books that readers can relate to and get something out of. Both historical and contemporary stories are welcome. Our Avon A authors include Meg Cabot, Jacqueline Sheehan, and Tracy Grant.

INSPIRE
(60,000—90,000 words)
Inspire is a new line of inspirational romances from Avon Books. These stories and their characters are primarily Christian, and promote traditional values and beliefs. They also are first and foremost stories of the heart, romantic novels about learning to trust; to open ourselves to love, not only to the men in our lives, but ultimately to God. Set in America, both contemporary and historical settings will be considered, as will romantic suspense and romantic comedy. There should be no alcohol, drug use, or premarital sex for the main characters. For non-Christian characters, these subjects can be explored but primarily to show their destructive nature and how a virtuous life is the better path. Foul language should be avoided at all costs.

How To Submit A Manuscript

Please note Avon's new submission policy

To submit your romance or women's fiction (only), please query first. You must query by e-mail. When you do so, please put QUERY in the subject line. Due to the overwhelming amount of spam e-mail received, subject lines that have manuscript titles often do not reach the editors. Your query should be brief, no more than a two-page description of your book. Do not send chapters or a full synopsis at this time. Also, please not send attachments—THEY WILL NOT BE OPENED. You will receive a response—either a decline or a request for more material—in approximately one to two weeks.

  E-mail this page

Copyright © 1996 and on, Erotica Readers Association, Inc.
All Rights Reserved World Wide. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or
medium without express written permission is prohibited.