Harlequin announces annual Passions -
Aspiring Authors Auditions 2013 for romance and general fiction aspiring
authors
- Shobhaa De and Shoma Narayanan to
judge the best entries -
Mumbai, December 26, 2013: Harlequin India has announced the launch of Passions 2013 - the annual writing contest
for aspiring authors. The contest is expanding this year to accept entries in
two categories– romantic fiction and general fiction. This year’s judges are
renowned authors themselves – noted author and columnist, Shobhaa De and Mills
& Boon global author from India, Shoma Narayanan.
Budding writers can
submit a 100 word synopsis and first few chapters of their original story in no
more than 5,000 words on or before January 25, 2014 on www.hqnindia.com. Writers
in the general fiction category should also submit a detailed plot outline of
500 words. The winners will be rewarded with an assured editorial mentorship that will help them turn their ideas
into best-selling fiction books and the possibility of a publishing contract.
Past editions of the Passions contest, have led to
the discovery of several new voices for the Mills & Boon imprint. These
authors, such as Milan Vora, Shoma Narayanan, Aastha Atray, Ruchi Vasudeva,
Adite Banerjie, have published Mills & Boon novels set in India.
Shobhaa De shares, "Passions
2013 is pregnant with possibilities! I am looking forward to reading
submissions and in the process, discovering fresh voices exploring the realms
of love, romance - and passion, of course, in new and exciting ways..."'
Shoma Narayanan, author of
four Mills & Boons books says, "The Mills and Boon (Harlequin)
Passions contest seeks out fresh, exciting writing talent and rewards the
winners with editorial mentorship as well as the opportunity to be published.
Three years ago I was one of the winners myself and I vividly remember how
excited I was. It’s a privilege to be a judge this time around, and I'm
really looking forward to reading contributions from aspiring authors from
across the country."
Amrita Chowdhury, Harlequin India's
Country Head & Publishing Director, said, “We are celebrating the fifth
edition of Passions with celebrated author Shobhaa De and our very own Shoma
Narayanan as this year’s judges. The Passions contest is a platform where aspiring
writers can showcase their talent and possibly win a two-book deal. We invest a
lot in mentoring young writers on their way to publication.”
About
Harlequin:
Harlequin is one of the world's
leading publishers of books for women. The Toronto-based company publishes over
110 titles a month in 31 languages in 111 international markets on six
continents. Harlequin is unique in the publishing industry, combining over
highly recognizable imprints including - Harlequin, Mills & Boon, MIRA
Books, HQN Books, Harlequin TEEN, Spice, Harlequin Nonfiction; a global reach,
a highly successful reader service and forward-looking technology (eBooks,
downloadable audio, mobile phone applications) that not only allows the company
to move further and further into the forefront of women's fiction but continues
to position Harlequin for growth.
Harlequin
India,
which started in 2008, has brought its global romantic fiction and general
fiction books to India. It has published Indian authors for its romantic
fiction genre and is now expanding its Indian publishing portfolio to publish
Indian authors in other genres of fiction.
Harlequin
India is the subsidiary of the Toronto-based publisher - Harlequin Enterprises
Limited. Harlequin had 390 bestseller placements in 2010 in North America that
enjoyed a total of 1,048 weeks on bestseller lists. Since its inception, has
sold approximately 6.05 billion books. Harlequin creates entertaining and
enriching experiences for readers to enjoy, to share and to return to, that
drives the company's success and enables Harlequin to push the boundaries,
launching new stories, reaching new readers, offering new formats.
