Have you visited eHarlequin.com lately?  They are having a themed “sale” and are asking you to pick your side…shirts or shirtless.  Which side are you on?

Visit them by using this banner to find out more:

If you enjoy a variety of books from the sensual to the thrilling, you’ll love this bundle.  Our reviewer’s did!

Blurb:

Every now and then a book that comes along that stands out from all the rest. For the reviewers of WeWriteRomance.com, these four stories did just that and earned top ratings as some of the most unique, sensual and captivating romances they’ve ever read! Find out what had the reviewers raving in this selection of WeWriteRomance.com’s favorite Harlequin novels. Bundle includes: The Contestant by Stephanie Doyle, A Fabulous Wedding by Dianne Castell, Agent Cowboy by Debra Webb and Wedding Vow of Revenge by Lucy Monroe.

Get your copy from eHarlequin.com today!

Another awesome deal for you from eHarlequin…check it out! :-)

If you’re buying books for gifts this year, Harlequin is having an awesome deal this Friday.  Buy any 2 books or more Friday Dec. 4th and get any 3rd book FREE! Remember, this deal is valid until December 4, 2009, 11:59 p.m. EST. The lowest priced book is free and the offer excludes eBooks and Themed Collections. Just use the link below to grab your deal!

In November 2009, Harlequin Enterprises announced the launch of their new “Horizon” line in conjunction with Author Solutions.  Good news, right?  Well, maybe not.  Harlequin’s new line is being touted as an opportunity for authors when in reality most are calling it what it is…a vanity press.  At least, that’s what SWFA says.  And they are taking a hard stand on what that means for their authors and their recognition of the publisher.  See for yourself: 

…SFWA has no choice but to be absolutely clear that NO titles from ANY Harlequin imprint will be counted as qualifying for membership in SFWA. Further, Harlequin should be on notice that while the rules of our annual Nebula Award do not expressly prohibit self-published titles from winning, it is highly unlikely that our membership would ever nominate or vote for a work that was published in this manner.

And what does that mean for the romance industry and romance writers?  Well, it’s not super clear.  While most believe readers will become upset about the possible dilution and/or quality of the Harlequin imprints, some say it might not really matter because the “Horizon” self-published books won’t have the Harlequin brand or logo on them.

Regardless, RWA has released their statement:

RWA Alert: RWA Responds to Harlequin Horizons
Dear Members:

Romance Writers of America was informed of the new venture between Harlequin Enterprises and ASI Solutions to form Harlequin Horizons, a vanity/subsidy press. Many of you have asked the organization to state its position regarding this new development. As a matter of policy, we do not endorse any publisher’s business model. Our mission is the advancement of the professional interests of career-focused romance writers.

One of your member benefits is the annual National Conference. RWA allocates select conference resources to non-subsidy/non-vanity presses that meet the eligibility requirements to obtain those resources. Eligible publishers are provided free meeting space for book signings, are given the opportunity to hold editor appointments, and are allowed to offer spotlights on their programs.

With the launch of Harlequin Horizons, Harlequin Enterprises no longer meets the requirements to be eligible for RWA-provided conference resources. This does not mean that Harlequin Enterprises cannot attend the conference. Like all non-eligible publishers, they are welcome to attend. However, as a non-eligible publisher, they would fund their own conference fees and they would not be provided with conference resources by RWA to publicize or promote the company or its imprints.

Sometimes the wind of change comes swiftly and unexpectedly, leaving an unsettled feeling. RWA takes its role as advocate for its members seriously. The Board is working diligently to address the impact of recent developments on all of RWA’s members.

We invite you to attend the annual conference on July 28 – 31, 2010 in Nashville, TN, as we celebrate 30 years of success with keynote speaker Nora Roberts, special luncheon speaker Jayne Ann Krentz, librarian speaker Sherrilyn Kenyon, and awards ceremony emcee Sabrina Jeffries. Please refer to the RWA Web site for conference registration information in late January 2010.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Gaylord Opryland!

Michelle Monkou
RWA President

 

What do you think?  As a reader, will it impact your buying Harlequin books?  As an author will you be leery of submitting to the big publisher?