The American way

Subscriber Rachel Brimble describes how she found success in the US romance market in this month's issue of WM  

‘I love introducing new and aspiring romance writers to the opportunities that are available to them across the Atlantic,’ writes Rachel.
‘Even though I live in south-west England, I have found far more success across the pond than I ever did here in the UK. After submitting my first book to over thirty UK agents and receiving one rejection after another, an online friend suggested I try new US publisher, The Wild Rose Press. I did—and my first book was published with them back in 2007.
‘Since then, I have steadily produced at least one novel a year that has received instant acceptance from small US presses. Through hard work and the determination to succeed and grow as a writer, I finally found a US agent who wanted to represent me and my work in March 2011.
‘The next turning point—not to mention HUGE confidence boost—came at the 2011 Romantic Novelists Association conference. I pitched a proposal to a Mira editor (the single-title line of Harlequin Mills & Boon) and she requested the full manuscript with words that stuck fast in my mind: ‘you have a very global voice. Most definitely suited to the US market.’
‘It was the most freeing thing anyone has ever said to me. I gave up my pursuit of UK publication and focused my efforts entirely on the US.
‘2012 has been my best year yet because I signed my first contract with Harlequin Superromance in May (the book I pitched to Mira). I am super excited about receiving my very first advance and its upcoming February 2013 release date. My editor has already requested the first three chapters of book two I have planned in this trilogy.
‘In the meantime, I enjoy writing novellas as a treat each time I finish a full-length novel. My latest is a Victorian romance set in and around the Bristol docks. Love’s Debt is available from The Wild Rose Press on 5 September.
Website: www.rachelbrimble.com 

Read more of our subscribers' success stories in Members' News in this month's issue of Writing Magazine.