I have to confess that I’ve started a number of posts about working at Harlequin, but never get more than a few paragraphs down because my creative energies are zapped. And I’ve been at the offices at least 3 times with my camera and taken quite a few pictures I haven’t shared. All that changes now (for at least this one post).
One of the first things you notice about the Harlequin offices is that there are books everywhere. The offices are open and spacious, giving many parts of Harlequin an airy feel. The 4th floor, where the digital team and direct to 
consumer team are housed is all open office concept–cubicles (not cubbies because Amy Wilkins doesn’t like that word) instead of offices, 4 desks to a pod in some areas, with a few key personnel (like very important bobblehead bosses) having their own cubby cubicle.
But there are books. And posters of books. And more books. Let me give you a glimpse. First, observe the various sitting areas and entry ways that seem to invite you to sit down, relax and read a good book. I would try this, but I’m afraid Bobble Brent would yell at me to get back to work.
Okay, this next one doesn’t show books, but instead gives you an idea of the artwork we see all over the walls of Harlequin headquarters.
There’s even books–boxes of books–in the hallways! Every month, Harlequin employees get a crack at the new releases. The hallway is lined with boxes of books, and everyone chooses their reading pleasure.
Even as much as I read almost solely digital, I can’t resist the lure of the boxes of free books. I grab a couple to keep at my desk, and to use for those takeoffs and landings, when we’re told to turn off all devices. And no, the positioning right next to the Kindle wasn’t on purpose!
But wait, there’s more (actually, there’s far, far more than I’ve managed to get picture of). Take a look at those cubicles I was talking about before.You get the sense that not only do these Harlequin employees work with books, they love and adore books.
(I just included this picture because it will probably make Jayne scream).
Of course, digital books are not to be outdone. There are plenty of digital readers to be found. In fact, a good portion of the digital team is probably hiding a digital reader in their purse, briefcase or desk.
But just in case you don’t really believe me about there being books EVERYWHERE, I give you exhibit A, in which you realize what the one resource Harlequin has truly is (besides its employees and authors, of course):
It has books. And aren’t we all grateful for Harlequin’s books?
(I know you’re all trying to see those titles, I thought about blurring them out so no author would be inadvertently offended, though I promise, they have no reason to be as no books were harmed in the making of this photo, but I have confidence that the author of that top book will actually find great humor in it. You can buy that book here).
Tags: Behind the Scenes, Books, Carina Press, Harlequin, office
I wanna work at Harlequin. What a wonderful bookish environment!
I love your offices!
I imagine that’s a lot like what heaven looks like ((sigh))
I love it here. <3
It’s only a 10 hour and 22 minute drive to the office. I should go visit…and bring a really, really big purse.
My oh my!! A book lover’s paradise!! This is my kind of heaven let me tell ya.. I’ll bring my own comfy chair, purring kitty, and neverending pot of tea, and never wanna leave with all those books…
Is there a spot created just for me???
That’s my kind of office!
It must be nice to work at a place where people read — I’ve had the experience of working at magazines where no one does, not even the magazines being produced!
Haha, I object to “cubbies” because that’s where kids put their stuff in Kindergarten
If anyone’s interested, I wrote a post on the Harlequin Blog last year about getting the books in hallway so early they still cold from the truck. It’s called “Confessions of a Fourth Floor Book Dork”, appropriately
: http://harlequinblog.com/2009/11/contest-confessions-of-a-fourth-floor-book-dork/
She’s RIGHT…I screamed! Okay, maybe more of a groan and an OH $&*@#!
Jayne
Love this! Thanks for sharing. Made me smile.
When the doors of the building open(automatically, as if by magic), do angels sing? Is there a spotlight from the heavens shining down on the place?
I have to point out that the kitchen table being held up by books, and at which many peole eat their lunch, has been that way for a couple of years! ie the book solution is not a recent fix, although we may occasionally swap out a few books.
Books are the solution to any problem.
@Malle all I know is that I totally chortled (and I seriously mean chortled) when I saw it and took that picture.
@Amanda oh man, if I had a whole video production team, I would totally make a spoof video about the Harlequin offices that included that as an opening sequence!
As the author of that top book holding up the table……to be perfectly honest, I actually use that method myself to balance the “temporary” muslin closet that’s been in my bedroom for, oh, four years now? Although with an older title, LOL.
Chortling in Albuquerque…
@Amanda oh man, if I had a whole video production team, I would totally make a spoof video about the Harlequin offices that included that as an opening sequence!
You know……
Jayne
I prefer “cubby” to “cubicle”, as the latter reminds me of public toilets. YOUR OFFICE IS NOT A LAVATORY!
Oh no, not the free book hallway again! My fingers always itch to rummage. It’s not like I don’t have lots of tbr HQNs that I haven’t gotten to yet but – Shiny! New! Books! Looking for a home!
;D
I can totally see myself swapping out one of the table leg books because I hadn’t read it! “Anybody have an extra HP? I need to swap one out under the table leg. No, an SE is too thick; I need something HP sized.”
LOL
*sigh* now that is my idea of the perfect workplace
Feeling a little wobbly? A bit off kilter? Let Harlequin books prop you up!
Wow. HQN has just shot to the head of my list of “dream places to work” (if I wasn’t a full time writer of course, cough cough) which is currently populated by Ben & Jerry’s and Pixar.
I wonder if the Mills and Boon offices are as dreamy? I would imagine not quite.
*whimper* stacey, I have you beat–six hours for me, and I already have my border-crossing card.
I’d love to get my hands on all those books! Great post!
@Erastes, I think they should send me to the M&B offices to do a pictorial essay on them, don’t you?
I live about 20 minutes away from the office…I’m on my way!
I swear, I wiped a tear away when I saw all those pics. No kidding. I wouldn’t get a thing done, so I can’t even say I wish I worked there. No one would hire me because during the interview, all I’d do is drool and stare down the hallways and at all the cubbies.
@Angela, it seems only fair…
That was fantastic! Made my day. Thanks for sharing.
I wanna work there. I read and get through the mail, every line that Harlie offers and would love to be there when the new releases come in. I’m serious. Look me up……..sounds like fun office to work in. Thanks for sharing.
I am clearly in the wrong day job–thanks for sharing!
I’ve seen pics of the books in the hallways at Harlequin before and it still makes me want to work there. Even if i have to washh windows clean toilets etc. IF i get a crack at all those books too. I’d never make it home at the end of the day. lol
Lisa B
LOVE IT!
Oh! Wow! What a gream job.