As Carina Press is a division of Harlequin Enterprises Ltd, how is it different?

At the very basic level, Harlequin is a traditional print publisher with a robust digital-offering, while Carina Press is a digital-first publisher.

Both the contract and distribution channels are very different:

• The Carina Press contract does not include an advance or DRM, and authors are compensated with a higher royalty.
• Unlike Harlequin there is no guaranteed series distribution (no standing order, no direct mail, no overseas translation markets).
• Carina Press titles will be sold direct to consumers through the Carina Press website, and we’ll be securing 3rd party distribution with retailers such as Books On Board, Fictionwise and Amazon.

What are the advantages of digital publishing?

Our distribution model is strictly digital, which means we’re not limited by print bookstore shelf space — this gives us greater flexibility in the type of editorial we can accept from authors, and offer to readers.

We’re also able to quickly get new books to market — if a genre is new and developing, we want to be there with books readers are eager to read.

Why should I choose Carina Press?

We view Carina Press as a joint effort between publisher and author — we’ll combine our editorial and marketing expertise with your passion for your story to make sure it gets into the hands of readers who will love it.

As author, you have more control of your own brand and can help the success of your book; we’ll provide new authors with the tools to get started self-promoting in the digital space.

Your book will always be available. eBooks never have to be restocked.

What is DRM?

DRM is Digital Rights Management, and DRM technologies control use of digital media by preventing access, copying or conversion to other formats by end users.

Put simply, DRM stops you from being able to copy/share your eBook with another person or device, but does not prevent piracy.

How should I format my book?

We don’t have formal formatting requirements. We only ask that you double space and use a legible, plain black font. Please see our Submission Guidelines for full details on how to send your manuscript once completed.

My genre isn’t listed in the submission guidelines, does that mean you won’t consider it?

As long as it is commercial fiction, and is not young adult, we are interested.

Do you accept unagented submissions?

Yes.

Do you accept simultaneous submissions?

Yes. However, you cannot submit to Carina Press and any other subsidiary of Harlequin Enterprises Ltd. simultaneously (ie. Harlequin, Silhouette, MIRA, Luna, etc.) But you are welcome to submit a manuscript to us that is also under consideration at other publishers. We only ask that you let us know immediately if it’s contracted elsewhere, so we can let our editors know it’s no longer available.

Can I submit to Carina Press if Harlequin has rejected me?

Yes, you may submit a manuscript that has been rejected by any publisher, including Harlequin. There may be very good reasons why your manuscript will not fit into traditional print publisher’s program, but we have a great deal more flexibility and opportunities at Carina Press.

Can I submit multiple manuscripts at one time?

Yes. You can submit more than one submission to Carina Press. However, please do not send more than one book at a time in a series. (ie. don’t send books one and two in a trilogy or series, send just book one and wait for a response.)

Will Carina Press publish my book into print?

Currently we are focusing on digital-first publishing, but we do not rule out the possibility of print in the future.

Do you pay advances?

No. Our author contract is strictly royalty based.

Who should I address my submission to?

Submissions should be sent to submissions@carinapress.com and can be addressed to Angela James or Dear Editor. Your query does not need to be personally addressed, as there’s a team of staff who reads submissions.

My book is in first person, is that okay?

Yes.

Will my manuscript be edited and copy edited?

Yes. Carina Press goes through the same rigorous acquisition and editorial development processes as traditional print publishers.

Will I be charged to publish my book with Carina Press?

No. Carina Press is not a vanity publisher and the author is not asked to pay for publication, editing, cover art or other services.

Why did you select the name Carina Press?

Carina is a constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for the keel of a ship, and it was formerly part of the larger constellation of Argo Navis which represents the Argo, the ship from Greek mythology that carried heroes Jason and the Argonauts on their successful voyage to capture the Golden Fleece.

We’re suckers for a great story, and Greek mythology is full of fantastic stories — when we came upon Carina, the sailing imagery really appealed to us (we even included sails in our logo). We’re sailing in a new, exciting direction into uncharted waters.