Joan Reeves  (Photo courtesy of Joan Reeves)

So you read Precious Gems, and you want to write one. Or maybe you want to see a specific kind of story -- a SF romance or a traditional gothic, perhaps. How do you ensure an editor looks at your book or persuade the publisher to take your suggestion seriously? 

First and foremost, would-be Precious Gems authors should follow the line's contemporary and historical guidelines linked to the Kensington Publishing site. Beyond that, Precious Gems Contemporaries editor Hilary Sares advises: "Make your work look more professional. You're not doing yourself any favors by submitting less than quality work. Spend more time with your submission and follow the usual rules." 

Sares often works with previously unpublished and unagented authors, and plans to continue doing so. "I like books, and I'm still acquiring. I love to find new authors. If you're unpublished, send me the full manuscript," she said. 

Precious Gems Historicals acquisitions editor Amy Garvey said, "If the story and the romance work, then I buy it. A book by Jo Ann Ferguson (current president of Romance Writers of America) is the best example of a typical book. I've acquired everything from Ohio Valley to early England." 

But what if you just want your opinion heard at Precious Gems? "Write the publishers and tell them what you like and don't like," Sares suggested. "Publishers and editors love to hear from readers." 

Joan Reeves 

Joan Reeves published her first romance novel in 1993. Over the next nine months four of her Precious Gems romances will hit the shelves at Wal-mart, including Still the One (September 1999) and Love Will Find a Way (Christmas 1999). 

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