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Under its AVALON BOOKS imprint, Thomas Bouregy & Co., Inc., publishes hardcover secular romances, mysteries, and westerns for the library market. Our books are wholesome adult fiction, suitable for family reading. There is no graphic or premarital sex or sexual tension in any of our novels; kisses and embraces are as far as our characters go. It is the author’s responsibility to heighten the romantic atmosphere by developing love scenes with tenderness, emotion, and perception. The heroines of our romances should be looking forward to marriage at the end of the book. There is never any profanity in any of our books.
We publish sixty books a year in bimonthly cycles of ten. A cycle consists of two career romances, two general romances, two historical romances, two mysteries, and two westerns. All the romances are contemporary; all the westerns are historical. The important action in all the books takes place over a relatively short period of time, ranging from days to no longer than a year. Books range in length from a minimum of 40,000 words to a maximum of 60,000 words (usually about 160 to 210 manuscript pages). However, if the manuscript is exceptional, we will accept somewhat longer books.
Please address any inquiries regarding manuscript submissions to: editorial@avalonbooks.com
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AVALON ROMANCES
GENERAL INFORMATION:
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We do not want old-fashioned, predictable, formulaic books. We are looking for contemporary characters and fresh, contemporary plots and story lines. Supporting characters and subplots should be interesting and realistic, and they should add an extra and interesting dimension to the book.
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HEROINES:
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Every AVALON heroine should be an independent young woman with an interesting profession or career. She is equal to the stresses of today’s world and can take care of herself, yet she remains feminine and loyal to traditional values; when he comes along, the man she loves will take priority in her life, just as she will take priority in his.
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HEROES:
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AVALON heroes should be warm, likable, realistic, sympathetic, understanding men who treat the heroine as an equal, with respect for her intelligence and individuality, and with courtesy. The rude, overbearing, patronizing, egotistical, brooding, macho men and Heathcliff types are not welcome in AVALON romances; they make very poor models for husbands—and men—in today’s world.
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AVALON HISTORICAL ROMANCES
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We accept outlines and the first three chapters for historical romances of every genre. The manuscripts should be between 50,000 to 60,000 words. Time period and setting are the author’s preference. Period, place and cultural events are vital to creating an historical feel. The historical romances will maintain the high level of reading expected by our readers. The books shall be wholesome fiction, without graphic sex, violence or strong language.
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AVALON MYSTERIES
GENERAL INFORMATION:
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The element of suspense is very important, but it is equally important to have a tight, well-researched, believable story line. Avoid contrived, predictable, mechanical plots and old clichés. We are now looking for longer (50,000-60,000 words), gritty, more mainstream mysteries. Read: Joyce and Jim Lavene, Vicky Hunnings, Kent Conwell, Dorothy P. O’Neill, and Gina Cresse.
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HEROES:
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The hero can be male or female or a team of people with sound values. The hero must be someone for whom the truth is paramount.
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AVALON WESTERNS
GENERAL INFORMATION:
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All westerns are historical novels, and it is important that they be placed in time and that the background be carefully researched. Avoid using words and phrases that were not part of the language at the time your western is set. Plots should be suspenseful and action packed, but vivid descriptions of the gory details of violence should be avoided. Suitable, believable euphemisms for profane words (including “hell” and “damn”) must be used. Though it is important for flavor and authenticity to use some westernisms in dialogue (“pardner” and the dropping of the final “g” in present participles, for example), overuse of dialect is to be avoided; it slows down the reader’s pace and, as a result, the narrative pace too. The use of alcohol is allowed, but should not be overdone.
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HEROES:
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The hero must be a strong individual with sound values. He’s excellent with his fists and his gun, but not overeager to use either.
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SUBMISSIONS
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We do accept unagented material and multiple submissions; however you should indicate that the proposal is a multiple submission. When submitting, include a query letter, a 2-3 page (and no longer) synopsis of the entire manuscript, and the first three chapters. All submissions must be typed and double-spaced. Please be sure to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the return of your material if it is not suited to our needs. If we think that your novel might be suitable for our list, we will contact you and request that you submit the entire manuscript.
There is no need to send your partial to any specific editor at Avalon. The editors read all the genres that are listed above. Address your letter to: The Editors. This also goes for email submissions. The address for submissions is:
Avalon Books
160 Madison Avenue
NY, NY 10016
New rules regarding Self-Addressed Stamped Envelopes (SASE):
If you would like your manuscript/partial returned please follow
all the instructions below. If any of the requirements are not met, we will
recycle the manuscript or partial.
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You must include an envelope that is large enough to hold your manuscript.
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There must be sufficient postage for the weight of your manuscript. Do not send us money or money/postal orders for postage--only stamps, please.
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Please use Priority or First Class mail-no Media Mail, Fed Ex, and no metered mail.
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We cannot return partials or manuscripts outside the US. No International Reply Coupons, please.
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Do not put tape or any other covering over the stamps.
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