Earlier this week I received a call from Kathy Davis, acquisitions editor for Harlequin Heartsong Presents. She told me I was the first agent she called. Unfortunately, she had bad news. Heartsong Presents as a line will cease publication next year. I was sorry to learn that Kathy will also be looking for another position. A caring and competent editor, Kathy will surely find a soft place to land. The closing of Heartsong Presents takes a piece of my heart along with it. I have been in Christian publishing for some time, as illustrated by the photo that shows what I looked like when I first started writing books.
When my daughter Jill was an infant, I started typing manuscripts on the manual typewriter I took to college and submitting them to Heartsong Presents. It took a few tries for my work to be accepted for many reasons, I’m sure, but largely because I needed to learn how to write specifically for the Christian market.
Back then, the act of seeking publication was different. Reputable agents listed in The Writers Market said they charged clients for phone calls, photocopies, and postage. They also said you had to send SASE (self addressed, stamped envelope), and not to send them carbon copies of your work. I kept a stock of paper and envelopes on hand, and made trips to a store whose sole business was making copies of various documents for customers.
The process of having my first book published was a long one — at least to me. But it was definitely worth the wait! Being a published author has been invaluable to me as an agent. I understand firsthand the author’s journey, the process, and the love and work involved in the career of a writer.
I am very proud that I was a Heartsong Presents author. Rebecca Germany, Tracie Peterson, JoAnne Simmons, and Kathy Davis were and are all wonderful editors who care about readers and I am privileged that I was able to work with them as a writer, and later, as an agent. Heartsong Presents introduced many talented writers to the reading public. I know their readers will be saddened to see the line close.
Farewell, Heartsong Presents. I already miss you.
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I figured they would close when Harlequin bought them out. Heartsong and Love Inspired are very similar. My mom used to subscribe to Heartsong… and I dreamed of someday writing good enough for them. Never have. Never will.
Tamela, I was privileged to be a Heartsong author right along with you. My first book was bought in the first year of Heartsong’s existence. I’ve thanked the Lord for the grounding they gave me in the years I wrote for them. It is sad to see them go. Their introduction of so many debut authors has been good for Christian publishing.
Although I’m saddened by this new, I can’t say it comes as a surprise, considering the Love Inspired line and the significant drop in subscriptions for the Heartsong line before Barbour sold to HQN. Hearing Kathy Davis will be looking for a new position, though, is a surprise. But she’s a phenomenal editor, and I’m sure she’ll find a place to land quickly.
I’m one of many who cut their teeth on the Heartsong books, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am in publishing and writing were it not for Jim and Tracie Peterson and Becky Germany taking a chance on me and my first novel in 2005. Transitioning to working with JoAnne Simmons and then Kathy Davis has just been a bonus! Amazing to think 9 of my 15 books so far are because of Heartsong.
I began reading the series and became a member right as Barbour launched the line, following on the heels of Bethany House’s Serenade Saga / Serenade Serenada line (historical and contemporary romances). Does anyone remember those? I still own some of those first Heartsong titles by the likes of Colleen Reece and Tracie Peterson (then writing as Janelle Jamison). Though the writing bug wouldn’t bite me until 10 years later, I owe my interest in writing Christian fiction solely to Heartsong.
At least 25-30 names of well-established Christian fiction authors come to mind when I think back to the illustrious list of Heartsong authors who got their start with that line. Quite a bit of nostalgia is attached to Heartsong Presents. While I’m sad to see it close its doors, I’m happy to see the Love Inspired line continuing. At least readers can find the sweet romances young girls discover and grandmothers still enjoy…and everyone in between. 🙂
Thanks, Tamela, for such a beautiful tribute to a fantastic line, one which will certainly go down in the history of Christian fiction romance as one of the best for new authors.
Tiffany,
On Monday’s blog I will be talking about the Heartsong legacy. You are correct that it is quite remarkable.
By the way the Serenade Sonata and Serenada Saga line were published by Zondervan, not Bethany House. They were actually the first ones to do the mass market sized romance novels in 1983 (for Sonata) and 1984 (for Saga). A couple years later Thomas Nelson did a number of these books in the same format. The Zondervan titles were published until around 1987 when the experiment ended.
The “Saga” books were historical. The “Sonata” books were contemporary.
The problem was that the publisher, in those days, had to print close to 50,000 copies of a title. (may have been less, but it was a huge number) They were not able to sell that many so for years you could buy bargain copies for a dime.
Here is a link to all 47 of the Saga titles:
http://www.fictiondb.com/series/serenade-saga~14141.htm
Here is a link to all 49 of the Sonata titles:
http://www.fictiondb.com/series/serenade-sonata~14140.htm
So sad to learn about Heartsong. I am so grateful that I was able to have my books published through them. I had the pleasure of working with JoAnne, Rebecca and Kathy. What a lovely tribute, Tamela. Well said.
Sad news, indeed. The publishing industry seems to me like a wounded giant right now. Lots of nail-biting moments here waiting to see if/when/where/how it will fall and build again.
I picked up my first Heartsong book 20 years ago at Cedarville Christian College (now University) at age 11 and have read them ever since. I just got my last shipment and am very sad. Someone needs to start a Twitter handle to keep us informed of the future in regards to the books and the authors. I hope I can pick them up again soon!
Hi bb, Are you on Goodreads? We have a Heartsong Presents group on Goodreads for authors and readers. We’re continuing the group and it’s a place where the authors and readers can stay in touch. It’s a public group and you’re more than welcome to join 🙂
Blessings,
Narelle
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/129196-love-inspired-heartsong-presents