Frequently Asked Questions about the HRC Author Program.
Questions about joining HRC:
Will my application for membership be automatically approved?The focus of my Author website is Alternate Lifestyles (m/m, f/f)...can I join?
The focus of my Author website is Inspirational (religious values)...can I join?
I write Standard Contemporary Romance, can I join HRC?
I'm self-published, can I join the HRC Author Program?
Questions about creating an HRC Author Page:
How many words are allowed on my HRC Author Page?How many Featured Books am I allowed on my HRC Author Page?
Can I include explicit material on my HRC Author Page?
Questions about login, password, security, etc:
Do I have to login to HRC to add or change my Author Page?What happens if I forget my Username or Password?
If I join, will my personal information be stored on the HRC website?
Is there a “backdoor” into the restricted area of the HRC website?
Question: Will my application for membership be automatically approved?
Answer: Every application submitted to HRC must be approved by HRC staff—it's not automatic. Although we welcome all serious applicants, and approve 99% of them, a small number will be disapproved. Reasons for rejection usually involve romance genres, an author's website, being self-published, and other items (see the next four questions).
Please Note: if an application is disapproved, the membership fee is promptly refunded.
Question: The primary focus of my Author website is Alternate Lifestyles Romance (m/m, f/f, trans-gender), can I join HRC?
Answer: Probably not. While we have no issues with a person's sexual preference, and nothing against authors who write in this genre, at this time it's not within the scope of HRC's mandate to support the Alternate Lifestyles genre. Besides, there are plenty of websites out there that already promote all types of romance genres. There are even some that are specific to the Alternate Lifestyles genre. Like us, they support and promote the genres they love, the genres they read—as it should be. Click here for a complete list of HRC supported genres.
Question: The primary focus of my Author website is Inspirational Romance (reflecting religious values or teachings), can I join HRC?
Answer: Probably not. While we have no issues with a person's religious preference, and nothing against authors who write in this genre, at this time it's not within the scope of HRC's mandate to support the Inspirational Romance genre. Besides, there are plenty of websites out there that already promote all types of romance genres. There are even some that are specific to Inspirational Romance. Like us, they support and promote the genres they love, the genres they read—as it should be. Click here for a complete list of HRC supported genres.
Question: I write Standard Contemporary Romance, can I join the HRC Author Program?
Answer: Probably. As long as you've also published in one or more of the following Genres: Ancient World; Dark Ages; Medieval; Georgian; Regency; Western*; Colonial; Victorian; Civil War; Vintage; Nostalgia; Celtic; Time Travel; Fantasy; Paranormal*; - then you'll likely qualify for membership. But remember, you'll only be able to promote or display your books that fall within the HRC supported genres on the HRC website. If you're uncertain, please contact us:
*historical or contemporaryQuestion: I'm self-published, can I join the HRC Author Program?
Answer: Sorry, no. We applaud the efforts of those who are self-published, and know that some have found great success through this approach. However at present, HRC's mandate does not allow for self-published Authors in the membership. This includes those signed with “vanity” and “subsidy” presses. Some common pay-to-publish presses include: Lulu; AuthorHouse; Xlibris; iUniverse; Bookmark; and/or any “publisher” who requires money from the Author. It's important to remember that many Romance Authors have waited years to be pusblished—some as long as 20 years! They received hundreds of rejections, but refused to give up.
Question: How many words are allowed on my HRC Author Page?
Answer: It's not so much a matter of words, but the space allotted for your custom Author Page. At the current writing, it is approx. 2.5 million pixels of web space (545 wide x 4,682 long). The size may be even greater, depending on when you read this (we increase the amount as needed). This space can accommodate approximately 2,500 words, plus several graphics. The more graphics you include, the less space for words, obviously. An excessive number of paragraph breaks will also eat up much of your allotted space. If the submitted text doesn't fit, the webmaster will contact you. A second page, linked to the first, is available for a nominal annual fee—please inquire.
Question: How many Featured Books am I allowed on my HRC Author Page?
Answer: Usually four, but it really depends on how large your text area is. If you enter less text, then obviously there will be more space for your Featured Books. You should be able to enter at least four Featured Books, but it really depends on the available space. If you enter too many, the webmaster will contact you with the details. So feel free to enter as many as you'd like, keeping in mind that they may not fit on your page (HRC Author pages are a generous 545 pixels wide x 4,682 pixels long).
Question: Can I include explicit material on my HRC Author Page?
Answer: Sorry, No. All submitted material for your HRC Author page must be approved by the editor, and fall within HRC guidelines. Although we support and promote both mainstream and erotic, Author Pages may not contain any of the following: explicit language; adult excerpts; explicit photos or graphics; references to Inspirational or Alternate Lifestyles romance novels and/or websites. If in doubt about the material you wish to include on your HRC Author Member Page, please contact the editor with the details of your concerns:
Question: Do I have to login to HRC to add or change my Author Page?
Answer: Yes. Basically speaking, your browser will ask for your Username & Password every time you attempt to enter the restricted HRC Author Area (the area where you can add your HRC Author Page, add Freatured Books, purchase discounted advertising, update your email address, etc.). You'll create a unique Username and Password when you sign-up for the program. You can also change your Password later, once you're a member, if you desire (form available inside the restricted HRC Author area).
Question: What happens if I forget my Username or Password?
Answer: Simply use the “RETRIEVE PASSWORD” link, located on the lower half of the Shield Links, under the heading For Members (left-hand side of the page), or the “FORGOT PASSWORD? CLICK HERE” link just below the Author Login button (lower right-hand corner of the index page). Follow the instructions to receive your Username & Password information by email (please allow up to 48 hours for a response - it's not automatic). This restricted information can only be sent to your on-file email address. If your email address has changed, and you haven't updated this information via the provided form, you'll have to contact the editor to retrieve your password.
Question: If I join, will my personal information be stored on the HRC website?
Answer: No. If you join, the only information stored on the HRC website (besides your HRC Author Page - once you submit it), will be your Username & Password. And even they are stored in an inaccessable area of the server. And although some expert might be able to hack their way in (assuming they have the knowledge, software, and technology required), they would find the Password encrypted. And let's say they went to the trouble to try and decipher your Password, and succeeded. They would only gain access to the restricted HRC Author area - nothing else. In other words: your personal information is stored offline, and not on the HRC website.
Question: Is there a “backdoor” into the restricted area of the HRC website?
Answer: No. Unlike what you may have seen in certain Hollywood movies, there is no backdoor into the HRC website's restricted area. There are only two ways in: 1. via a valid, registered Username & Password. or 2. By breaching the Server's defences (nearly impossible), and/or deciphering the encrypted passwords (possible, but unlikely). Because of the security method we have chosen, compromise by an outsider is unlikely. And even if someone were to succeed, they would gain little information, as only your Username & encrypted Password are stored on the website. Your sensitive information (legal name, address, email, etc.) is stored offline, away from the prying eyes of hackers & spammers. Although this slows things down quite a bit (i.e., requests for password reminders can take up to 48 hours for a response), it does make for a more secure website environment.
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