1. When does the transition become effective?

A. The following imprints: Arabesque, Sepia, and New Spirit will be acquired by Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd effective December 1, 2005, (May 2006 publishing month release of titles.) The imprints will retain their objective of providing outstanding commercial fiction and non-fiction by African-American authors in the areas of romance, inspiration and women’s fiction.

2. Why are these imprints being sold?

A. Viacom and BET have decided to go in a different direction with regards to its publishing businesses.

B. Harlequin is building a strong base in the African-American marketplace, and a commitment to African-American authors to grow their literary careers in a newly formed division. Also, look for new initiatives in 2006 and 2007.

3. What does this transition mean for Authors?

A. The benefits for authors are:

a. Harlequin has a world-class dedicated sales force of 30 in the US and around the world. This represents a +150% increase of executives focused on sales for the imprints.
b. Harlequin has streamlined contract, payment and royalty processes.
c. Harlequin has an In-House publicity team of 6 full-time Associates.
d. Harlequin is committed to building a world-class division devoted to the creative talents of African-American authors, and supported by the resources of effective publicity, and sales departments that make the company the world’s largest publisher of women’s fiction.

4. Where do I send my manuscript? Correspondence?
A. After December 1, please submit your manuscript to:
Editor, Harlequin, 233 Broadway, 10th Fl, NY, NY 10279.

B. After December 1, please send all correspondence to the above address. Under separate cover, we will provide you with email and direct dial contact information.

5. What about the publishing schedule 2006, 2007 and forward?
A. The publishing schedule for 2006 will remain relatively unchanged, and over the next several months we will determine how best to incorporate the Harlequin titles into the program.

6. Where do I send my contracts and what about advance and manuscript acceptance payments? Royalties?

A. Contracts in process will be finalized, and should continue to be sent to
the BET Books address in Washington DC.

B. Payments in process will be finalized and mailed. We will improve our monitoring and tracking during this transition period to ensure receipt.

C. If you have changes to your address and e-mail, please be sure to keep Editor/Name and Publisher posted. Your address is important for payments, royalty statements and other communications.

D. Royalties for November 2005 will be produced by Kensington and mailed on or before November 30, 2005. Thereafter, Harlequin will produce royalty statements for all books published.

7. What about Author copies? How will they be handled?

A. If you have any delays in receipt of your Author copies, please contact

8. What about Book Expo America in Washington DC –
May 18 - 21, 2006

A. All imprints will be represented at BEA as part of the Harlequin Company booth and activities. We will announce any special activities that are planned.

9. What about the marketing plans for books scheduled to release
during this transition? How are they affected? Marketing plans for 2006 and forward?

A. We will continue to move forward with all marketing efforts already in process. We are finalizing marketing programs and promotions for 2006 and forward, and will keep you apprised.

10. Will Arabesque remain as a romance line dedicated to stories by and about African Americans?

A. Yes, unequivocally. The objective of the division is to continue to support the much beloved Arabesque imprint, and provide some of the freshest new talent with a literary home, and the national bestselling authors with effective backlist programs and outstanding new releases for their legions of fans.

11. What if I am in the middle of resolving an issue with my royalties, who should I contact?
.

12. Will the BET BOOKS logo continue to remain on the books?

A. Yes, for the books in process, and existing inventory.

13. Will the Arabesque Man contest, Collector’s series, At Your Service (military) series, and special summer reading programs continue?

A. All programs that have strong reader appeal will continue.