New York Times Article On Romance Ebooks

The New York Times says romance novels are the fastest selling genre of ebooks to date and several retailers and publishers are scrambling to get in on the future of publishing…which is here now.

Read the Dec. 8 article here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/09/books/09romance.html?_r=1

The foundations of the article are exciting. Increased sales for romance authors and ebook readers but the percentages for standard publishers and retailers seem a bit low, even conservative. That’s okay because it leaves room for growth and improvement. And just like what normally happens in a romance novel, a happy-ever-after, the publishing industry and book retailers will finally embrace romance novels as their bread and butter business (no ‘bun’ intended.)

While I don’t agree with the imagery NYT writer Julie Bosman uses to describe romance readers:

“If the e-reader is the digital equivalent of the brown-paper wrapper, the romance reader is a little like the Asian carp: insatiable and unstoppable.”

An Asian carp is an ugly fish.

I do agree with the notion that romance readers are the most loyal and lovable fiction aficionados out there. They are intelligent and savvy, too. They buy what they like and they are honest while being understanding of authors for the most part. Is that true of other genre fans?

This article is a time-worthy read. Check it out then come back here and leave your thoughts. But for a couple of sentiments, “bodice-ripping” being one of them (I really dislike that stereotype,)

“Romance is a natural leader here. The genre took off in the 1980s, when it expanded from the typical dreamy or bodice-ripping historical novels to include contemporary, plot-driven stories with characters drawn from real life.”

the article is valuable reference to the power and prestige our genre is continuing to demonstrate in the world of publishing.

Keep reading and buying what you like!

Liz

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/liz-arnold-m-495.html?zenid=51648d9722dd3f2fff1ef48154a769e3

11 Comments:

  1. I have to admit, I love the article because it mentions one of my favorite authors, Jenny Crusie. (Also a friend.) Overall, I thought it was very positive but I also wish it didn’t talk about covering up romance reading, either. Though, if was going to mention that, it likely should have mentioned erotica & the growing male/male fiction market.

    • Cory, very well said. Jenny Crusie is too fab for words in my book. I love everything she has every written. Met her years ago at a writer’s con and she is very real as well as a very talented writer. Her books are amazing. Thanks for dropping by.

  2. Fascinating article. Thanks for posting! I agree that hyping ebooks as a way to hide your romance reading habit is dumb, though. Print books, garish covers and all, have been flying off the shelves for years, so I don’t think too many readers worried about it.

  3. Thanks for highlighting this article Liz! Being from New Zealand, I’d never have seen it otherwise.

    On the whole, the article was very informative. Like you, I can ignore the not so kind remarks about the readers of romance (which is so wrong!), and concentrate on the rest. I particularly enjoyed reading the comments afterwards. Yay to Rhonda for her positive and intelligent comment too : )

  4. Good post, Liz. Thanks for bringing this article to my attention. Well, I write romance, but not super hot which seemed to be the general assumption made about all romance. That said, I’m glad to hear romance ebooks are popular and hope this growing trend will encompass those of us not writing erotica, and I think it will.

    • I agree with you, Beth. The trend is as much about convenience as it is privacy and we WILL see a major jump in sales I believe after everyone gets an ereader for the holidays. Keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks for visiting.

  5. I’m always surprised when the New York Times seems to be the last to catch on. The growth of ebooks has been explosive for at least two years, but they act as if this is something new. The growth of ereaders is more important to me, because it shows the gaining interest of readers in ebooks, and that there are many types available now. I wish they’d make an ereader that allowed the cover to be displayed, because some are beautiful. I agree it’s still too early to make any accurate predictions about where the industry’s headed, or what side of the electronic fence the majority of buyers will decide to use.

    • Hi, Cate,
      Some people think something in the NYT means it has “arrived.” Hmmm. You are right about covers but the tech may be a while coming as far as cost. Someday soon hopefully! Thanks for visiting.

  6. Interesting article, Liz. I do agree Romance has taken off into quite a few genres from thirty years ago. I think it’s about time it gets more respect in the industry. It seems to be what the people want.

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