Romance

In response to the growing number of readers that are buying erotica eBooks, HarperCollins UK is launching Mischief Books, a digitally exclusive erotica imprint. The imprint launches in April.

The Wall Street Journal has more details: “Erotica on the Mischief Books site is tagged with icons. Handcuffs denote ‘kinky’; an upraised palm means ‘discipline.’ The HarperCollins imprint says it plans to publish at least 60 e-titles a year. ‘It used to be a long walk to the counter with an erotica selection, but now that’s a thing of the past,’ says Adam Nevill, Mischief Books’ editorial director.”

The imprint comes just as erotica eBooks are making headlines. The Twilight-inspired 50 Shades of Grey earned a seven figure deal this week and PayPal attempted to censor erotica content from digital publishers Smashwords, but did not succeed.

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Romance Writers Ink (RWI), an Oklahoma chapter of the national Romance Writers of America, has cancelled its “Where the Magic Begins” writing contest after their refusal to accept  same-sex entries created a controversy.

The RWI Magic Contest blog explains: “We have heard and understood the issues raised, and will take those concerns into consideration should the chapter elect to hold contests in the future … We recognize the decision to disallow same-sex entries is highly charged. We also opted not to accept YA entries. We do not condone discrimination against individuals of any sort.” Read more