Romance novels have grown in popularity over the years, and have always represented a huge percentage (over 50%) of all fiction sales. Currently, 84% of Romance readers are women, 30-54, generally with advanced degrees, and an average income of $60K. 16% of readers are men.
46% of Romance consumers are binge readers, and read at least one book per week, in comparison to the typical American who reads five books a year.
Around 1.5 billion Romance novels are sold in the US each year, and many more worldwide, with CA representing 50% of purchases.
After the kids were grown, my wife started writing Romances under a pseudonym a few years ago as a hobby, along with her career in the film business. She’s able to work from home most of the time, and really enjoys both.[/quote]
We have a female friend who writes adult romance novels – as in closer to Penthouse Letters and not sold in stores. She tells me stories about the conventions she and her fellow ARN writers go to. Did you know the male strippers flock to those conventions? Makes sense, but I had never thought about it before!
She also tells me she wrote me into one of her books. So I bought it and read it. Not sure I would have recognized myself in it, but hey if that’s her view of the world. 🙂
