Harlequin Enterprises Limited, the world’s foremost romance publisher, has announced the formation of all-digital-all-the-the time romance publisher Carina Press under the direction of Executive Editor Angela James.

The house will operate independently of Harlequin’s traditional publishing businesses, according to the company’s press release. Its e-books, carrying a wide range of women’s fiction, will be sold both directly to consumers and through third-party retailers. “As a digital-only publisher,” says Donna Hayes, CEO and Publisher of Harlequin Enterprises,” Carina Press is a natural extension to our business; it builds on our digital strength and leadership position. We expect to discover new authors and unique voices that may not be able to find homes in traditional publishing houses.”

Hayes cited “flexibility” in editorial content as a key reason for this bold move. E-book industry watchers parsing that word might wonder if it suggests stronger erotic content in response to strong competitive pressure from e-houses like Ellora’s Cave and other no-holds-barred women’s fiction sites. Even if that’s not a motive, the huge success of romance websites is reason enough for Harlequin to plant a flag in cyberspace. Those sites are attracting fresh and talented authors for whose services Carina might like to make a pass.

We wish the enterprise the very best of success and, knowing what Harlequin can do when it gets behind a new venture, we are confident Carina will achieve it.

For the full text of Harlequin’s release plus submissions guidelines and other information, click here.

Richard Curtis