Running Press is launching a new m/m historical romance line that features gay romantic fiction written primarily by and for straight women, which the publisher called a growing market--however unlikely it may seem. The books feature plots "ripe with forbidden love, exotic locations and sensual leading men." Because the books are modeled on romance novels, not gay erotica, they are geared toward the romance sections of bookstores, not the erotica sections.
The first two titles, to be published next April, are Transgressions by Erastes and False Colors by Alex Beecroft. Two other titles are scheduled for fall 2009.
The publisher said that "initially the phenomenon of women reading gay male romances flourished in the anonymity of the Internet, where fans could have instant access to a spirited, diverse and ever-growing community. LiveJournal, an online journaling community, has over 300 communities for M/M romance interests. Online review sites such as Dear Author, Smart Bitches Who Love Trashy Novels and Speak Its Name champion all romances regardless of pairings.
"The success of 2005's Brokeback Mountain demonstrated the lure of the subject for a female audience. The average movie aimed at a gay audience nets about $5 million. Brokeback Mountain netted over $120 million, in part due to word-of-mouth from straight women. ABC's hit Brothers and Sisters and CBS's As the World Turns prove that gay male relationships are becoming a drama staple."