Harlequin & HarperCollins Launch New Audiobook Imprint

More audiobook news this week -- Harlequin and HarperCollins announced yesterday the launch of a new imprint, Harlequin Audio. The imprint will release its first batch of audiobooks on June 30^th and is planning a list of 200 titles for the year.

"We are excited to be producing our own audio titles," said Craig Swinwood, publisher and CEO of Harlequin in a press release. "The audio format has been experiencing tremendous growth recently and Harlequin authors will benefit greatly from this new distribution outlet."

HarperCollins acquired Harlequin in May 2014 and has benefited largely from the publisher's international audience. It developed that global foothold into a foreign language publishing program with seven international divisions. The introduction of audiobooks is yet another way HarperCollins is lending its scale to the Harlequin brand.

Read the full press release below.

TORONTO and NEW YORK, May 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Harlequin and HarperCollins Publishers today announced the launch of Harlequin Audio, a new imprint that will produce audio versions of Harlequin titles. The imprint will release its first titles on June 30, 2015.

"We are excited to be producing our own audio titles," said Craig Swinwood, Publisher and CEO of Harlequin. "The audio format has been experiencing tremendous growth recently and Harlequin authors will benefit greatly from this new distribution outlet."

Harlequin Audio, in conjunction with HarperAudio, will work directly with digital audio distributors to provide full distribution to the retail and library markets. Furthermore, Harlequin Audio will distribute physical CD versions of all titles through relationships with Blackstone Audio and Midwest Tape.

"High production values have been key to HarperAudio's success, and we look forward to extending our expertise to the Harlequin Audio imprint," said Sean McManus, Associate Publisher, HarperAudio.

In its first year, Harlequin Audio plans to release 200 titles, including audios from bestselling authors Robyn Carr, Debbie Macomber, Shannon Stacey, Marie Force, Pam Jenoff and Maisey Yates. All titles will be available in the retail and library space.