Harlequin Introduces New Digital-Only Publishing House

Not long after kicking off a commemoration of its 60 years in the publishing industry, Harlequin Enterprises Ltd. now has another cause for celebration—the announcement this week of its launch of Carina Press, a digital-only publishing house.

According to Harlequin, Carina Press will operate independently of its traditional publishing businesses, focusing on the direct sale of e-books to consumers via its Web site and third-party sites. "I believe Harlequin can bring digital publishing to the next level for both authors and readers,” says newly appointed Executive Editor Angela James.

“As a digital-only publisher, 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,” says Donna Hayes, CEO and publisher of Harlequin Enterprises. “It definitely gives us greater flexibility in the type of editorial we can accept from authors and offer to readers. As well, we hope to reach a new group of readers with niche editorial.”

Carina Press, which is currently accepting submissions in all genres of commercial fiction, plans to launch in the summer of 2010, and will release new titles on a weekly basis.