Cosmopolitan and Harlequin Announce eBook Partnership

NEW YORK and TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Harlequin, one of the world's leading publishers of books for women, and Cosmopolitan, the world's largest women's magazine, today announced a book publishing partnership to bring Cosmopolitan's fun, fearless female sensibility to fiction readers everywhere. Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin will present independent, adventurous women in contemporary settings and feature fast-paced plots, great dialogue and compelling romance. The shorter length of Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin titles (approximately 30,000 words per title) should appeal to readers on a variety of platforms, including mobile devices.

Under the agreement, Harlequin, a leader in digital publishing, intends to publish two original ebook titles per month, beginning in May 2013. The novels, by some of Harlequin's bestselling authors, will have strong narratives centering on modern young women living the free-spirited and outgoing lifestyle espoused by the international magazine. The ebooks will bear both the Cosmopolitan and Harlequin logos on their covers.

"We are very excited to be Cosmopolitan's partner in publishing and believe these stories will prove popular with women everywhere, especially new adult fiction readers," said Donna Hayes, Publisher and CEO of Harlequin Enterprises. "Women look to Harlequin for the same qualities that Cosmopolitan provides them--entertainment, enjoyment and inspiration--so it's a natural fit."

"Cosmo readers love fabulous fiction and if you picked up Fifty Shades of Grey then this is the book series for you," said Cosmopolitan's editor in chief Joanna Coles. "This is fiction for the modern girl negotiating modern love - with all its unpredictability and complications!"