I’ve been continually surprised by the amount of press this trilogy is getting. When I think about it, however, it isn’t all that surprising. While we (here at Book Binge and in the community at large) have long been readers of the genre, many are getting their first taste with this trilogy. Thinking back to my first romance novel (though I don’t consider the Fifty Shades trilogy romance), I can understand why everyone is so excited to read something a little darker and a little dirtier. Hopefully we’ll see many romance converts come out of this.
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Random House (UK) today announced yesterday E L James’s Fifty Shades of Grey has sold well in excess of 5.3 million copies in physical and ebook combined in the UK, making it the bestselling British book of all time. The first book in the trilogy remains in the No.1 slot for the 16th week running and overall sales have overtaken even those of The Highway Code. The second and third books, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, continue to sell strongly, with UK sales of 3.6 million and 3.2 million respectively. Combined UK sales for the trilogy are in excess of 12 million copies.
Commenting on the new record, EL James said: “My main ambition when I signed the deal with Random House was to see my books in the shops. I simply had no idea they would be so successful and this is totally unexpected. The whole process has been both extraordinary and rewarding. I couldn’t be more pleased with the sales and would like to thank everyone involved.”
Susan Sandon, Managing Director of Cornerstone Publishing, said: “The Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon is perhaps one of the most extraordinary experiences of my entire publishing career and I feel privileged to be part of it. The speed and sheer size of the sales is incredible and the roles played by so many people across the business simply breathtaking. Each and every department across editorial, art, finance, legal, publicity, marketing, production and home and international sales has risen to the creative and logistical challenges presented by the trilogy with energy, excitement and passion. I take my hat off to the brilliance and professionalism of all involved. And above all, it is so much fun!”
Arrow have also announced that E L James will be signing copies of her books at Waterstones Piccadilly, London on 6th September.
It’s sold more than Harry Potter? Really? I find that hard to believe!
That’s what the numbers are saying. I’m shocked too. I haven’t touched the books myself but I’ve heard nothing but good things. My family is surprised that I haven’t read it yet but I don’t need to….my book buds have all told me more than I want to know about those books.