07-03-2011, 09:55 AM
(07-03-2011, 08:47 AM)Penfeather Wrote: Do you think a micro-market for Gothic Romance/Suspense could still exist today?
I think there is a small market for them now, particularly among older women. However, many in this age group are not computer literate enough to appreciate or become aware of e-books. This group will also be dwindling as they age and die off. The only possibility of regaining them as readers of new gothic romance e-books is through e-book readership encouraged by their children's purchase of a Kindle for them, as the type size can be enlarged as a vision aid,
This is very sad, but IMHO true.
We also need to keep in mind that fewer and fewer people are reading novels these days as a form of entertainment. There are too many other, easier, demands on their time. Also, there are fewer and fewer people out there that read well and actually ENJOY reading. Add to that the fact that newer generations cannot imagine life without computers and their electronic gadgets, all of which intrude on a gothic romance story in the traditional mode.
Red Rose Publishing recently began a gothic romance line, and I've heard that Harlequin may be doing so, also. Maybe amazon.com's new publishing arm will try to fill this special niche...? One can only hope these are positive signs that remaining readers appreciate the lure of the type of good story a gothic romance provides.
Thanks for your question! I'd be interested in reading others' opinions on this.