These analyses of the marketing of Fifty Shades acutely point out that readers spread the book’s popularity through word-of-mouth and digitality. A recommendation from a friend or relative is the primary factor in both discovering and ultimately purchasing the Fifty Shades books” (Bowker). However, Jo Henry, Director of Bowker Market Research, acknowledges “the ability to read these books discreetly on an e-reader is a factor, but women are not shy about discussing them.

James’s agent Valerie Hoskins, “in the 21st century, women have the ability to read this kind of material without anybody knowing what they’re reading, because they can read them on their iPads and Kindles” (Bosman). The readers were also able to obtain the book more easily and without stigma associated with reading erotic romance. It’s taboo for women to admit that they watch pornography, but for some reason it’s okay to admit that they’re reading this book” (Bosman). One anonymous Long Island woman said in 2012 that it was the first erotic novel she ever discussed with friends, because “women just feel like it’s okay to read it. The word-of-mouth so thoroughly outpaced the availability” (Bosman). Patricia Bostelman, vice president of marketing at Barnes & Noble, said “ very clearly what the blog network can do. (Bosman) photo of Fifty Shades of Grey by Richard Perry for the NY Times, at Watchung Booksellers, in NJ.įifty Shades of Grey, according to publishing executives, spread so quickly thanks to word-of-mouth excitement (Bosman). The success, of course, comes from readers, who contribute to the sales. The reason why the reader reviews of Fifty Shades of Grey are worth examining is because this book indisputably created change within the erotic romance and romance industries through its financial success. The main difference is that the distinctly negative reviews tend to extensively focus on the content of the book such as prose or plot, while the positive reviews tend to revolve around how the book made the reader feel.īackground: Readership of Fifty Shades of Grey This report draws on the reviews written by regular readers within the ensuing decade, primarily from the year directly following Fifty Shades of Grey’s publication, and presents the underlying difference between the negative reviews versus the positive ones. However, similarities between reviews within the two contrasting poles reveal the underlying differences between what the readers of Fifty Shades liked, and what they did not like.

James has garnered an immensely wide yet extremely polarized array of reviews from her readers. Since its publication in May 2011, Fifty Shades of Grey by E. Fifty Shades of Grey: The Good, the Bad, and the Readers’ Reviews

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