Romance books in Italy represent a thriving market that has experienced a remarkable surge in sales, doubling between 2019 and 2023. In the post-pandemic era, romance has emerged as the second most significant publishing phenomenon, enchanting avid readers, primarily among the young and female demographic. With a remarkable growth rate of +120.5 percent, this genre stands out as a rising star, particularly in the realm of digital sales, even though it is not possible to determine exactly how many romance novels are sold each year.

Romance sales in Italy: main data

During the “Fifty Shades of Romance” gathering at the November 2023 book fair “Più libri più liberi” in Rome, industry insiders delved into the fascinating statistics. Small publishers specializing in romance confirmed that a ‘pink wave’ is indeed conquering the Italian market. From a value of over 22 million Euros in 2019, romance sales skyrocketed to 48 million in 2023, showcasing consistent double-digit growth, with Christmas sales yet to be tallied.

Foreign romance sales in Italy have surged by 56.9 percent, and this figure doesn’t even account for Amazon sales, particularly in the booming ebook market, as we mentioned in this previous blog post. Romance sales reportedly make up about 40% of all Kindle Store sales, dominating the digital book market, where Amazon Kindle Unlimited remains a formidable force accounting for at least 80% of all ebook sales in Italy.

Romance sales in Italy: opportunities for indie authors and small publishers

For international indie authors, this presents an extraordinary opportunity to expand their readership and revenue, especially through digital platforms. The landscape is ripe for exploration, especially in subgenres like dark romance, which are now on the rise in Italy.

However, the fear of saturation lingers as major publishers vie for attention in this flourishing market. The increased supply of titles poses a challenge for indie authors to stand out. But fear not, for there is a strategic advantage waiting to be seized. The rise of digital sales in Italy during the pandemic has created a more widespread habit among readers. They are increasingly recognizing self-publishing on Amazon as a professional endeavor, with authors investing in editing, covers, and overall elevating the quality of their offerings.

The data unveiled during the meeting also shattered stereotypes about the romance audience. While predominantly female, the median age group (25 to 54) reveals that nearly 20 percent of romance readers are male. Social media, especially TikTok, has played a transformative role, breaking down barriers and expanding the romance genre’s appeal to a diverse audience, including teens and those interested in LGBTQ+ and queer themes.

Finding success in Italy: choosing the right partner

As an experienced professional in the field of book translations and book promotion, I’ve successfully brought translated works to the top charts in Italy. This track record positions me as the perfect partner for indie authors or small publishers seeking to expand their readership in the flourishing Italian romance market. Now is the time to invest in professional translations, ride the wave of success, and establish your presence before the market becomes saturated.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to captivate Italian readers. Contact me today, and let’s embark on a journey to make your stories resonate with a whole new audience in Italy.