'Fifty Shades of Grey' is Fastest Selling Paperback

NEW YORK — British author E.L. James' debut novel "Fifty Shades of Grey" has become the fastest selling paperback since Nielsen BookScan began tracking book sales in 1998.

The erotic novel, about a young billionaire’s sexual ownership over an inexperienced college coed, sold out its initial 750,000 paperback run in less time than J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series and Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code," which remains the best selling paperback with 5 million copies sold. 

"The success has not been driven by people who regularly buy books, but by people who buy maybe three or four books a year," a Nielsen BookScan spokesperson said. “The books have crossed into the mass market. Clearly, people aren’t embarrassed by it anymore."

Dubbed by the New York Times as “mommy porn” for its appeal to women over thirty, the book and its two sequels — "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed"— have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide (eBook and paperback combined).

James, a former London TV executive and mother of two, originally posted her "Twilight Saga" inspired BDSM romance story under the heading “Master of the Universe” on FanFiction.net. An instant hit with readers, the novel was quickly picked up by Australian publisher Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House and retitled "Fifty Shades of Grey."

Random House imprint Vintage secured the English-language rights to the trilogy in March, paying James a reported $1 million. The publisher issued eBook versions of the trilogy that same month and released it on paperback in April.

James reportedly earned an additional $5 million after selling movie rights to her book to Focus Features/ Universal. She is now, according to NYDailyNews.com, said to be planning a new "Fifty Shades" trilogy written from the perspective of young billionaire and Dom Christian Grey, the novel's bad boy protagonist.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Electric Novelties Debuts New 'Gemsations' Anal Plug Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced its Gemsations line of anal plugs in silicone and metal options.

Adam & Eve Reveals Results of 'Happy Ending Dream' Survey

Adam & Eve has released the results of a survey asking respondents if they have ever had a sex dream with a happy ending.

Kheper Releases New 'Drink if... Taboo Version' Party Game

Kheper Games has released its new "Drink if… Taboo Version" party game.

Aneros Debuts 'Eupho Syn V' From 'Vibration Collection'

Aneros has introduced the Eupho Syn V from its Vibration Collection.

Wells Apparel Group Inks Distro Deal With Kix'ies

Wells Apparel Group has signed a deal with Kix’ies, Inc. for distribution throughout 13 states.

Ohdoki Debuts 2 New Strokers

Ohdoki has introduced two new stroker sleeves.

CalExotics Debuts 2 New Pleasure Products From 'Connect' Collection

CalExotics has introduced two new pleasure products from its CalExotics Connect line.

Orion Debuts New Vibrator From 'Javida' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the new RC Licking Panty Vibe from its Javida line.

Fleshlight Debuts Ana Andrews Stroker

Fleshlight has introduced its new Ana Andrews Pro stroker, Succu-bust.

Svakom Launches Full Company Rebrand

Svakom has launched a rebrand of its logo and products.

Show More