Harlequin Enterprises Ltd., the Canadian publishing house known for its steamy love stories and fantasy storylines, is venturing into the real world.
Harlequin plans to begin publishing non-fiction, including health, diet, fitness, motivational, self-help and relationship books, the publisher announced Wednesday.
There also will be "companion pieces to successful fictional series by the company's many bestselling authors."
The new strategy builds upon Harlequin's traditional market of women over age 35, the publishing house said in a statement.
"Harlequin's entry into the non-fiction market builds upon our existing strengths as a publisher who provides millions of women around the world with great entertainment and a rewarding reading experience," said chief executive Donna Hayes.
Harlequin began in 1949 with a range of non-fiction and fiction, including western novels and cookbooks, but by the mid-1960s was exclusively published romance fiction.
In recent years it has added imprints offering thrillers, mild erotica, fantasy, African-American romance and men's adventure, releasing 120 titles monthly from a stable of more than 1,300 authors.
Harlequin is owned by Torstar Corp. and earned $124.5 million of Torstar's $377.4 million first-quarter revenue.
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