What are some upcoming trends?

If I had a crystal ball for every time I got asked that question….Actually, this question used to make editors everywhere shudder. By the time we’ve identified a trend, it’s over, we’d say; or conversely, we’d watch a particular “trending” genre consume the hearts and minds of readers…for a decade. But in the rapid-fire landscape wrought by e-publishing, it’s actually possible to identify trends the moment they bubble to the surface. Our challenge now is to find writers who have the particular voice and passion for the trending theme and get them writing ASAP!

At the moment, we’re seeing a very clear desire for stories that flirt with the forbidden—stepbrothers and shape-shifters and priests, oh my! Readers are sending books like Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters—with its themes of abduction (and seduction) and a love strong enough to overcome all the odds—straight onto bestseller lists. This trend is predominantly driven by e-book readers who crave the emotional intensity inherent in stories that ride the dark and sometimes dangerous edge of taboo. The desire for heightened emotion isn’t only found in e-book readers, though. Whether they want to laugh along with Jill Shalvis or cry along with Susan Mallery, print readers are also gravitating toward authors who give them all the feels.

What book/genre/topic would you like to see cross your transom?

Chick lit has been the Voldemort of the romance genre for nearly a decade, and yet there’s a new audience out there falling in love for the first time with the kinds of books we once classified as chick lit. Alice Clayton’s bestselling Cocktail series is a perfect example—we’d have called that chick lit once upon a time. From the abundance of tags on Goodreads and reader reviews, readers aren’t shy about identifying as chick-lit fans, and neither am I.

What topic don’t you ever want to see again?

My mantra is never say never.

What is unique about your corner of the industry?

This is an industry of women writing for and about women, and the devotion and dedication they have for their craft, their readers, and their sisters-in-arms are quite exceptional.

Any interactions with indie authors lately?

Absolutely! Indie authors are pushing boundaries and bringing new readers to the category, and with that come excitement and opportunity. Forever has partnered with several indie authors—most recently Meredith Wild, whose Hacker series has sold over 1 million copies—and we are continually on the hunt for authors who are looking for a publisher to take them to the next level.

As editor in chief of the Forever print and Forever Yours digital-first imprints, Amy has the envious position of working in a world filled with love, laughter, and happily-ever-after! At any given moment, Amy can be found at a cover photo shoot, brainstorming consumer marketing plans, or plotting out the next book with one of her bestselling authors. Finding the best ways to introduce readers to her exceptional list of authors is one of her favorite parts of the day, as she likes nothing better than placing a wonderful novel into the hands of an eager reader.