LOS ANGELES—Over the past year, sex toy sales have skyrocketed, the term "mommy porn" has been popularized, and erotic novels have replaced the Bible in some hotels, all because of one little book: Fifty Shades of Grey. Author E.L. James has sparked a cultural revolution with her Fifty Shades trilogy, changing the way people think about everything from fan fiction and erotica to BDSM and relationships. It's the series people can't stop talking about, because there's so much to say.
In Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey, editor Lori Perkins has collected 50 writers—including romance and erotica authors, BDSM dungeon masters, professors, lawyers, and adult industry professionals—to weigh in on the must-read series of 2012. It includes pieces from:
• The editor who "discovered" Fifty Shades of Grey back when it was Masters of the Universe, Tish Beaty;
• Marci Hirsch, the surprisingly romantic production executive at Vivid Entertainment, the world's leading adult film studio;
• Writer Jennifer Sanzo, who says Christian isn't a possessive, bossy control-freak—he's an old-school Byronic hero;
• Master R of BDSM training chateau La Domaine Esemar, who evaluates Christian Grey's skill as a Dominant, and offers some professional advice;
• Matrimonial lawyer Sherri Donovan, who examines the legalities of Christian's BDSM contract, and shares her recommendations for Ana;
• And many more, including Sylvia Day, Boogie Nights actress Heather Graham, Andrew Shaffer, M.J. Rose, adult actress Sinnamon Love and publisher Judith Regan.
Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey will give those who loved the books a chance to linger in Christian and Ana's world, while giving those who had mixed feelings about the series a way to understand its staggering popularity, and appreciate its impact.
Lori Perkins, a literary agent for 20 years, has edited 20 erotica anthologies and more than 100 erotic novels, as well as published erotica under a pseudonym. She has taught writing and editing as an adjunct professor at NYU's Center for Publishing for two decades.
Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey will be published by SmartPop, an imprint of BenBella Books, on November 20, and will be distributed by Perseus Distribution.
