THE world of women's literature is reaching new realms with erotica novels topping bestseller lists and Gympie is not untouched by this latest fictional fad.

Fifty Shades of Grey, the first book in an erotic romance trilogy by London author E.L. James, zoomed to number one when it hit Australia in April.

Collins Booksellers Gympie store owner, Leigh Guymer had sold a number of copies this week and said it was selling so well publishers have had to reprint 30,000 books for the Australian market, where 6000 is considered a big print run.

The book follows the erotic relationship of virgin college graduate Anastasia Steele and hunky entrepreneur Christian Grey, where domination and submission rear their head as Steele is lured into Grey's world of sexual control.

When released as an e-book, Fifty Shades of Grey sold 250,000 copies. It has now sold about 10 million copies, topping bestseller lists in Australia and worldwide.