As one chapter closes, another begins.
That’s currently the reality for J.K. Rowling, only she has seven full-length novels and three supplemental books to her name—and many, many chapters.
With Harry Potter put to bed (and Pottermore open for its loyal fans)*, the forty-six-year-old British author is now concentrating on fresh material. Whatever it is, it’s not for kids. Rowling recently finalized a deal with Little, Brown to publish an adult book, confirming her departure from Bloomsbury in the UK and Scholastic in the U.S.
“Although I’ve enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different to the Harry Potter series … The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry’s success has brought me, and with that new territory it seemed a logical progression to have a new publisher. I am delighted to have a second publishing home in Little, Brown, and a publishing team that will be a great partner in this new phase of my writing life.”
According to GalleyCat, David Shelley of Little, Brown Book Group will edit and publish for UK readers, while Little, Brown and Company executive vice president Michael Pietsch will handle publication in the United States.
With Rowling’s proven success with series books, we could be looking at another expanded story, much like the seven-part Harry Potter, which spanned ten years. By now, many of her massive following of readers have entered adulthood. She’ll be writing for them as much as she will a new audience. Rowling hinted on Twitter that the book could release as early as this year.
Do you think the change in publisher is a smart move? Would adults be interested in a multiple-book series from Rowling, or should the author focus on solo novels?
*If you’re wondering, Pottermore will start selling Harry Potter e-books through its website sometime this year, delayed from last fall.
PS: For those of you who like HP and cool bookmarks …
… check out these awesome creations by bethydesigns, PaintedByRenee, and Bogies.
mikereverb
Hmm, I can’t even imagine a single novel from Rowling.
Of course, this is her opportunity to do something completely different, but one of the appeals of the Potter series is that she would drop hints and details–little smoking guns–in one book and come back to it in another.
I’d love to see that in an adult series from Rowling as well.
Yeah, yeah, I’m a literary glutton. :)
Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie
Thanks for the comment! I totally agree with you. While I think Rowling might decide to release a solo book so not to pigeon-hole herself, I think it would be going against her fantastic literary style not to write a series.
KM Huber
If anyone could write an adult series that I would read, it would be J.K. Rowling. That said, I am not a Harry Potter reader but completely admire what she accomplished in that series: it is well-written and beautifully plotted. What she has done for writing and writers may not be measurable, and I anxiously await her new book. Hope you will honor us with a review, Stephanie.
Karen
Stephanie
I will certainly do that, Karen! :) Great idea. I love Rowling’s work and would be more than happy to do so. I’m flattered that you requested it, thank you!
Jeyna Grace
I love the owl bookmark!
Stephanie
Me, too! Ordered myself one. :3
Amy K. Nichols
Can you imagine the pressure her editor must be feeling?
Stephanie
Indeed! They seem like a great team, though, and they have years of working together at their advantage, so I’m sure that they’ll do wonders.
Amy K. Nichols
They do seem like a great team, and I can’t wait to learn more about the book. I just wonder if they don’t at times get that deer-in-the-headlights look. :)
Bonnie James
I’ll want to read the book. Love the book marks!
Stephanie
Thanks, Bonnie! I love them, too. Just got the Hedwig one in the mail and it’s wonderful!