Attention, readers! This just in: J.K. Rowling, the J.K. Rowling, as in the literary genius who masterminded one of the most widely read, most beloved, best-selling, young-adult literary series of all time, will be publishing her first novel for adults with Little, Brown Book Group and Little, Brown Company, both in print and e-book versions.
David Shelley, publisher of Little, Brown Book will take the helm in the UK, editing and publishing the project for the Brits, while Michael Pietsch, executive vice president of Little, Brown and Company will publish the book in the United States.
Unfortunately for Rowling’s zealously loyal fan base, the book’s title, worldwide publication date, subject matter, and other juicy tidbits will not be released until later this year. Bummer. However, Rowling’s neighbor fueled Internet speculation, saying, it would “be funny” if the novel happened to be a “crime story set in Edinburgh.” Hmm.
J.K. Rowling said of the novel in the press release, “Although I’ve enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different from the Harry Potter series, which has been published so brilliantly by Bloomsbury and my other publishers around the world. 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.”
Little, Brown, undoubtedly, is pleased with the new deal, but how will Harry Potter fans take the news? Will readers who grew up with Harry, whose childhood reading experiences were largely shaped by the Wizarding World, who will always feel a particular devotion to the “boy who lived,” be ready to accept something new? Will adult audiences embrace Rowling’s novel?
Whatever the case, we know one thing for sure. Harry Potter is the boy who lived, and who will continue to live on in readers’ hearts and minds for a good long while. The seven books have sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” published in July 2007, sold 11 million copies in its first 24 hours. The movie franchise generated more than $20 billion in revenue. Now, fans have the Pottermore website to enjoy, where Rowling will begin selling Harry Potter e-books later this year. After all this time, readers still love Harry? Always.
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