Hyperion to Publish Two Adult Novels

Hyperion plans to publish the first adult novels by Cecily Von Ziegesar, New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl series. The first in the two book deal, CUM LAUDE, will be published in 2009.

Set on a small college campus in fictional Home, Maine, CUM LAUDE follows a cast of characters who meet at freshman year orientation and cause big drama for one sheltered town. With shifting alliances, unrequited crushes, and a tragic murder, this is the year that will change their lives forever. As one student observes, "It's funny how you come to college and just sort of fall in with people." CUM LAUDE is Von Ziegesar's first departure from young adult writing.

Of the deal Von Ziegesar says: "I've mined my high school years for all they're worth, and now I'm moving on to college. I'm excited to be working with Hyperion."

Von Ziegesar is a five-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl series and the spin-off It Girl series, which has sold more than 6,000,000 copies in the U.S. alone. The television adaptation of the series is a runaway hit.

The announcement was made by Hyperion President and Publisher, Ellen Archer.

Archer negotiated the deal with Suzanne Gluck at the William Morris Agency. Executive editor Leslie Wells will edit the book. Hyperion retains North American, first serial, book club, audio, and e-book rights.