Sunday, March 14, 2010

Hilary Duff Signs Multi-Book Deal With Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Hilary Duff, film and television star, recording artist, clothing designer, and philanthropist, has signed a world rights deal with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers to publish her first-ever young adult fiction series, it was announced today. The first novel in the multiple-book series, entitled Elixir, publishes in hardcover in October 2010. Also part of the deal are world rights for a nonfiction title to be published in spring 2012 concerning the challenges faced by children of divorce--an issue that has touched Duff's own life.

Duff's Elixir combines the overpowering allure of a dangerous love triangle with thrilling international adventure. Clea Raymond is a talented young photojournalist who has spent her entire life in the spotlight as the daughter of a Washington politician and a renowned surgeon. Haunted by the strange appearance of a mysterious young man in her photographs, Clea travels the globe with her best friends, Rayna and Ben, in a race against time to unravel a centuries-old mystery that could unlock the key to her soulmate's true identity and the secret of her father's disappearance--and ultimately save all their lives.

Justin Chanda negotiated the book deal for Simon & Schuster, with Rob Weisbach and Fonda Snyder of Rob Weisbach Creative Management representing Hilary Duff. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Executive Editor Emily Meehan will edit the books.

Monday, March 08, 2010

Author Jennifer Swanson Signs With Mariposa Press Inc. For Distribution Throughout France

Jennifer Swanson, author of the highly acclaimed Penny and Rio series of children's books, recently signed with Mariposa Press Inc. for distribution of her titles in English language bookstores throughout France.

"Children around the world will be delighted with the ingenuity of these two dogs," stated Ms. Swanson, “as they solve mysteries and go on adventures right from their own backyard. Great for classrooms or home school, these award winning early chapter books will provide engaging entertainment while also creating exceptional learning opportunities. I am very happy to be working with Mariposa Press."

Mariposa Press Inc. will be handling distribution of Ms. Swanson's titles to English language bookstores throughout France. Mariposa will also be representing Swanson's titles at France's main book expo, the Salon du Livre.

Mariposa Press Inc. has been in business for over 29 years. Laurie Blum, President of Mariposa Press Inc., has worked as both a book packager and editor with industry leaders such as Harper Collins, Simon and Schuster, and Henry Holt. Ms. Blum has over 63 titles to her credit and has sold millions of copies of her books.

Ms. Swanson's books have won numerous industry awards. Both of her books, Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting, and Penny and Rio: The Locked Doghouse Mystery, have won a Mom's Choice Silver Awards for Juvenile Fiction -- Early Reader. The Mom's Choice Awards esteemed panel of judges includes educators, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. They have both been awarded The Dove Foundation's Family-Approved Seal.

In addition to writing books about dogs, Jennifer is committed to helping animals. She firmly believes in adopting dogs, and has taught her children the same values. In support of this goal, Jennifer donates a portion of her proceeds to a local Jacksonville pet rescue organization, G.R.E.A.T Rescue. The organization rescues and rehabilitates golden retrievers and places them in their new and forever homes. Jennifer has also recently teamed with Pawsitive Pets, a local organization that takes dogs into schools to help children learn to read.

"I am thrilled to be introducing the dynamic dog detectives, Penny and Rio, to the children of France. It is my hope that the mischievous and entertaining adventures of my two canine characters will fuel their imagination and cause them to look at their own pet's antics in a new and unique manner."

Ms. Swanson is available for interview and can be reached using the information below or by email at PennyAndRio@yahoo.com. More information is available at her website at www.PennyAndRio.com. Her books are available Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, IndiePendent Books and at her website.

Jennifer Swanson has been writing since the age of 5. A 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Jennifer pursued her other love of science and became a prep school chemistry teacher. Her Navy career took her to Norfolk, VA where she was stationed with her husband, Jon.

Her life changed forever when they adopted Penny, their first dog. Penny was a wonderful addition to their family and less than a year later, they adopted Rio, her best pal. Jennifer kept writing during the next several years as she raised three children, supported her naval officer husband and taught both part and full time.

Today Ms. Swanson continues to work on the Penny and Rio series and recently received her Masters in Education. Jennifer is employed as a middle school science instructor for John Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth.

Jennifer is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers. She regularly attends the Florida branch of SCBWI's conferences in Orlando and Miami. She is also a member of the Florida Writer's Association.

Penguin Books launch the first Digi-Novel - Dark Origins by CSI creator Anthony E Zuiker

Penguin Books has announced the launch of Anthony E Zuiker's 'Dark Origins' and the 'Digi-Novel' to the world of book publishing. The new Level 26 serial killer thriller books are complemented by a comprehensive online and digital component featuring exclusive cinematic content on a dedicated and fully interactive website.

The Level 26 site is an interactive extension of the book series, with the books and the site combining to form a 'Digi-Novel', a multi-platform experience that moves the reader from passages in the books to supporting videos and other content. Over the course of the book there are calls-to-action that direct the reader to the website to enter codes that unlock cyber-bridges.

These cinematic cyber-bridges take the experience to the next level, immersing the reader in the action and putting them inside the minds of a twisted torture-murderer and the man sent to take him down. The cyber-bridges have been developed by Anthony Zuiker and his CSI production team, and are designed to enrich the reader's experience, but are not essential to read and enjoy the story as one would traditional thriller books.

Anthony E Zuiker said: "I am extremely pleased to introduce you to my next project, 'Level 26: Dark Origins'. Level 26 takes the best features of books, film, and interactive digital technologies and rolls them all into a unique storytelling experience we're calling the world's first 'Digi-Novel'. I had a world-class cast and crew working alongside me on this project, and couldn't be more proud of the work they did, and the results we produced. I'll see you on the Dark side."

Stef Bierwerth, Editorial Director Michael Joseph said: "Dark Origins marks the great return of the classic, big serial killer thriller and at the same time takes the genre to a whole new level. Reading this novel will have the same effect on you as when you first watched Se7en or Silence of the Lambs on the big screen. It's incredibly dark, twisted and will make you face your worst nightmares. Steve Dark and Sqweegel are set to become the Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter of the 21st century and we're very proud to publish Anthony Zuiker's latest creation in the UK".