Market News for June

by Julie Moffett

(Reprinted with the permission of Washington Romance Writers and Julie Moffett.)

Here is the round-up of sales to kick off the summer months. Congratulations to all!

Best-selling author Fern Michaels, sold five new novels, all of works contemporary women's fiction, three for hard/soft and two as paperback originals, to Steven Zacharius at Kensington, with Audrey LaFehr editing, with the first hardcover under the contract for publication in 2007 (after Michaels' continuing commitment to Pocket/Atria is fulfilled); and author Gena Showalter sold THE MISADVENTURES OF WONDER GIRL, where a formula is placed in a woman's morning latte causing her to develop unexpected super powers; A WOMAN'S PLEASURE where the king of the nymphs is the most darkly seductive creature every formed; and CATCH A MATE, where a wager between two unlikely people becomes an irresistible seduction neither can resist, again to Tracy Farrell at HQN, in a good deal. (Publisher's Weekly/4-19-05)

Yale grad Diana Peterfreund sold her book, CONFESSIONS OF A (SECRET) SOCIETY GIRL, following the irreverent and intrigue-filled adventures of an average college student who just happens to be a member of one of the most notorious secret societies in the world, to Kerri Buckley at Bantam Dell at auction, (film rights are with Matthew Snyder at CAA); author Jane Porter sold her book about a newly-single mom who falls for a much younger man to Karen Kosztolnyik at Warner for the 5 Spot imprint; Marcia King-Gamble sold her book FLAMINGO PLACE in which an advice columnist gives a mother tips on how to get her commitment-phobic son to marry to Mavis Allen at Harlequin's new African-American imprint, in a nice deal; and Wendy Wax sold two new romantic comedies to Wendy McCurdy at Bantam Dell, in a very nice deal. (Publisher's Weekly/4-26-05)

Mary Castillo sold her book SWITCHCRAFT, about two best friends who unintentionally trade bodies at a retreat and realize as they live each other's lives that perfection is all about perspective to Selena McLemore at Avon, in a nice deal; and Risa Green sold her novel, TALES FROM THE CRIB, to Anne
Bohner at NAL in a very nice deal. (Publisher's Weekly/5-3-05).

Dorchester Publishing Co. is actively seeking young adult novels. However, they are only considering contemporaries and present-day paranormals. While romance will play a major role in these books, they will also focus on the many issues teens face today in dealing with family, friends and school. Their primary audience is girls ages 12-16, so there should be no sex scenes. Finished manuscripts should be approximately 45,000 words and addressed to the attention of Kate Seaver, Editor, Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc., 200 Madison Avenue, Suite 2000, New York, NY 10016.

Back to Articles home page