Amazon Acquires Avalon Books

Posted on June 4, 2012

Amazon.com has announced that Amazon Publishing has acquired the publication rights from Avalon Books to over 3,000 backlist titles predominantly in the Romance, Mystery and Western categories.

Avalon Books was established in 1960 by Thomas Bouregy. Some of the authors published by Avalon include Holly Jacobs, Carolyn Hughey and Carolyn Brown. Brown's latest novel, The Ladies' Room, is nominated for a 2012 RITA by the Romance Writers of America.

Ellen Bouregy Mickelsen, publisher of Avalon Books, says, "I've been running Avalon Books--which was founded by my father--since 1995, and it is time for me to explore the next chapter of my life. I chose Amazon Publishing because they care deeply about the writers, readers, and categories that have long mattered to our family business and they are uniquely positioned to assure that our titles make the leap forward into the digital future. I am pleased they have asked me to assist during a period of transition to provide continuity and support for our authors."

Amazon's Philip Patrick, director, business development, rights and licensing, says none of the Avalon titles have been digitized yet. Avalon books will be published under the West Coast imprints of Amazon Publishing, including Montlake Romance and Thomas & Mercer. They will continue to be available in print form as well as digital.