Janet Evanovich Signs Four Book Deal With Random House

Posted on July 26, 2010

Janet Evanovich is leaving St. Martin's Press for Random House Publishing Group. The publisher acquired worldwide hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook publication rights for four new Evanovich novels from Peter Evanovich, the author's agent and son.

More than 75 million copies of Ms. Evanovich's 33 novels have been sold around the world. Her June title, Sizzling Sixteen, debuted at #1 on the N.Y. Times Hardcover Fiction list, as did the previous 10 books in series starring Stephanie Plum. Actress Katherine Heigl will be playing Stephanie Plum in an upcoming motion picture.

The world publication rights for the new Evanovich novels were acquired by Jennifer Hershey, Editor-in-Chief, Ballantine Bantam Dell. Two of the books will be Stephanie Plum novels, and the other two will be in the author's newer "Unmentionable" series. The first will be published simultaneously as a Bantam hardcover and ebook edition in Summer 2011.

Janet Evanovich said in a statement, "I started my career as a Bantam author, and I'm very excited to be returning. Their sales, distribution, and marketing make them the perfect partner for me and my work. Load up the U-Haul; break out the pizza and the beer -- it's moving day for Stephanie, Joe, Ranger, Diesel and me!"

Janet Evanovich reportedly failed to land a $50 million advance from her former publisher St. Martin's Press. Forbes says the $50 advance request was reasonable, considering "Evanovich's selling power is comparable to a Ken Follett or James Patterson."