Dekker Signs Two-Book Deal with Hachette

by Rachel Deahl, PW Daily -- Publishers Weekly, 6/18/2008

Bestselling Christian author Ted Dekker has signed to do two novels geared to the general market for Hachette's Center Street imprint. Dekker, who's penned thrillers, fantasies and mysteries (as well as some YA books), is published by Thomas Nelson, but has been on the radar of the trade houses for some time, especially after his novel Skin hit the New York Times bestseller list in 2007. Dekker's first book from Hachette—both will be thrillers—is slated for an April 2009 release.

Thomas Nelson has also been doing its part to find a bigger audience for Dekker. In January the publisher inked a deal with comics writer J.S. Earls to do graphic novel adaptations of a number of Dekker's novels. Dekker, who's written 22 novels, has sold more than three million copies, according to Hachette. There are also two film adaptations of his books in the works--House will be distributed by Roadside Attractions (Super-Size Me) in October and Adam is in development at Lionsgate. (An adaptation of Dekker's novel Thr3e was released in 2006.)

David Young, CEO of Hachette Book Group, said the publisher believes Dekker "has huge potential" in the trade market. Young said the author is already "on the threshold of breaking out as major national bestseller in the general market" and that the house will put its "full resources" behind him.

So how does Dekker's Hachette deal affect his relationship with Thomas Nelson? Katie Schroder, a publicist at Nelson, said that in addition to his backlist, the house has major releases by Dekker planned through 2012. There is a stipulation in Dekker's contract with Nelson, however, that allows him to do one general fiction title with another house each year. Nelson fiction publisher Allen Arnold added that the clause is intentional, as it will "serve the Dekker brand best and satisfy the fans most."

Reprinted from PW Daily, June 16.