Amazon Publishing has significantly increased the size of its publishing program, acquiring publication rights from Avalon Books to more than 3,000 backlist titles. Founded in 1950 by Thomas Bouregy, Avalon Books has specialized in producing books in such major genres as mystery, romance, and westerns. The titles, none of which has been released in digital formats, will be published by Amazon in e-book and print editions under its Amazon Publishing, Montlake Romance, and Thomas & Mercer imprints.

According to Amazon, Ellen Bouregy Mickelsen, publisher of Avalon, will be assisting Amazon for several months “to support a smooth transition for authors and to help secure e-book amendments for some of the older Avalon titles whose digital rights are not owned by Avalon.” Authors that have been released by Avalon include Holly Jacobs, Carolyn Hughey, and Carolyn Brown.