Celebrity chef Paula Deen--who was dropped, amid scandal, by Random House in 2013--has struck a sales and distribution agreement with Hachette Book Group under which HBG will distribute all of the culinary star's titles, released under her Paula Deen Ventures label, throughout the globe.
Deen fell out with Random House after she suffered an onslaught of negative press a few years ago which led to, among other things, Deen's products being dropped by major chains like Target and Wal-Mart. The stream of negative publicity came after Deen admitted to using a racial slur in a deposition.
The new titles on the PDV list will, according to Hachette, lean towards "healthier recipes." In September PDV will release the new book Paula Deen Cuts the Fat; PDV will also be reissuing some of Deen's backlist titles, such as The Lady & Sons and A Savanna Country Cookbook.
Speaking to the deal, PDV's v-p of publishing, P.J. Tierney, said Hachette is the ideal partner since the house's philosophy with clients is about "treating each one as if it's part of the Hachette family."
While questions may linger about Deen's appeal, post-scandal, HBG feels the star may have weathered the storm. HBG's v-p of client distribution, Todd McGarity, said, in a release, that Deen's "trademark warmth and culinary flair are as appealing as ever" and that her "dedicated fan base is eager for more from her."
