If you think Harlequin publishes only mass market romance novels, it’s time to get in your DeLorean and flash forward. With three new imprints—Graydon House Books, Hanover Square Press, and Park Row Books—it now has seven different lines.
“This is an immensely exciting time at Harlequin,” says Craig Swinwood, publisher and CEO. “With three new imprints, we are publishing a range of books in general fiction and narrative nonfiction categories. Our goal is to ensure that these books reach as many readers as possible through our robust global footprint.”
Graydon House Books features commercial women’s fiction, ranging in tone from lighthearted humor to emotional tearjerkers and edgier drama. It is led by Dianne Moggy, vice president, editorial, and Susan Swinwood, executive editor. One of two launch titles for the new Graydon House Books imprint, Something Like Happy (Sept.) by Eva Woods (see tomorrow’s Show Daily for a profile of the author), was pre-empted in North America in a two-book, six-figure deal. The second Graydon House launch title, Best Day Ever (Sept.) by Kaira Rouda, is a suspenseful tale of deception and betrayal.
Hanover Square Press, led by editorial director Peter Joseph, will publish original general fiction and narrative history, journalism, and memoir, beginning in January 2018. Inaugural authors include Dan Abrams, chief legal analyst for ABC News and host of 60 Days In and Live PD on the A&E network, with bestselling author David Fisher. Another notable early acquisition is agent-cum-writer Neil Olson’s The Black Painting (Jan. 2018), a literary mystery involving a stolen work by the artist Francisco de Goya.
Park Row Books, an imprint of Harlequin Enterprises’ Mira Books, is a line of thought-provoking and voice-driven novels, led by Margaret Marbury, vice president, general fiction editorial, and Erika Imranyi, executive editor. It launched last month with the debut novel The Improbable Flight of Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig, acquired in a significant pre-emptive deal.
“We are energized by the growth of our trade publishing program,” says Loriana Sacilotto, executive vice president, global publishing. “We are able to offer expansive publishing opportunities to authors, as well as an individualized author-centric publishing experience that is second to none. Our early wins in 2017, such as the instant New York Times bestseller The Orphan’s Tale (Mira) and Ginny Moon, the highly lauded first title from Park Row Books, tell us we’re moving in the right direction as a home for both celebrated authors and rising stars.”
The Harlequin booth will be jam-packed with activities, giveaways, and signings throughout the day today and tomorrow. Below are a few highlights of what’s available at the booth.
Today, 10:45–11:45 a.m. Eva Woods signs AREs of Something Like Happy at the Harlequin booth 2921).
Today, 12:30–1:30 p.m. Neil Olson signs ARCs of The Black Painting.
Tomorrow, 10:45–11:45 a.m. J.T. Ellison signs ARCs of Lie to Me, and Kaira Rouda signs AREs of Best Day Ever at the booth (2921).
Tomorrow, 12:30–1:30 p.m. Eva Woods and Neil Olson again sign advance copies of their respective books.
