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JK Rowling to pen first novel for adults
The seven Harry Potter books have sold more than 450 million copies
Author JK Rowling has announced plans to publish her first novel for adults, which will be "very different" from the Harry Potter books she is famous for.
The book will be published worldwide, although no date or title has yet been released.
"The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry's success has brought me," Rowling said.
The writer published seven Potter books, which have sold more than 450 million copies around the world.
The books, about a boy wizard, became a worldwide phenomenon and were turned into eight blockbuster films starring Daniel Radcliffe.
When the final instalment of the book series went on sale in 2007, thousands of copies sold in minutes.
'Logical progression'
All the Potter books were published by Bloomsbury, but Rowling has chosen a new publisher for her debut into adult fiction.
"Although I've enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different to the Harry Potter series, which has been published so brilliantly by Bloomsbury and my other publishers around the world," she said, in a statement.
"The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry's success has brought me, and with that new territory it seemed a logical progression to have a new publisher.
"I am delighted to have a second publishing home in Little, Brown, and a publishing team that will be a great partner in this new phase of my writing life."
Little, Brown's David Shelley said the company were "thrilled, honoured and proud" to be publishing Rowling's latest novel.
"For me, quite simply, it is a personal and professional dream come true to be working with JK Rowling."
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Comment number 142.
Bill Walker24th February 2012 - 20:23
Millions of children, who might otherwise have missed out on the wonders of literature, had their introduction through the Potter sagas. These kids are now of an age when that love can slung away with other childish things, or it can continue to broaden their horizons into adulthood. Sorry detractors, if JK can hook them on literature appropriate to their age, it is an important topic for debate.
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Comment number 131.
David24th February 2012 - 18:39
The original Harry Potter novel was readable by 10 & 11 year olds' and by the time she got to the end of the series the audience was children and adults with more adults than kids and a much older writing style. JKR has been selling to adults for many years - this is not a significant departure, however, as she has proven herself good at fantasy it may be better to stick to that genre.
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Comment number 127.
marie24th February 2012 - 17:53
JK Rowling started from nothing. She wrote a series of books kids enjoy which were a roaring success, made her fortune & besides writing gives a great deal of her money & time to charitable causes.
Besides being an incredibly successful author, unlike many of our so called celebrities, she's a great role-model for the young.
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Comment number 125.
Ralphie24th February 2012 - 17:34
I've never read a HP book nor watched any of the movies. My kids enjoyed both though. Personally I truly think it's great JKR made so much money with something that so many people enjoyed, so good on her. She's brave to try thsi new venture, it could easilily go all wrong, so good luck to her. I'll wait for the reviews.
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Comment number 103.
Bart Littlebird24th February 2012 - 15:25
If I was JK Rowling I would have published the new book under a pseudonym to avoid it being compared ad nauseum with the Harry Potter series. Mind you I guess then it wouldn't sell as well because not nearly as many people would buy it if they didn't know it was JK Rowling that had written it!
I enjoyed the Harry Potter series though so I'm interested to see what she comes up with next.
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