Harlequin acquires self-publishing sensation Bella Andre's Sullivan series

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, Harlequin announced the acquisition of New York Times bestselling and digital phenomenon Bella Andre's Sullivan series in a major seven-figure deal. Executive editor Valerie Gray, Harlequin MIRA, secured world English print rights. Steven Axelrod at The Axelrod Agency brokered the deal.

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"Bella Andre's success in self-publishing has been extraordinary, and we are thrilled to welcome her into the Harlequin fold," said Loriana Sacilotto, Executive Vice-President, Global Editorial, Harlequin. "At Harlequin, our goal is to provide great reading entertainment for women, whenever, wherever and however they choose to read. After her incredible success in digital, Andre values Harlequin's expertise in packaging, selling and marketing romance fiction all over the world. Publishing Andre's highly successful Sullivan series in print will mean reaching a whole new audience of readers."

The Washington Post has called Andre "one of the top digital writers in America," and she has been featured by NPR, USA TODAY, Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. The Sullivan series of books are part of a sexy, fun, emotional contemporary romance series featuring the Sullivan family. Publication will begin in the summer of 2013 under the Harlequin MIRA imprint.

"Publishing with Harlequin is a dream come true," said New York Times bestselling author Bella Andre. "Harlequin is romance, and their experience, enthusiasm and global reach will allow me to bring my beloved Sullivan family to a whole new group of readers. When I considered publishing my ebooks in print format, Harlequin was naturally my first choice. I am beyond thrilled."

This is a strategic acquisition for Harlequin, and confirms the company's position as one of the world's leading publishers of fiction for women.

About Harlequin

Harlequin is one of the world's leading publishers of books for women, with titles issued worldwide in 34 languages and sold in 114 international markets. The company publishes more than 110 titles monthly and more than 1,200 authors from around the world. Harlequin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.B). Harlequin's website is located at Harlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 19 countries, including offices in Toronto, New York, London and Sydney. For more information, please visit Harlequin.com.

SOURCE: Harlequin

Melanie Dulos, Senior Manager, Publisher Relations and Corporate PR, Harlequin, [phone], [email protected]

http://www.harlequin.com

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