In His Own Words.... Ian Chapman
January 2011
Managing Director of Simon and Schuster, Ian Chapman gives us his views on the future of publishing, what makes a bestselling author and what we can learn from Manchester United....
What are the key qualities that you look for in a bestselling author/successful writer?
The ability to tell a story. There is nothing like picking up a book, becoming immediately immersed in it because of an author’s ability to create a world of character and narrative that is so emotionally compelling and engaging that you literally can’t put the book down. Character led fiction, where you identify with behaviour and the human condition, and, therefore, where you care, that is what the best and most successful authors achieve.
Throughout your time in publishing, what is the biggest change you have seen?
I would have said the move, following the disappearance of the Net Book Agreement, towards hardcover sales and the burgeoning of the supermarket sales channels at the expense of the more traditional, bricks and mortar high street retailers. Now, it has to be the emergence of online retailing and, most particularly, e- and i-Books. Challenging but exciting times.
What do you see as the future of print publishing?
Personally, I feel optimistic about print publishing. There is much debate and opinion around the future of the physical book. Content (Intellectual Property) is clearly King and a Publisher is the gatekeeper (or at least that is my view). How we choose to distribute that published content is the question.
E- and i-Books are simply another format, sitting alongside the more traditional Hardcover Royal, Trade Paperback Royal, all Demi and Paperback mass market formats and audio. The electronic book business is growing and fast; percentages already range from 5% in this country and up to 10% in certain US companies. This is only going to increase. Having said that, I don’t believe the printed book is going to disappear.
There is clearly going to be a continued shift from print to electronic but the tradition of the printed word, in my opinion, will continue. We need to be able to exploit all and every opportunity to publish and sell books in whatever format.
I know you are an avid Manchester United supporter. Is there anything that you feel people can learn from them/Alex Ferguson about running a successful business?
Ferguson’s fierce winning mentality, his intolerance of mediocrity and being second best, his belief in hard work, of team building and team work are the key elements of what he is about.
A Publishing company has to contain people in all areas of the ‘service’ to authors who excel in their individual fields so that the dots of the Publishing process can be joined. They need to enjoy working together, with common goals, to remember that it is the author and the written word that is at the heart of the business.
Publish well, as a team, with a desire to ‘win’, then the rest will follow. Team building with the right people, a mixture of youth and experience, people who combine ability with attitude, who can then build authorial lists, those are key attributes to any organization and are evident in abundance with any Manchester United team.
What are your aims for Simon and Schuster over the next five years?
We, at S&S, are currently enjoying growth of around 20%, year on year, in a market that is fluctuating at around 5% down year on year. This is due, in my opinion, to some of the things described in 4: good, talented people building a good, talented author base and delivering commercial books to a market place in good and timely fashion.
So the next five years is about finding ways to continue this aggressive growth by building on our existing author base (creating brands and more substantial sales), developing and attracting new talent, as well as anyone looking for a fresh start. Great opportunity, obviously, exists in electronic books both in adult and our children’s publishing. We need to show, not tell: our publishing needs to lead to substantial sales, bestsellers and that will come through publishing excellence and attention to detail. Profits for all concerned will follow.
Do you have any advice for writers hoping to get published?
13 Secrets Trailer
December 2010
Simon and Schuster created this fantastic new trailer of Michelle Harrison's final installment in the 13 trilogy- 13 Secrets.
Cast Your Vote
November 2010
The mystical, magical, spell-binding Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw has been put forward for the Peoples Book Prize.
The Peoples Book Prize is a national competition aimed at discovering talented young authors. The public are the ones who decide, by voting online here.
There are three categories: fiction, non-fiction and childrens. The voting is divided into four quarters (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter). The three books from each category with the most votes, each quarter get put through to the finals. The annual prize winners are announced on 1st June 2011.
You can vote online for Jenna up until the 28th February 2011- so click here and get voting!!
Us Hit Parade
November 2010
Both Tana French and Lee Child feature in the influential book critic Janet Maslin's Top 10 Books of 2010.
The list was published on the 23rd of November 2010, and featured in The New York Times.
61 HOURS by Lee Child. The craftiest and most highly evolved thriller in Mr. Childs smashing Jack Reacher series, even if 2010 also brought the too-smashing, more head-busting follow-up, Worth Dying For. In the interests of pure gamesmanship, not to mention knuckle-whitening suspense, Mr. Child threw aside his own conventions and did everything differently this time. Thigh-high snowdrifts, precise logistics and a mania for detail made this the robust, he-man version of a closed-town Agatha Christie story.
FAITHFUL PLACE by Tana French. Ms. Frenchs third novel is an Irish mystery story and a richly enveloping family story too. She draws a piercingly astute portrait of the Mackeys, a Dublin clan riven by old secrets, grievances and sibling squabbles. The unsolved disappearance of a neighbourhood girl, Rosie Daly, once broke the heart of Frank Mackey, her abandoned sweetheart. But it sets off sparks now that Frank is a middle-aged undercover detective and theres a suddenly a chance that Rosie may be found.
Faithful Following
November 2010
Tanas third novel, Faithful Place is riding high as no.2 in the Top 10 Editors Pick 2010 on Amazon.com
Not only is Faithful Place an Amazon favourite, but Publishers weekly has just named it one of their Top 100 Books of 2010.
The hardback, published July 2010 spent a whopping six weeks on The New York Times Bestseller List. The paperback will be out in 2011.
Click here to visit Amazons best books of 2010.
***bestseller*** Collecting Sales
November 2010
The Soul Collectors by Chris Mooney has just spent its fourth week on the Paperback Bestseller List and is continuing to sell very strongly.
Chris recently spent a very successful week in England promoting his fantastic new thriller, The Soul Collectors. Which has proven to be his biggest selling novel yet in the UK.
One event Chris took part in whilst over here, was the 'Kingston Killers'. A Q&A panel of crime and thriller writers featuring Chris Mooney, Simon Kernick, Tom Cain and Charlie Charters, gathered at Kingston Waterstones and read out chapters of their latest novels. They went on to give the audience a glimpse into how they come up with their spine tingling stories.
Optional Success
October 2010
Darley Anderson, working with his long time LA Associate Talent Agent, Steve Fisher, has sold the film option to Tana Frenchs International bestselling books The Likeness and In the Woods.
Rights have been bought by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage Fake Empire Production Company, which has a deal with Paramount. They were executive producers on the popular hit US TV shows The OC and Gossip Girl. Fake Empire currently have several feature films and television programme's in development.
Both Books have been The New York Times and The Sunday Times Bestselling Hits and a mega seller in Germany.
Between them they have spent 70 weeks on the The New York Times bestseller list and have been translated into 31 foreign languages.
***bestseller*** Sales Success
October 2010
After 12 weeks of sales, Stolen by Lesley Pearse is still at the top.
Stolen has just spent its 12th in the Paperback Bestsellers list selling over 210,000 copies.
Since storming into the Bestseller's list in July, and remaining firm in the charts, Stolen has shown itself as the read of the summer, proving that Lesley is definitely one of the UK's best loved novelists.
***bestseller*** Emphatically No.1
October 2010
The Family was emphatically
No.1 for the second consecutive week.
Martina Cole's latest book sold 17,000 more copies than that of the Man Booker Prize winner, Howard Jacobson who was No.2 in the Hardback Bestseller list. With a week of huge sales, The Family was No.1 fiction title (hardback and paperback).
With Martina at No.1, Darley Anderson's authors have held the Bestselling Hardback lists No.1 position for four successive weeks.
***bestseller*** A Family Affair
October 2010
Martina Cole's latest crime novel, The Family, is No.1.
The Family unequivocally stole prime position in the Hardback Bestsellers list selling 29,211 copies after three days of sales.
Sales also exceeded those of the No.1 Paperback Bestsellers list making Martina No.1 fiction title this week.
Click here to watch Martina talk about her new book, why she started writing and how she met Darley Anderson!
60 Seconds With... Annie Murray
September 2010
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A writer always. I also wanted to be a gamekeeper (too much Joy Adamson) and join the WRNS (too much Nevil Shute.)
What inspired you to start writing?
Books? Life? Also the need to shape things and escape. Only child syndrome perhaps. And a good primary school English teacher called Miss Jones. Actually Ive no idea really. Its just something I have to do.
How did you juggle bringing up small children and writing full time?
With a struggle. I had twins, then two more babies, in less than five years. I was driven. I had been training as a nurse but something had to give and it made me get on and do the thing I really wanted.
Who is your favourite Author?
Impossible question. Though I havent read him for a long time I did love Nevil Shute. At present my favourite author is Andrei Makine Ive read all his books.
You do a lot of work for charity, do you support any particular causes?
Lately Ive been raising money for the Bhopal Medical Appeal. I have also given some support to Action Aid through sponsoring a little girl in Afghanistan.
And lastly, what are your plans for the future?
No plans really. Just lots more stories! and spending time with the people who matter most to me. After that, who knows?
***bestseller*** Sweet Child Of Ours
September 2010
'Child's 61 Hours remains the bestselling mass-market fiction title in the UK for a fourth consecutive week. Only nine other authors in the past five years have achieved this feat...' The Bookseller
***bestseller*** High Society
September 2010
No.1 Paperback Bestseller Stolen by Lesley Pearse is one of only three women's fiction authors to have sold over 200,000 copies of one of their novels this year.
The other two female authors are Jodi Picoult and Sophie Kinsella.
Stolen has just spent its 11th week on the Bestsellers list and is at No.23.
***bestseller*** Lee Child's Epic Sales
September 2010
After 8 days of publication, Lee Child's latest Jack Reacher thriller 61 Hours sales are rapidly approaching 100,000 copies.
After a 
record breaking eight days sales, Lee Child has remained firmly at No.1 for the second successive week.
In its second week 61 Hours sold 5,000 copies more than Sebastian Faulks latest and 10,000 more than Cecilia Ahern. Both of which were published on the same day.
To date, a staggering 43 million copies of Lee Child's Jack Reacher Books have been sold around the world. They are available in 78 different countries and have been translated into 38 different languages.
Cathy Cassidy's Sister Stories
August 2010
Newly announced Queen of Teen 2010 Cathy Cassidy shot into the Children's Bestseller list with her latest book Cherry Crush: The Chocolate Box Girls.
Cherry Crush is Cathy's new series for over-nine's. The Chocolate Box Girls is the first book in the series, telling the story of five very different sisters.
In a recent article Cathy lists her all time favourite stories about sisters:
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
The Twelve Dancing Princesses by the Brothers Grimm
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
For the full article please click here.
The Queen Of Teen
August 2010
Cathy Cassidy has been officially crowned the Queen of Teen.
Tens of thousands of girls worldwide voted for their favourite teen author. Cathy Cassidy was announced the Queen of Teen 2010, beating the likes of Louise Rennison and Jaqueline Wilson.
The award was founded in 2008 to celebrate the fantastic teen and tween authors who bring so much enjoyment to their readers, dealing with real-life issues in a way that is honest, entertaining and fun!
For more information on the award click HERE.
Top Tips To From A *** Bestseller***
August 2010
In its eighth week Stolen by Lesley Pearse has remained strong on the Paperback Bestseller list.
After going in at No.1 in the first week of sales, Stolen has proved itself to be the top read of the summer. selling over 150,000 copies in six weeks.
Here are some of Lesley's top tips on how to write a bestseller:
-Persistance. You have to stick at it. I finish everything. Thats the secret of life- finish the things you start.
-Dont tell anyone what you're doing as then you have to give progress reports.
- Read widely. Research properly. That will give you ideas you hadnt thought of.
- To keep the peace in my marriage I used to wait until my husband was asleep and then sneak downstairs and write all night. I was driven. You always have time to write. If you say you dont, youll never do it. If you really want to do something youll find the time to do it.
- Dont count words. Whats the point in boasting that youve written 3000 words in a day if theyre all rubbish? I dont count until I get to the end of the book.
(Taken from and interview with Lesley Pearse The Times, Saturday July 31st)
One In A Million
August 2010
Lynda Page's new page turning novel A Bitter Legacy marked her 25th publication.
Having sold over a million copies to date, Headline celebrated Lynda's amazing success and achievement with a special lunch in her honour.
Lynda had never had any aspirations whatsoever to be a writer, yet out of the blue, began writing her first novel in 1987 during her 45 minute lunch breaks at work. The book took 18 months to complete at which point she approached Darley Anderson who quickly took her on. Lynda was then snapped up by the leading publishers Headline where she has been under contract to them ever since.
A Gripping Tale
August 2010
The Martina Cole's bestseller The Take, adapted by Screenwriter Neil Biswas into a four-part serial drama is being re-aired.
The Take is showing on Sky One and stars Tom Hardy (Bronson, Stuart A Life Backwards) as Freddie Jackson. The first episode was aired on Sunday 15th August, and will continue to be shown on the following three Sundays at 10pm.
"Thanks to Tom Hardys superb performance as Freddie, this cocktail of violence, seedy sex and menace makes a gripping tale." Radio Times
The Take was my era I wanted to capture that. The times changed then the family dynamics changed. Every now and then I like to go back and take people back to another era and show them how something began. Martina Cole
***bestseller*** French's Faithful Fans
July 2010
Faithful Place remained strong on The New York Times Bestsellers list for another week.
Tana French's latest hit went straight in at the No.8 position and after three weeks has worked its way up to No.19.
Not only has Faithful Place been doing extremely well on The New York Times Bestseller list, but has also been making an appearance on many other Bestseller lists across the US. Picking up fantastic praise along the way.
No.8 on the Indie Hardback Bestseller List (originally at #1 July Indie Next List Great Read)
No.3 on the Boston Globe Hardcover Bestseller list
No.8 on the Denver Post National Bestseller list
No.17 on the Los Angeles Times Hardcover Bestsellers list
No.18 on the Publishers Weekly Hardcover Bestsellers list (originally went at No.9 where it stayed for two weeks)
'French's emotionally searing third novel of the Dublin murder squad (after The Likeness) shows the Irish author getting better with each book' Publishers Weekly
'The mesmerising new novel by bestselling author of The Likeness' The Indie List
Her (Tana French) name should be writ large on every mystery lover's must-read list. Her first novel, "In the Woods," swept up the Edgar, Barry, Macavity and Anthony awards. "Faithful Place" is the third installment in her ongoing saga about the Dublin Murder Squad, and it's breathtaking -- an elaborately twisted ballad of class resentments, family burdens, regret and passion. The Washington Post
***bestseller*** Top Of The Times
July 2010
On the week of the 19th July Darley Anderson Authors made up 10% of The New York Times Bestsellers list.
Faithful Place by Tana French shot to no.8 joining The Whisperers by John Connolly at no.23 and 61 Hours by Lee Child, no.30, both of which had already spent a good number of weeks established on the list. It is an amazing achievement for Tana's third novel Faithful Place to enter onto the NY Times Bestseller list in such a high position.
A huge congratulations to all three authors.
***star Review*** Usa Stay Faithful To French
July 2010
"Expertly Rendered"
"Gripping"
- Are the words Janet Maslin, New York Times Reviewer used to describe Tana French's latest novel A Faithful Place.
It's another rave review that reflects Tana's ever growing US fan base.
With now over 100,000 copies on the shelves A Faithful Place is set for great great things!
The past haunts in Tana French novels. That which was buried is brought to light and wreaks hell - on no one more so than Frank Mackey, beloved undercover guru and burly hero first mentioned in French's second book about the Undercover Squad, The Likeness.
Faithful Place is Frank's old neighbourhood, the town he fled twenty-two years ago, abandoning an abusive alcoholic father, harpy mother, and two brothers and sisters who never made it out. They say going home is never easy, but for Frank, investigating the cold case of the just-discovered body of his teenage girlfriend, it is a tangled, dangerous journey, fraught with mean motivations, black secrets, and tenuous alliances.
Because he is too close to the case, and because the Place (including his family) harbours a deep-rooted distrust of cops, Frank must undergo his investigation furtively, using all the skills picked up from years of undercover work to trace the killer and the events of the night that changed his life.
***award Nomination*** Steeling The Show
July 2010
61 Hours by Lee Child is one of seven books shortlisted for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger was announced at the Theakstons Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.
The winning author is awarded 2000 and also receives a unique 'steel dagger', which is handcrafted and inspired by the weapon used by Special Forces during World War II.
Click here to read more....
***bestseller*** The Executioner Makes A Killing
July 2010
Chris Carter’s thrilling second novel The Executioner is storming the charts and has hit the top 20 in hardback.
After 10 days of sales The Executioner moved from no.24 to no 18 in the Hardback Bestsellers list. Chris Carter went to Harrogate's Crime Festival where fans were eagerly awaiting to meet the horror writer.
***award Nomination*** The Final 15!!
June 2010
Carolyn Jess Cooke has been shortlisted for the prestigious London New Poetry Award 2010.
The Award is put on by the London Fringe Festival. Carolyn has made it down to shortlist of 15 poets, out of 77 nominations.
A Poetry Panel of three judges will meet at a London location to deliberate quality, innovation, craft, relevance and sheer poetry.
The winner will be announced on Monday August 16th at Pizza Express in Soho.
Click here to read more
Q&a With Rani Manicka
June 2010
How did you get started in writing?
I was bored with the restaurant trade and naively decided I wanted to be an author, but by some incredible piece of luck I sent my three chapters to the Darley Anderson Agency, who signed me on.
What was the last book you bought?
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
What books would you take on a desert island?
The Road by Cormick McCarthy and The Greatest Secret by David Icke
tell us about your latest book....
Very broadly it is the story of love, forbidden and otherwise.
And what's in the pipeline?
What's in the pipeline is still naked and faceless.
How do you go about doing research for your books?
Same as everyone I suppose. Library, internet, face to face interviews, overheard conversations etc.
Why did you approach the Darley Anderson Agency?
They were the only ones who seemed unembarrassed about money.
What advice do you have for people hoping to find their first publisher?
None. Where there is a will, there is a way.
CHECK OUT THE AUTHOR PAGE FOR MORE AUTHOR
Q&As
***award Nomination*** Queen Of Teen
June 2010
Cathy Cassidy has been nominated for the Queen of Teen award.
Cathy Cassidy has been shortlisted for this award along with nine others authors, including the likes of Jaqueline Wilson.
The award was created to celebrate teen authors that bring huge enjoyment to their readers, whilst dealing with real life issues.
The shortlist is decided upon by teenagers nominations, with an online vote to find the Queen of Teen.
You can vote for Cathy by clicking here.
The winner will be announced in September.
***bestseller*** Soldiering Up The Bestseller List!
May 2010
Annie Murrays Soldier Girl has continued to climb up the Paperback Bestsellers list this week.
After one week of sales Soldier Girl charted at No.45 in the list. Annie Murray's latest novel then proceeded to jump up the chart to position No.29, and after another successful week of sales has reached No.25.
Soldier girl is a sequel to The Hopscotch Summer.
It tells the story of Molly Fox, who has grown up in the back streets of Birmingham at the mercy of her cruel grandfather and her drunken mother. Though she has grown into a tall, beautiful woman, Molly is haunted by terrible family secrets. When she is found lying drunk in a gutter, Molly reaches a turning point. She decides to escape by joining the army as an ATS girl.
At first her new start seems fated to be a disaster but the army gives her the encouragement she hungers for and soon her life is flourishing. But war brings tragedy as well as triumph, and when Molly receives news from home, it becomes clear that she cant escape her past so easily
***bestsellers*** Da Authors Take Over The Charts!
May 2010
It has been a fantastic week for Darley Anderson's Authors, who have made up 10% of the Paperback Top 50 Bestseller list.
Milly Johnson and Annie Murray have joined Jane Costello, Lee Child and Martina Cole this week in the Bestseller chart, who between them have already managed to tot up a total of 19 weeks in the list.
Current Positions:
No.4 Martina Cole HARD GIRLS
No.19 Lee Child GONE TOMORROW
No.23 Jane Costello MY SINGLE FRIEND
No.41 Milly Johnson A SUMMER FLING
No.45 Annie Murray SOLDIER GIRL
Soldier Girl is Annie Murrays 14th Novel. Published on the 7th of May, the book sailed straight onto the Paperback Bestseller list after only three days of sales. Soldier Girl is the Story of Molly Fox, who has grown up on the streets of Birmingham at the mercy of her grandfather and her cruel, drunken mother. Although she has grown into a tall, beautiful woman, Molly is trapped by her impoverished past and haunted by terrible family secrets.
Read more about Annie Murray and Molly Fox here.
Following on from a successful book launch, Milly Johnsons fourth novel, A Summer Fling, topped the Tescos chart at No.9 on its week of publication, and carried on to join the Bestseller lists. A Summer Fling tells of a summer that wont be forgotten. When dynamic Christie blows in like a warm wind to take over a department, five very different women find themselves thrown together
Read more about A Summer Fling here.
***bestseller Success***
May 2010
For the fourth week running, Darley Anderson's Authors have made up 10% of the Paperback Fiction Bestseller list.
Jane Costellos My Single Friend and Milly Johnsons A Summer Fling have both moved up in the chart.
Martina Coles Hard Girl, Annie Murrays Soldier Girl and Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child are the other DA titles featuring on the list.
There is also news from the Hardback Fiction Bestseller list, with The Whisperers by John Connolly still in the top 10, at No.8 and Lee Childs 61 Hours at No. 13 after 11 weeks on the list.
***bestseller*** CONNOLLY'S LATEST MUCH MORE THAN A WHISPER
May 2010
The Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lovers, John Connolly is back with a spine tingling new novel, and is storming the charts after only three days of sales.
The Whisperers, released on the 13th May, shot into the No.4 position in the UK Hardback Bestsellers list and into the No.1 position in Irelands, and has been receiving fantastic reviews.
Tremendous stuff, as Connolly's novels always are. Mark Timlin, Independent on Sunday
His latest plot is a clever mixture of quest and chase, written in prose that unfolds at warp speed, and rarely fails to sing. The Observer
The chilling new thriller, The Whisperers, sees the return of much loved hero Charlie Parker
The border between Maine and Canada is porous. Anything can be smuggled across it: drugs, cash, weapons, people. Now a group of disenchanted former soldiers has begun its own smuggling operation, and what is being moved is infinitely stranger and more terrifying than anyone can imagine. Anyone, that is, except private detective Charlie Parker, who has his own intimate knowledge of the darkness in men's hearts.
But the soldiers' actions have attracted the attention of the reclusive Herod, a man with a taste for the strange. And where Herod goes, so too does the shadowy figure that he calls the Captain. To defeat them, Parker must form an uneasy alliance with a man he fears more than any other, the killer known as the Collector . . .
***bestseller*** One Man And His Dog Take Italy By Storm
April 2010
Graeme Sims is described by the Italian press as "The Guru of Italian dog trainers".
Graeme has recently set up and run a series of workshops teaching people how to communicate with their dogs. Tickets for the events sold out in a matter of days.
THE DOG WHISPERER has now seen five reprints since publication. De Agostini originally published in 2008. His sequel GIVE A DOG A HOME was published by Sperling & Kupfer in 2009.
Rave Reviews For Reacher
April 2010
The day of US publication for Lee Child's latest Jack Reacher novel, 61 Hours, has finally arrived.
Following on from the success of Gone Tomorrow, 61 Hours has been receiving fantastic reviews over in the US.
Publishers Weekly says Child is a superb craftsman of suspense, juggling several plots and keeping his herrings well-rouged. He doesn't need the 24-like conceit suggested by the title as he counts down to the final confrontation-but it's not a major distraction. Best of all, this is a rare series book that reads like a stand-alone.
Has Lee Child killed off his action hero? This is the 14th book in the Reacher series, so it's plausible the author could finally have tired of him. But readers obviously haven't. The series is a publishing phenomenon. If Child killed off Reacher, his publisher would be the next to go from a heart attack. We'll know for sure later in the year, when another Lee Child novel is scheduled to be released. The popularity of the Reacher series is due largely to its quirky and appealing hero and to the author's talent for sustaining tension on every page. The Associated Press
61 Hours is published in the US on the 18th May.
Heralded As The Stieg Larsson Of Teenage Fiction
April 2010
We are immensely proud to announce the publication of Carnegie nominated Helen Grants second novel, The Glass Demon (6.99 Penguin).
The First Death Seventeen-year-old Lin Fox finds a body in an orchard. As she backs away in horror, she steps on broken glass.
The Second Death Then blood appears on her doorstep- blood, and broken glass.
The Third Death Something terrible is found in the cemetery. Shards of broken glass lie by a grave.
WHO WILL BE NEXT? As the attacks become more sinister, Lin doesn't know who to trust. She's getting closer to the truth behind these chilling discoveries, but with each move the danger deepens.
Because someone wants Lin gone- and won't give up until he's got rid of her and her family.
Well-plotted and beautifully written, it is everything a young-adult novel should be. Helen, please keep on writing. The Independent
A gripping, atmospheric adventure. The Observer
The Glass Demon is published by Penguin/Puffin UK and is available now.
***award Nomination*** Carnegie Medal Shortlist Announced...
April 2010
The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant has been shortlisted for Britain's oldest and most prestigious award for children's writing, The Carnegie Medal.
The CILIP Carnegie Medal, established in 1936, in memory of the great Andrew Carnegie, who set up over 2800 libraries, is awarded annually to an outstanding book for children and young people.
All eight books that feature in 2010s shortlist, including Terry Pratchetts Nation, have been picked for the way they deal with some of life's most challenging issues in an intelligent and highly accessible way, offering heroes and heroines that young readers can relate to and a life affirming sense of hope. Carnegie Medal Press Desk
Judges have described The Vanishing of Katharina Linden as An accomplished, darkly comic debut novel which grips the reader as it builds its macabre layers to a horrifying conclusion. Its German setting, and Pia's family are extremely well captured as are the dark undercurrents in small-town society.
The winning titles will be announced at an awards ceremony on 24 June 2010.
For more information on the Carnegie Medal visit their website, www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk
***award Nomination*** SHORTLIST FOR IRISH BOOK AWARDS
April 2010
Two Darley Anderson Authors, John Connolly and Tana French have been included on the shortlist for this years Irish Book Awards. Both authors are down to the final 50 for the title of 'Book of the Decade'.
The nominated books are: John Connolly's The Lovers and
Tana French's In the Woods
To place you vote click here. The winner will be announced at the end of May.
Wintercraft's Spell Spreads To The Us
March 2010
The childrens agency has secured another significant six figure deal from the States..
Madeleine Buston accepted a significant six-figure offer from Greenwillow Books / Harper Collins for US rights in Jenna Burtenshaws Wintercraft trilogy.
The VP and publisher of Greenwillow Books, Virginia Duncan, wrote to the author herself saying: Wintercraft is compelling, terrifying, surprising, and so very inventive and memorable-I find that I am still thinking about your characters and the world you have created, even all these days after reading it.
Steve Geck, Jennas US editor, said Its been so gratifying to see my colleagues fall under the spell of Wintercraft. A manuscript hasnt thrilled me in this way in a very long time. And Jenna Burtenshaw is simply an astounding writer.
They will publish in Spring 2011. Headline is publishing in the UK on May 13th and their fabulous trailer can be viewed here.
Two Wonderful Winners At The Rna Awards
March 2010
The Darley Anderson Agency is extremely proud, that two of their authors have won prestigious awards from the Romantic Novel Association. On the 16th March, the winners were announced at the RNA's Pure Passion Awards lunch, in London, hosted by critic and television personality Barry Norman.
The Nearly-Weds, by Jane Costello beat the likes of Jill Mansells, Rumour Has It, receiving the Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year Award. The book was picked by a panel of readers and writers who had been asked to pick the book that really tickled their funny bones. The judges went on to say that The Nearly Weds was a witty, at times laugh out loud romance, full of great characters. This was a new award introduced this year to mark the 50th year of the RNA awards ceremony, to help showcase this popular genre and help readers get to know fantastic new writers.
Nell Dixon picked up the hotly-contested Love Story of the Year award for her novel Animal Instincts. Katie Fforde, Chair of the RNA commented These Pure Passion Awards have enjoyed a higher standard of entries than ever before but the judges were unanimously won over... Nell Dixon, whose character development and storylines kept us hooked to the very last page." Nell was also awarded this prize in 2007, for her book Marrying Max, which was when Darley Anderson signed her up.
A Golden Beginning For Tara Hyland
March 2010
Tara Hylands debut novel, Daughters of Fortune was discovered by Darley, who sold World language rights to Simon and Schuster UK and Atria US for a high six figure advance. Even before its official publication on the 18th March, it's been receiving rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic.
Hylands first novel intricately and effortlessly dramatizes the lives and loves of a rich and glamorous cast of characters. Booklist
In Hyland's sprawling debut, sparkling with Gossip Girl sizzle and Barbara Taylor Bradford melodrama Publishers Weekly
'Sex, glamour and fashion- perfect.' The Sun
When asked how she felt about the publication, Tara said 'It's been three and a half years since I started writing Daughters of Fortune, and it's lovely to see it in print. I hope it's as much fun to read as it was to write.'
Even the wealthiest family cant afford to keep secrets
William Melville's daughters are heiresses to the world's most exclusive fashion dynasty. Beautiful and rich, they are envied by all. But behind the glittering facade of their lives, each girl hides a dark secret that threatens to tear their family apart. Smart, ambitious Elizabeth knows how to manipulate every man she meets, except the one who counts: her father. Gentle, naive Caitlin, the illegitimate child, struggling to fit into a world of privilege while staying true to herself. Stunning, spoilt Amber, the party girl with a weakness for bad boys; more fragile than anyone realises. As each of them seeks to carve out her own destiny, Elizabeth, Caitlin and Amber face difficult choices, which will take them in wildly different directions. But as old wounds resurface and threaten to destroy the foundations of the Melville empire, their paths will cross again. Because the simple truth is that, no matter how far you go, you cannot escape the claims of family.
Tim's Topping Success In Bath
March 2010
Tim Weaver had a hugely successful book launch on the 26th of February at the amazing Toppings Bookshop in Bath. The Venue was packed out and 91 copies of Chasing the Dead were sold, helping Tim reach No. 31 in his first week in the Charts.
Huge thanks to Toppings, Penguin and everyone who came to support Tim.
Killer Sales For Chris Carter
March 2010
A huge congratulations to Chris Carter, whose fantastic debut novel, The Crucifix Killer went straight in to No.1 in the Booksellers Top 20 Fiction Heatseekers list. It is a fantastic achievement for a debut novel.
Chris has followed in the footsteps of Margaret Dickinson, who was at No.1 last week with Sons and Daughters. The Agency are thrilled that for two consecutive weeks these two talented authors have occupied top spot.
***bestseller*** LEE CHILD STORMS UK CHARTS AFTER ONLY 72 HOURS
March 2010
61 hours shot firmly into the No.1 spot in the Hardback Bestsellers list this week. The countdown to publication of Lee Child’s latest thriller finally ended on the 18th March and after only 72 hours, a phenomenal 26,432 copies had flown off the shelves. His heart stopping new thriller has been receiving fantastic reviews.
‘Child's protagonist is a wandering knight who always finds trouble and inevitably solves it, with satisfying violence. As usual, Child's writing is superb… Fast paced and exciting, this is highly recommended for thriller fans.’ The Library Journal
"This is Child in top form, but isn't he always?" The Booklist
Winter in South Dakota. Blowing snow, icy roads, a tired driver. A bus skids and crashes and is stranded in a gathering storm.
There’s a small town twenty miles away, where a vulnerable witness is guarded around the clock. There’s a strange stone building five miles further on, all alone on the prairie. There’s a ruthless man who controls everything from the warmth of Mexico.
Jack Reacher hitched a ride in the back of the bus. A life without baggage has many advantages. And crucial disadvantages too, when it means facing the arctic cold without a coat. But he’s equipped for the rest of his task. He doesn’t want to put the world to rights. He just doesn’t like people who put it to wrongs.
Read more about Reacher at www.leechild.com
Margaret's First Choice For Heatseekers
March 2010
The Darley Anderson Agency are immensely proud of Margaret Dickinson, whose latest novel, Sons and Daughters has gone to No.1 in the Booksellers Top 20 Fiction Heatseekers list. After the first three days, Margaret's 17th saga had gone straight in at No.6 and after Margaret's fantastic promotional tour of bookshops across the UK, Sons and Daughters rocketed into prime position.
***award Winner*** Heavenly Success
February 2010
Cally Taylor’s debut novel Heaven Can Wait was awarded Debut Novel of the Year award and Book of the Year in chicklitreviews.com book awards 2009, beating the likes of Sophie Kinsella and Cecilia Aherne. Heaven Can Wait was also first book ever to receive a 10/10 review on chicklitclub.com!!
***award Nomination*** ROMANTIC NOVELIST ASSOCIATION GO WILD FOR NELL DIXON
February 2010
In the fiftieth year of RNA (Romantic Novelists Association) awarding prizes to the very best in the romance department, Nell Dixon’s Animal Instincts has been shortlisted to receive the Love Story of the Year award.
The Love Story of the Year award is for shorter stories that concentrate on a growing central relationship and the winner will be chosen by three selected judges. The prizes will be awarded on Tuesday 16th March.
***bestseller*** Who's The Daddy?
February 2010
After only three days on sale Lee Child's latest thriller Gone Tomorrow shot to No1 in The Sunday Times Paperback Bestseller lists with 30,000 copies.
Thirteenth in the Jack Reacher series Gone Tomorrow hit the Top No1 spot on both The Sunday Times and The New York Times hardback fiction bestseller lists in 2009.
'No-one kicks butt quite as entertainingly as Lee Child does'- Kirkus Review
Brainbox Behnke
February 2010
Kasia Behnke, newly promoted to the role of Rights Manager at the Agency, has been awarded 3rd place in The Bookseller Prize 2009. This hard won prize is awarded for the best dissertations presented as part of the Kingston Publishing MA.
The Judges described the dissertation entitled: THE AUTHOR, THE AGENT AND THE PUBLISHER: Portrait of a Power Struggle 1989 – 2009 as: ‘An insightful overview of a vast, and frankly under-researched area of publishing.’ They also considered the work ‘very timely’.
Kasia says, ‘Hearing about the award was amazing news! I have spent a year writing my thesis and to be acknowledged for my research into an area of publishing I love and work in – it’s just the best news for me!’ She continues, ‘I was absolutely humbled by the authors, agents and publishers who agreed to be interviewed for this study and this award would not be possible without their contributions. A huge thanks to everyone.’
Kasia who joined the agency in 2008 sells rights in the Baltic States, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Korea, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Thailand and Turkey.
Kasia also handles large print and audio rights, and helps with Film & TV rights.
Well done Kasia. We're very proud!
A Successful Year At The Agency
December 2010
It has been a fantastic year for the Darley Anderson Agency, which has just celebrated the start of its 22nd year.
From record breaking bestsellers to the Teen of Queen, below are some of the successes from the past year at the Darley Anderson Agency.
Bestseller List:
Throughout every week of 2010, the Darley Anderson Agencys brilliant and talented authors have featured on one or more international Bestseller lists.
These brilliant bestselling authors include: Martina Cole, Lee Child, John Connolly, Lesley Pearse, Tana French, Jane Costello, Chris Mooney, Cathy Cassidy, Clare Dowling, Tim Weaver, Margaret Dickinson, Chris Carter, Tara Hyland, Annie Murray, Alex Barclay and Carmen Reid.
DA authors as well as dominating the UK chart, have repeatedly featured on bestseller lists around the world in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Asia.
In the final week of October 2010, two of Darley Anderson's authors took the No.1 Hardback Bestseller positions on both sides of the Atlantic.
In the UK Martina Cole's The Family rocketed to the top of the The Sunday Times Hardback Bestseller list (and overall fiction). Whilst in the US, Lee Child's Worth Dying For took prime position on The New York Times Bestseller list.
The Family by Martina Cole has just spent 8 weeks in the No.1 position on the hardback Bestseller List in the UK smashing the 2010 HB record.
Lee Child has been very prominent on the Bestseller List throughout 2010. 61 Hours has just spent its 15th week on the paperback Bestsellers List whilst Worth Dying For has just spent it's 11th on the Hardback List.
Top Picks:
Both 61 Hours and Worth Dying For along with Stolen by Lesley Pearse have been named in the Top Ten Fiction Books for 2010 in the New Zealand Sunday Star Times.
Tana French's Faithful Place and Lee Child's 61 Hours feature in the influential New York Times book critic Janet Maslin's Top 10 Books of 2010.
In the Woods by Tana French was picked as being one of the Top Ten best reads of the Noughties by Amazon.com
Faithful Place also by Tana French is No.2 in the overall Editors Picks 2010 on Amazon.com and is in the Top 100 2010 in Publishers Weekly.
Prize Winners and Nominations:
- Cathy Cassidy was announced the Queen of Teen
- Nearly-Weds by Jane Costello won Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year Award at the Royal Novelist Association Awards.
- Animal Instincts by Nell Dixon won Love Story of the Year at the RNA Awards.
- John Connolly's The Lovers and Tana French's In the Woods were both shortlisted for this years Irish Book Awards 'Book of the Decade'.
- Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw has been nominated for the Peoples Book Prize.
- The Glass Demon by Helen Grant has been nominated for the prestigious Carnegie Prize.
- Carolyn Jess-Cooke was nominated for the well respected London New Poetry Award
*** Bestseller *** Record Breaker
December 2010
Martina Coles powerful and thrilling novel, The Family is undoubtedly No.1 for another week.
Head and shoulders above the rest, including Andy McNabs latest which entered in at No.2, Martinas 17th novel has been gaining sales week upon week holding firm at No.1 on the bestsellers list. The Family has also been flying high at No.1 on the Top 20 Original Fiction list in the Bookseller.
Having held firm at the top of the Bestsellers list for its sixth week, The Family has made a new 2010 record.
'Right from the start [Cole] has enjoyed unqualified approval for her distinctive and powerfully written fiction' The Times
'Intensely readable' Guardian
Carnegie Favourite
November 2010
For the second consecutive year Helen Grant is in the running for the prestigious Carnegie Prize.
The Glass Demon has been nominated along side books by Rick Riordan, Alex Scarrows, Patrick Ness, Michael Morpurgo, Marcus Sedgwick and Carol Ann Duffy, among others.
The Carnegie Medal is awarded to an author of an outstanding book for children, every year. Last year Helen's fantastic first novel, The Vanishing of Katharina Linden was shortlisted.
Click here for more information.
Amazon Favourite
November 2010
Tana French is certainly a US favourite amongst her faithful fans.
Amazon.com have named Faithful Place by Tana French No.1 on their Crime and Thrillers Top Ten List!
Faithful Place is also No.2 in the overall Editors Picks 2010 on Amazon.com and is in the Top 100 2010 in Publishers Weekly.
***bestseller*** Top Of The Times
November 2010
Worth Dying For is number one on The New York Times Best Seller list after the first week of sales.
The latest Lee Child Reacher installment has been causing a stir across the board after shooting to No.1 in its first week of publication in the UK and now in the US.
'Forget Sleep, Jack Reacher Is Back' Book Review
'Jack Reacher takes on evil in 'Worth Dying For,' Lee Child's latest page-turner... Don't pick up the latest Jack Reacher novel if you don't have some time on your hands, because "Worth Dying For" is difficult to put down.' The Associated Press
Not So Hidden Treasure
November 2010
The magical 13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison
has been chosen as one of School Library Journals Best Books of 2010!
The monthly publication, School Library Journal is the world's largest reviewer of books, multimedia, and technology for children and teens. Although some historical and contemporary books were amongst the top picks, fantasy came out over all on top.
''In this frightening fantasy/ghost story/murder mystery, Tanya is tormented and bullied by fairies that no one else can see. When children start disappearing, she is compelled to enter the fairies' realm even though she may be trapped there forever. Great characters, a fascinating plot twist, and a death-defying ending.''
For the full list of School Library Journal's Best Books of 2010 please click here.
***bestseller*** Neck And Neck
October 2010
Lee Child was neck and neck with James Patterson for the No.2 position on The New York Times Bestsellers list, just behind the ubiquitous Stieg Larsson.
61 Hours was published in paperback on the 28th September in the US and has spent its third week in The New York Times Bestseller list.
Making Waves Both Sides Of The Atlantic
October 2010
In the final week of October 2010, two of Darley Anderson's authors took the No.1 Hardback Bestseller positions on both sides of the Atlantic.
In the UK Martina Cole's The Family rocketed to the top of the The Sunday Times Hardback Bestseller list (and overall fiction), where it has remained since its publication date. Whilst in the US this week, Lee Child's Worth Dying For proved that it had definitely been worth the wait for Reacher fans, taking prime position on The New York Times Bestseller list after one week of sales. 
''I've got the best Agent in London'' Martina Cole
"Great agents do all kinds of hidden behind-the-scenes work, all day, every day, constantly managing changing situations, and Darley does it better than anyone else - hence the ongoing success of his authors.
If someone worked out a league table of the last five years' worth of chart-weeks-and-positions around the globe, it would almost certainly show that Darley is the world's most successful agent. Gratifying, of course, but again, no surprise."
Lee Child 
I dont think there has ever been a single UK agent who has had a No.1 UK and No.1 US hardback bestseller by different authors at exactly the same time. It is absolutely incredible. Darley is the best talent spotter out there and the most brilliant agent in the business. Madeleine Buston, Head of Rights & Womens Fiction Agent
Fun At The Fair
October 2010
The Darley Anderson Agency had a fantastic Frankfurt book fair this year with over 300 back-to-back meetings between them over the course of a week.
They saw leading foreign publishers from all around the world including the US, and are now busy with follow-ups and sending out all the material that was discussed.
The Agency's Head of Rights says I saw publishers from over thirty different countries this year - editors specialising in fiction, non-fiction, childrens and Young Adult books.
I love selling debuts and new books by our authors but I am equally relentless when it comes to pushing our authors backlist titles we find that publishing works in cycles and some books are much more fashionable in foreign markets now and therefore we can sell them. Also, the more successful our authors become in the UK the more languages we can secure worldwide.
I love spotting the gaps and getting new deals for our authors. It is a continuous process foreign sales growth is integral to our thinking at the Agency. We want our authors to flourish all over the world, for them to be international successes.
A lot of our authors are not just UK and US bestsellers but foreign bestsellers in places as far as China. Every foreign publisher loves our meetings because we sell the commercial books they are looking for.
Time and time again foreign editors say to me youre the only agency who has all the books we want!
(Left) Darley Anderson Agency shelves the only agency in the Agents centre displaying their books.
(Below) Carolyn Jess-Cookes debut THE GUARDIAN ANGELS JOURNAL at the Hachette Stand in Frankfurt
***bestseller*** Worth The Wait
October 2010
Lee Child took the No. 1 spot on the Hardback Bestseller list with his 15th Jack Reacher thriller, Worth Dying For.
Selling 30,690 copies in its opening week in UK bookshops, this was Lee Child's biggest ever hardback weekly sale.
On the day of release another 536 hardback books were officially published including the wave of celebrity books intended for christmas presents. However Worth Dying For sales remained unphased beating the likes of Jamie Oliver's latest cookbook to the top!
With Lee Child taking top spot in Original Fiction, it has meant Transworld has set a new record, scoring three consecutive Original Fiction No. 1's. Lee Child following on from Jilly Cooper and Sophie Kinsella.
***bestseller*** Celebrity Status
September 2010
Annie Valentine is back!
Celebrity Shopper by Carmen Reid moved to No.17 in the Paperback Bestseller list in the second week of publication.
The latest Annie Valentine novel has been featured in various promotions since its publication including at WH Smith and Sainsbury's and has been receiving fantastic reviews.
'As fun and frothy as a poolside pina colada' Heat
'This is escapist summer reading at it's best' Jill Mansell
Transworld Birthday Bash!
September 2010
Transworld celebrated their 60th Anniversary on the 23rd September.
The party was held in the former St. Marks Church. The Agency's bestselling Transworld authors Lee Child and Carmen Reid were in attendance, along with top Agent Darley Anderson.
Glasses were raised to celebrate 60 successful years and the sale of over 750 million books.
***bestseller*** Child's Play
September 2010
Lee Child rules the Roost for the second straight week in mass market fiction The Bookseller
61 Hours by Lee Child is head and shoulders above the rest having sold well over 100,000 copies of the paperback in its second full week of publication.
Whilst 61 Hours storms the PB charts, the count down has begun for Worth Dying For, the next Reacher installment from Lee Child. Due out on the 30th September 2010.
***bestseller*** Smashing Success
September 2010
61 Hours has leapt in at No.1 on the Paperback Bestseller list with incredible sales of over 39,000 copies.
On Thursday 2nd September over 1,200 books were published, arguably making it one of the biggest dates in publishing. However 61 Hours jumped into the top spot. Pipping Cecilia Ahern and Michael Connolly, among others, to the post of prime position.
When Lee Childs most recent Jack Reacher novel was released in Hardback in March it sold over 26,000 copies in its first week beating Ian McEwan to the No.1 spot. 61Hours has since dominated the charts in Australia, New Zealand and America, featuring in No.1 on all their bestsellers lists.
It appears that when it comes to Lee Child and Jack they are reaching a whole new level of fans.
'Lee Child's 14th Jack Reacher thriller, 61 Hours, sold 39,180 copies in 72 hours... and tops the mass market bestseller list ahead of Transworld stable mate Dan Brown.' The Bookseller
Top Of The Blogs
August 2010
Share Annie Valentine's passion for fashion.
Find out the latest news and top tips at Annie Valentine's fashion blog: annievalentine.blogspot.com
Annie Valentine, the heroine featured in Carmen Reid's bestselling Personal Shopper series, is giving out all her fashion secrets.
Carmen's latest, New York Valentine is published September 30th.
Library Superstar
August 2010
Anne Baker has come No.55
in a Libscan survey for most library borrowed authors.
'Superstars in the libraries, yet in the shadows in store' (Bookseller article). Over 298,970 of her books have been borrowed with over 14,000 having been sold.
Through Rose Coloured Glasses, Anne's 28th novel, published July, is the 68th most borrowed book this year and sold 9,820 copies in nine weeks.
***new York Times Bestseller***
August 2010
After hitting The New York Times list on August 1st, 2010, at No.23, The Whisperers by John Connolly is continuing to pick up fantastic reviews.
"Connolly displays a real knack for fusing the detective and horror genres, providing a rational chain of evidence and deduction for the plot while simultaneously creating a real atmosphere of numinous dread that reminds us that mystery can refer to more than a mundane tale of crime and human justice." Publisher's Weekly
In the hands of a lesser writer, this could easily be a bit too much, but in Connollys skilled hands, it turns into a page-turning thrill ride that you wont want to put down. Sacramento Book Review
The Whisperers is John Connollys latest Charlie Parker suspense thriller. Along with the current success in the US, the novel was also a hit here in the UK, spending nine weeks in the Hardback Bestsellers list. The Whisperers will be available in the UK in paperback next January.
To read more about John click here.
A Real Page Turner
August 2010
Tana French's New York Times Bestseller Faithful Place went straight into the UK Hardback Bestsellers list last week.
Since it's publication on August 19th Faithful Place has been receiving excellent reviews and huge amounts of praise. And has been named THRILLER OF THE MONTH by The Observer.
'A gripping read' The Sun
'This is not your typical crime thriller, and it’s not meant to be a rip-roaring page-turner. But SAVOUR IT LIKE A GUINNESS and you can’t help enjoy the ride’ 4*s' News of the World
'Mesmerising and impressively written, you won’t put this fab thriller down’ Closer magazine
'A real page turner' Star Magazine
Darkness, tragedy and danger creep and crawl through this novel... ONE OF THE BEST THRILLERS SO FAR THIS YEAR... Frenchs skills as a storyteller that makes Faithful Place stand out, along with her best creation yet. Observer
***new York Times Bestseller***
August 2010
61 Hours by Lee Child has spent its 11th week on The New York Times Bestsellers list.
61 Hours, the 14th Jack Reacher Novel, originally went into the No. 1 spot in its first week of publication. In its 11th week the gripping crime novel held position No.35.
"What heats '61 Hours' to the boiling point is Mr. Child’s decision to defy his own conventions. In the interests of pure gamesmanship he seems hell bent on doing everything differently this time..." Janet Maslin, The New York Times .
***bestseller***
July 2010
Lesley Pearse's Stolen has spent its fourth week in the top five on the Paperback Bestsellers list.
With Stolen having spent spent time in No.1 and No.2 on the list and selling over 115,000 copies to date, it appears that the wonderful Lesley is giving other summer reads a real run for their money!
***number 1 Bestseller*** Lesley Pearse Tops The Charts
July 2010
Bestselling author Lesley Pearse has topped the charts at No 1 with her fantastic novel Stolen.
The paperback edition smashed her previous weekly sales personal best by more than 12,000 copies. Stolen, her 18th novel, sold 38,244 copies in its first full week on sale.
Congratulations to Lesley on her most deserved success.
*** Spine Chilling Success***
July 2010
Chris Carter's latest spine chiller The Executioner has hit the shelves. It follows The Crucifix Killer and is destined for great things!
Detective Hunter is on the trail of an elusive and sadistic killer. Someone who can sense what scares his victims the most. Someone who will stop at nothing to achieve his twisted aim. Imagine your worst fear - and then meet your worst nightmare....
Alex's Ihit!!
July 2010
Alex Barclay's stunning new Ren Bryce thriller Time of Death has been chosen as book of the week on the iBook Store.
Time of Death sold over 4000 copies after three days of sales and is featuring in Asda's summer reading promotion.
NOWHERE TO RUN
FBI agent Ren Bryces hunt for some of the countrys most dangerous killers is about to turn into a nightmare. There is unfinished business between Ren and those she is pursuing, and soon she is forced to confront both personal and professional traumas.
NOWHERE TO HIDE
Then someone close to Ren is murdered and secrets from her past look set to be revealed, throwing her into a world of fear, paranoia and danger.
NO ONE TO TRUST
Dark forces are at work and someone is determined to destroy Rens life. But time is running out and Ren must catch a killer before he catches her
***bestseller*** Lesley Pearse Steals The Show
July 2010
Lesley's latest novel Stolen swept into The Sunday Times bestseller list at No4 AFTER ONLY THREE DAYS SALES.
Stolen sold 25,751 copies in just three days outselling Linwood Barclay (16,182) and Stephen King (11,559) both published on the same day.
On publication day 
Lesley and the Mayor of Richmond-
Upon-Thames did the honours at the grand opening of the new Teddington branch of British Bookshops & Stationers. Also lending a hand with the scissors was John Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of the bookselling chain
Sussex, 2003. When a beautiful blonde girl is found half-drowned on a beach, she has no memory of who she is or what horrors have left her there.
But an article about her in a Brighton newspaper rings alarm bells for beautician Dale, who shows the police photographs of Lotte Wainright.
The girls met working on a cruise ship and their friendship blossomed as they sailed the seas of South America, until Lotte fell under the sinister influence of an older American couple. To her regret, Dale hasn’t seen Lotte since leaving the ship months earlier but the girl on the beach although badly bruised is indeed her much missed friend.
Their reunion only marks the beginning of a dangerous tidal wave of secrets, lies and nightmares. Where has Lotte been? Who is the man who seems to want to kill her. And what has become of the baby she’s recently given birth to?
Dale and Lotte must dig deep and find the strength to hold on against the odds if they are to rebuild their friendship and survive Lotte’s stolen and deadly past.Lesley Pearse's Green Fingers
June 2010
Lesley Pearse is not only a talented author, enchanting readers worldwide with her fantastic novels, she also has other talents hidden up her sleeves.
A keen gardener, every other summer Lesley showcases her beautiful garden to the general public, in her villages Open Garden Day. 
The proceeds raised go to help projects in the community. This summer, the money will help pay for the restoration of the villages 12th century church.
Lesleys latest novel Stolen is out in paperback on the 8th July. Click here to read more about it.
***prize Winner*** Gone Tomorrow Grabs Gold
June 2010
The animated trailer for Gone Tomorrow has won gold at the PromaxBDA Design Awards in LA.
The video that was commissioned by Transworld Publisher's for the release of Lee Child's Gone Tomorrow.
The video was entered into, and then won the category titled 'Other Design Applications: Music Video or Short Subject'
Every year the the PromaxBDA awards are given out to recognise talent and creativity of promos, commercials and campaigns.
Gone Tomorrow went into the No.1 position on the UK Hardback Bestsellers list and remained in the Chart for 21 weeks. The novel then went on to top the Paperback Bestsellers list and enter into the No.2 position on The New York Times Bestsellers list.
***bestseller*** Jack Reacher Conquers The World
May 2010
Published in the US on the 18th May, 61 Hours, by Lee Child has wasted no time in hitting the top spot in The New York Times Bestsellers list (Hardback Fiction) this week.
He has dominated the charts across the World over the last few months, having been No.1 on the Hardback Bestsellers lists in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Now Lee Child can add another territory to the list that 61 Hours has successfully conquered as he creates a storm stateside.
61 Hours is continuing to pick up fantastic reviews....
Former military cop Jack Reacher wanders into a town, finds himself in the middle of some ticking time bomb of a situation, chooses a side and kicks major a** Miami Herald
Tweet Tweet
May 2010
The Darley Anderson Agency is proud to announce that they have joined the likes of Stephen Fry and have opened their own Twitter account.
Follow us by clicking HERE, where you will be able to hear what's going on in the agency, exciting news stories, latest releases and much more....
***bestsellers*** Five For Five
May 2010
For five weeks running, Darley Anderson's Authors made up 10% of the2010 Paperback Fiction Bestsellers list.
Martina Cole Hard Girls- 8th week in the Bestsellers list
Lee Child Gone Tomorrow- 14th week in the Bestsellers list
Jane Costello My Single Friend- 8th week in the Bestsellers list
Annie Murray Soldier Girl- 5th week in the Bestsellers list
Milly Johnson A Summer Fling- 5th week in the Bestsellers list
The Whisperers by John Connolly and Lee Child's 61 Hours remain firm in the Hardback Bestsellers list.
***bestseller*** Thrilling Sales
May 2010
John Connollys latest Charlie Parker thriller has been moving up the charts this week.
The Whisperers, dubbed by the Daily Mail as Sensational went straight into the Hardback Bestsellers list at No.4 last week after only three days of publication. However, after a fantastic week of sales John Connolly's latest has moved up to No.3 in the Bestsellers list.
The Whisperers is continuing to receive superb reviews...
Brilliant, terrifying and effortlessly seductive, I defy anyone to put this thriller down - it is sensational. The Daily Mail
Another creepy thriller from a modern master The Daily Mirror
This is one of Connollys darker, scarier novels, all the more effective for the way the supernatural elements arise organically out of realistic detail Connolly is excellent as always at using primal archetypes to create an atmosphere of apocalyptic dread. Cancer-ridden antiquities collector Herod I am often asked if I am fond of children is one of the most haunting characters in an oeuvre not exactly short of them. John OConnell, The Guardian on Sunday .
Burtenshaw's Dark Debut Unveiled
April 2010
The day of publication has finally arrived for the eagerly awaited Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw (6.99 Headline).
With the help of Headlines fantastic trailer (which can be viewed here) there has been huge hype surrounding Jennas debut as bloggers and reviewers jump on the Burtenshaw bandwagon.
From 13th May Wintercraft is taking over www.teentoday.co.uk for 10 days and we are very excited to announce that this July Jenna will be the first author to be featured in Sugar Magazines brand new Book Club.
If you read one UK debut this year, make it Wintercraft www.wondrousreads.com
A must read www.books4teens.co.uk
This book truly shows that there are no boundaries when it comes to true friendship. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. It was full of danger and excitement so you never knew what was going to happen next. Katie Moore, 13 years old
Click here to read more.
***bestseller*** My Single Friend's A Hit With The Girls
April 2010
After its second week of sales Jane Costellos fantastic new novel My Single Friend shot into position No.12 in the Paperback Fiction Bestsellers list.
My Single Friend charted at No.29 in the Bestsellers lists last week only three days after publication, but after another successful week of sales, and over 8000 copies flying off the shelves, My Single Friend has jumped up the Bestseller list.
My Single Friend is Janes third book, following on from the hilarious novel, The Nearly-Weds which was recently presented with the Romantic Comedy of the Year Award by the RNA, beating the likes of Jill Mansells, Rumour Has It.
Read more about My Single Friend at www.janecostello.com
Mega Marketing For Martina
April 2010
Martina Cole's Hard Girls continues to storm the paperback bestseller lists having already notched up record sales in Hardback.
Some of Headlines many many marketing initiatives for Hard Girls have been ground breaking.
First, In Tesco an unprecedented Martina Cole Tower Dump Bin Promotion in 550 stores was placed on the concourse forecourt at store entrances reaching a new market for Martina.
Secondly, WH Smith High Street and WH Smith Travel had an unprecedented promotion where Hard Girls could be bought for 2.99 with any magazine purchased in the store.
Thirdly, in Asda The Hard Way was an Asda Bookclub selection which uniquely included the first chapter of Martinas next novel The Family
Fourthly, a Martina Cole app is just being launched and will be available for free download on the iPhone and iTouch, Its designed in the style of 'entering the world of Martina Cole'. The visuals depicts a desk with relevant items from the book that are interactive, letting you find extra content and is Martina Cole generic.
A Sunny Day For A Summer Fling
April 2010
Milly Johnson has had a successful book launch for her new novel A Summer Fling, at her local library in Barnsley.
In line with the nature of the book being Summer, the event took on a sun theme. Milly gave a talk about inspiration before signing books, giving away Sunny Buns in the form of giant yellow cupcakes, Lush cosmetics, summer reading bundles and lots more sunny yellow gifts.
The library was full to capacity with over 100 Milly Johnson fans turning up to the event, including Tara Hyland, author of Daughters of Fortune.
Milly donated some of the profits made on the day to the Haworth Cat Rescue Charity, of which she is a patron. Selling more than 150 books, 240 was raised and donated.
A Summer Fling is on sale now and has jumped straight into the Tescos Chart at No.9.
***bestseller*** My Single Friend Has Many Fans
April 2010
Jane Costellos My Single Friend has entered in at No.29 in the Bestsellers list after only three days of sales. The superb new novel, which featured in a recent article in The Independent on Sunday, titled Can you judge a book by its cover?, has followed on from Jane's previous book The Nearly- Weds, which won the RNA Romantic Comedy of the Year Award.
At 28, Lucy is doing well for herself. She's got a great job in PR, her boss loves her, and her best girlfriends Dominique and Erin think she's great. More important than anyone's opinion is that of her flatmate, and oldest friend in the world, Henry. For twenty years they've been inseparable: beauty and the geek. Henry thinks the world of Lucy. So why does she feel the need to lie outrageously on dates? From rock-climbing to Chekov: when it comes to prospective boyfriends, Lucy is compelled to embellish her C. V. with unlikely porkies that always backfire - with hilarious results. Henry can't understand it. Lucy is so loveable: why can't she just be herself?
But when Lucy turns the spotlight on Henry, he wishes he'd never brought it up. With a penchant for jumpers and NHS-style specs, Lucy decides that Henry is in need of a makeover - big time. Enlisting the help of Dom and Erin, it's not long before the girls have Henry out of the flat, and into the Topman changing rooms. A new haircut, contact lenses, a flirting master-class from Dom ...poor Henry doesn't know what's hit him. But nothing can prepare them for the surprise results! Before long, Lucy realises that their lives will never be the same again.
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***award Nomination*** The Gates In The Final 10!
April 2010
The Darley Anderson Agency are extremely excited to announce that The Gates, by John Connolly, has been shortlisted for The Bisto Book of the Year Award 2009/10.
The book awards, in partnership with the CBI, (National Organization for Childrens Books in Ireland) sponsored by Bisto, is the most prestigious award of its kind in Ireland. The awards are open to any children's book by an author and/or illustrator born or resident in Ireland, written in Irish or English and published between 1st January and 31st December each year.
John is down to the final 10 contestants. The winner will be announced on Monday 24th May.
Visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie for more details.
***bestseller*** Jack Reaches All Corners Of The World
March 2010
Lee Child has been commanding the charts in all corners of the world, with Jack Reacher topping the New Zealand charts, as well as reaching No.2 on the US Bestsellers list.
Lee's latest book, 61 Hours went straight in at No.1 in the International Bestselling Fiction list in New Zealand. The most recent in the Jack Reacher series, has been following in the footsteps of Lee’s last novel, Killing Floor which on release also went in at No.1. Killing Floor has remained firmly in the charts, currently holding on to the No.7 position.
Along with hugely successful sales of 61 Hours in the UK, Australia and NZ, Lee's previous Jack Reacher Novel, went in at No.2 in The New York Times Bestsellers list. Lee has seen a 30% increase in sales across the US, which is fantastic and unheard of in the current climate.
***bestseller*** Sons And Daughters
March 2010
Margaret Dickinsons latest novel, Sons and Daughters has shot straight in at No6 in the Bookseller Top 20 Fiction Heatseekers list and at No.39 on the overall Bestsellers list.
At the age of 25 Margaret Dickinson began to live her childhood dream of becoming a writer, with the publication of her first novel, Pride of the Courtneys. After the publication of seven more novels, Margaret took a seven year break. However in 1991, with some encouragement from her husband, Margaret picked up her pen again and started to write. She soon found Darley Anderson, renowned for his commercial bestselling successes, who championed her to write a new regionally based saga with strong central female characters. Since this point there has been no looking back.
Margaret's recently completed her latest title, Sons and Daughters, is her 17th book to be published with Macmillan UK, and 25th overall.
To promote this novel, Margaret has embarked on a promotional tour, where she is visiting 28 book shops across the UK. The tour kicked off to a great start in Skegness, on the 5th of March. Margaret moved on from here to Lincoln, where over 200 loyal fans were waiting eagerly to greet her, armed with books for her to sign and over 300 copies of Sons and Daughters were sold.
'When it comes the writing and promotion of her wonderful Sagas, Margarets talent and professionalism is as good as it gets. It's been a real privilege and pleasure to be her Agent.' Darley Anderson
An Author to really value and Cherish, and an extremely genuine and lovely person. Trisha Jackson, Senior Commissioning Editor, Fiction, Pan Macmillan
For more information see: www.margaret-dickinson.co.uk
Killer Campaign For A Spine Chilling Debut
March 2010
Huge thanks to the team at Simon & Schuster for their phenomenal nationwide poster campaign for the The Crucifix Killer by Chris Carter.
The Crucifix Killer is available in paperback from the 18th March.
'impressive Debut' The Guardian
March 2010
We are immensely proud to announce the publication of Chasing the Dead by Tim Weaver. Published on 25th February by Penguin, this thrilling debut is already number 24 on the WH Smith charts and set for great things.
To date foreign rights have been sold in five countries.
Read more about Tim here and a Q&A session with him here.
***bestseller*** Thrilling Sales
March 2010
61 hours stayed emphatically in No.1 position in the UK Hardback Bestsellers list and for the second week running 61 Hours sales eclipsed those of Ian McEwan's literary offering, Solar,in 2nd position.
Says Child in a recent London Evening Standard interview with David Sexton "People think they should really be reading the Ian McEwan but they are reading the Lee Child because they like it better and they feel guilty about that!"
Guilty or not, Lee's second weeks sales, totaled more than the combined figures of Solar and the books in the 3rd and 4th positions.
Here Today: Gone Tomorrow
March 2010
Lee Child’s masterful thriller Gone Tomorrow went straight in at No. 1 in The Sunday Times Paperback Bestseller lists and remained there for two weeks running. Moving into the No. 2 this week
Nearly 30,000 copies of Gone Tomorrow were sold in the UK in THE FIRST THREE DAYS after publication. At the end of the second week on the shelves sales have reached nearly 60,000 copies.
In addition Gone Tomorrow has beaten every other Bestseller Category both this week and last selling more copies than the three other No. 1s combined.
Thirteenth in the Jack Reacher series the hardback of Gone Tomorrow went to No. 1 on both The Sunday Times and The New York Times fiction bestseller lists last year.
'No-one kicks butt quite as entertainingly as Lee Child does'- Kirkus Review
In The Woods: Us Pick Of The Decade
February 2010
Recently, the editors of Amazon US were given the exciting challenge to pick ten books that they felt best represented the past ten years. Tana French's debut novel, In the Woods(2007), was picked as being one of the Top Ten best reads of the 'Noughties'. The psychological thriller was described as being 'among the first we reread when we want to remember what the decade was like'.
Also chosen was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling.
***award Nomination*** EVERYBODY LOVES CATHY
February 2010
Angel Cake by Cathy Cassidy has just been shortlisted for the Red House Children’s Book Award. Angel Cake has made it from the 50 longlisted books down to the final 10 shortlisted.
Cathy told Red house that she thought ‘It’s fantastic! Red House is one of the coolest book awards ever as it is voted for by children…’ Cathy is now off to China for the Beijing International Bookworm Festival.
Martina's A Killing Success On Itv
February 2010
Martina Cole’s Ladykillers, which was first aired on ITV3 last year is the first ITV3 programme EVER to be transferred to ITV1.
It will go out on ITV1 every Tuesday night from 10.30pm for 6 weeks. Ladykillers has been shortlisted for the Royal Television Society awards History Category. All this is perfect timing for Hard Girls paperback publication on 15th April.
***bestseller*** Lesley Pearse Steals The Show
February 2010
In it's sixth week, Lesley Pearse's latest novel Stolen is at No15 in the Bestseller lists. Stolen went in at No3 in its first week only a hundred or so copies behind Dan Brown and James Patterson, at No1.
Sussex, 2003. When a beautiful blonde girl is found half-drowned on a beach, she has no memory of who she is or what horrors have left her there. But an article about her in a Brighton newspaper rings alarm bells for beautician Dale, who shows the police photographs of Lotte Wainright.
The girls met working on a cruise ship and their friendship blossomed as they sailed the seas of South America, until Lotte fell under the sinister influence of an older American couple. To her regret, Dale hasn’t seen Lotte since leaving the ship months earlier... but the girl on the beach – although badly bruised – is indeed her much missed friend.
Their reunion only marks the beginning of a dangerous tidal wave of secrets, lies and nightmares. Where has Lotte been? Who is the man who seems to want to kill her? And what has become of the baby she’s recently given birth to? Dale and Lotte must dig deep and find the strength to hold on against the odds if they are to rebuild their friendship and survive Lotte’s stolen – and deadly – past...