This morning Booktrade.info broke the news that not only is J.K. Rowling, who should need no introduction as the bestselling author of the Harry Potter books, beginning work on a brand new not-related-to-Harry–Potter novel, she’s signed with a new publishing company in order to do it.
Said Rowling of the switch, and her new novel:
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. 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.
Rowling’s Harry Potter publisher in the US, for what it’s worth, is Arthur A. Levine Books, a company only a year older than the Harry Potter books themselves.
As for the content of that new novel (as if you weren’t already skimming this article to read that part first), we’ve got no hints at all, except that it will be her first novel intended for adults. So, adults out there who grew up loving the Harry Potter books… well, you won’t be getting another any time soon. But you will be getting a novel aimed at your age group, so that’s something interesting and new to look forward to.
As someone who (controversial opinion ahoy) lost some of my earlier enthusiasm for the Harry Potter books when they reached the point at which they were written for an audience younger than the characters in them, I’m  even more interested in seeing what Rowling has up her sleeve for a grown audience. I do so hope it’s fantasy fiction. Heck, even sci-fi.
Also, I’d like to wave hi to Alanna, former The Mary Sue intern and devout Harry Potter fan, whom I’m sure is reading this and shaking her head sagely at my opinions. Hi Alanna!
Update: jkrowling.com has updated its front page with a useful form that anyone can use to sign up for updates on Ms. Rowling’s new novel.
(via The Daily What.)
