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BBC commissions audio-only titles

05.10.07 Anna Richardson

BBC Audiobooks is commissioning original books exclusively for audio format, starting with the Sarah Jane Adventures audiobooks, The Glittering Storm and The Thirteenth Stone.

The titles, by Steve Cole and Justin Richards, are based on "The Sarah Jane Adventures", a "Doctor Who" spin-off which started on BBC1 in September, and will be released on 5th November. They will be available only on audio, marking the start of a new commissioning strand for the publisher, which will also see the release of new stories for BBC series "Torchwood" and "Doctor Who".

Jan Paterson, BBC Audiobooks publishing director, said the decision to ask authors to write directly for audio was made in response to demand for new material from "Doctor Who" and its spin-offs. "Our sales expectations are greater on [the audio-only titles], because you can't get the story anywhere else," he added. Depending on market demand, the publisher will develop its audio-only list further in the future.

BBC Audiobooks has also commissioned a new drama adaptation of Robert Rankin's Brightonomicon (Gollancz) specifically tailored for the audio format. Production is underway and has gained more than 1,000 fans online through Facebook, Myspace and the production's website.

Audio Anna Richardson BBC

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