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Amazon has bought its second publishing company in the US—acquiring publication rights to 3,000 backlist titles from family-run publishing company Avalon Books.
Amazon now plans to digitise the romance, mystery and Western-themed books, publishing them under its AmazonEncore, AmazonCrossing, Montlake Romance, Thomas & Mercer and 47North imprints.
It is the second time Amazon has acquired the publishing rights to an entire publishing list—last December the etailer acquired 450 children’s titles published by Marshall Cavendish.
Avalon was founded in 1950 by Thomas Bouregy and is now run by his daughter Ellen Bouregy Mickelsen, who said she took the decision to sell the rights to Amazon to reach a new digital market and because it was time for her to “explore the next chapter” of her life.
“I chose Amazon Publishing because they care deeply about the writers, readers, and categories that have long mattered to our family business and they are uniquely positioned to assure that our titles make the leap forward into the digital future,” Mickelsen said. “I am pleased they have asked me to assist during a period of transition to provide continuity and support for our authors.”
Philip Patrick, director of business development, rights and licensing for Amazon, added: “Avalon has a long tradition in publishing wonderful stories that affirm a positive way of life. We are thrilled to have these talented writers join our publishing program.
"None of these titles have been digitized yet and we know Kindle customers will delight in this great new offering.”