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HarperFiction has acquired four new thrillers by US writer Dean Koontz for a seven-figure sum. Jane Johnson bought UK and commonwealth rights to the books directly from Koontz. The first book is due to be published in July 2010 with the second following in early 2011.
She said: "This represents only two years' publishing with Dean, the most dedicated writer I have ever worked with, who starts his day, every day, at 4:30am."
HarperFiction is bringing out a total of three novels by Koontz this year; two that have already been released – Your Heart Belongs To Me and Relentless – and the final volume in his "modern Frankenstein trilogy" Dead and Alive in August.
Johnson added: "It's wonderful in these difficult times to have an author of Dean's variety, calibre and stature to depend on, and that he should be such a joy to work with is an unlooked for bonus."
Johnson has also acquired rights from US publisher Hyperion to Koontz's account of life with his "beloved" golden retriever, Trixie. Entitled A Big Little Life: A Memoir of A Happy Dog, Harper said this was a book " in a completely different vein" from his other titles, comparing it to bestselling book-turned-film Marley & Me. It is due out as a paperback original in October this year.