Patricia Cornwell Leaves Penguin for Harpercollins

Posted on August 16, 2013

Patricia Cornwell is leaving Penguin for Hapercollins. William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced it will be publish Cornwell's next two novels, starting next year. Cronwell's next novel, Dust, will be published in November through Penguin Putnam. Her first book with William Morrow will be published in fall of 2014.

The new book deal was negotiated by David Highfill, Vice President and Executive Editor at William Morrow with Esther Newberg of ICM Partners. Highfill edited Portrait of a Killer, Cornwell's bestseller about Jack the Ripper, before he joined William Morrow.

Cornwell said in a statement, "I am extraordinarily excited about the opportunities ahead, and really looking forward to working with the innovative and talented team at William Morrow and HarperCollins."

The Atlantic notes the Cornwell is the first major author to depart Penguin since the Penguin and Random House merger. The Hollywood Reporter says Cornwell's two book deal with William Morrow was worth at least $10 million. THR also says the deal means there will likely be a film about Cornwell's lead character, Kay Scarpetta, in 2015.