Book Deals: Week of March 16, 2026

This week’s book deals roundup from Publishers Weekly includes a major six-figure deal for a debut thriller by Samantha Reese, who sold North American rights to Penguin Random House. Veteran mystery author Liam O’Connell also landed a two-book contract with Minotaur Books. In the children’s space, debut author Evelyn Chu sold world rights for her middle-grade fantasy series to HarperCollins. The deals highlight the continued demand for compelling new voices across adult and juvenile genres.

  • Samantha Reese sold North American rights to her debut thriller in a six-figure deal with Penguin Random House
  • Liam O’Connell, an established mystery author, secured a two-book contract with Minotaur Books
  • Debut author Evelyn Chu sold world rights for her middle-grade fantasy series to HarperCollins
📘 Publisher’s Take: These deals highlight the continued strong demand from major publishers for compelling new voices across adult genres like thrillers and mysteries, as well as in the lucrative children’s/YA space. Debut authors should take note – if you have a standout concept and execution, there are still major opportunities to land six-figure advances and multi-book deals, even in a challenging market.

Source: Publishers Weekly  | 
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