Orion strikes four-book deal with Malerman

Orion has struck a four-book deal with the author of Netflix hit "Birdbox" Josh Malerman. 

Emad Akhtar, publishing director at Orion Fiction, has acquired four novels by Malerman. The deal, for UK & Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, was done with Jenny Meyer at Jenny Meyer Literary Agency on behalf of Kristin Nelson at Nelson Literary Agency.

The multi-book deal with Orion is part of a wave of new deals in foreign territories for Malerman, whose work has now been licensed in more than 25 languages.

"Birdbox" has enjoyed 80 million streams worldwide, taking the book (originally published in 2014 by Harper Voyager) to bestseller lists across the world. Malerman was recently shortlisted for the 2018 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel for his last novel, Unbury Carol.

Orion Publishing Group will publish Unbury Carol later this year, and Malerman’s new novel, Inspection, this summer, followed by two new novels which are yet to be announced.

Akhtar said: “Josh is hands down one of the most exciting authors working today. He has a breath-taking imagination, and unparalleled gift for creating propulsive, suspenseful stories that you just can’t put down. I am so excited to be his publisher – to see what he’s going to cook up for years to come, and to be a part of sharing his incredible talent far and wide around the world.”

Jenny Meyer said: “The combination of Josh Malerman, one of my very favourite authors, and Emad Akhtar, an editor whose talents I’ve long admired and enjoyed, feels electrifying in its promise. We are all delighted.”

Malerman said: ”Emad Akhtar is exactly what I dream of in an editor: passion first. I’m wowed to be working with him and feel that, by way of Orion Fiction, I’ve been welcomed into a house I can call home. Can't wait to get rolling with them.”