HarperCollins signs Agatha Christie global deal until 2030

HarperCollins Publishers has signed a new global deal with Agatha Christie Ltd to continue its exclusive English language publishing relationship until 2030. 

The company has been Christie’s publisher since The Murder of Roger Ackroyd was published under imprint William Collins in 1926, and the deal for print, digital and audio formats continues one of the longest-running partnerships in publishing history.

HarperCollins’ sales of Agatha Christie have exceeded 10 million copies since the last contract renewal in 2010, growing each year to a peak of more than 3 million copies at the time of the "Murder on the Orient Express" movie from Fox, according to HarperCollins.

"The additional success of commissioning author Sophie Hannah to write an ongoing series of Hercule Poirot novels has brought new enthusiasm for the whole Agatha Christie canon among both readers and retailers,” the publisher said.

"With the new deal taking Agatha Christie through the milestone of more than a century of book publishing, HarperCollins continues to work closely with Agatha Christie Limited to create synergies with their innovative programme of film, television, and other licensing activity, with ambitious plans for the years ahead shaped by an ever-evolving publishing landscape."

Charlie Redmayne, c.e.o. of HarperCollins UK, said: "Agatha Christie is the Queen of Crime and I am very proud that her reign will continue at HarperCollins into a second century, her extraordinary influence and appeal undimmed."

Brian Murray, president and c.e.o., HarperCollins Publishers, said: "We’re thrilled to continue the amazing relationship between Agatha Christie and her editor, publisher and friend, William Collins, that began in 1926 and led to one of the most prolific and enduring partnerships of the last century.”

James Prichard, chairman and c.e.o. of Agatha Christie Ltd, said: "I am delighted that the strong partnership between ACL and HarperCollins will continue into the next decade. HarperCollins' ongoing dedication to Christie’s works, and their innovation in publishing, ensure that new audiences continue to discover my great grandmother’s timeless stories."