Norwegian Bestseller in the Making

Norwegian book publisher Cappelen Damm scored a coup when it signed up the book rights for children's novel The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens, which was the talk of the recent Bologna Book Fair. Not only did Cappelen Damm secure the Norwegian rights, it managed to get them before the book fair even started.

The book, the debut novel of Stephens, has received a lot of buzz in the industry. The first in a planned series, it is being described as a cross between C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, with elements of Harry Potter and Roald Dahl. Overseas rights have been selling for huge amounts, with one Italian publisher having  paid USD 1 million for the Italian rights.

Publishing Manager John Erik Riley of Cappelen Damm's children and young adult division is very excited about the book. "In my job I read many books of this type," Riley says. "This book stands out for many reasons: It is clearly and simply written, yet distinct and has emotionally engaging characters. I sat down one evening before the fair and started to read. I couldn't put the book down. I think it will find many enthusiastic readers in Norway."