In a groundbreaking move set to reshape the landscape of science fiction, Tor Publishing Group and Tor UK have announced a monumental multi-book deal with renowned author John Scalzi. The seven-figure agreement will see Scalzi produce an additional ten books, further solidifying his status as one of the genre’s most celebrated voices. This landmark deal underscores both publishers’ commitment to Scalzi’s work and reflects his undeniable impact on contemporary science fiction.
A New Chapter for an Award-Winning Author
John Scalzi, whose work has consistently dominated bestseller lists and earned critical acclaim, is no stranger to high-profile deals. His debut novel, “Old Man’s War”, not only established him as a significant new talent but also earned him the prestigious John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. Since then, Scalzi has become one of the most popular science fiction authors of his generation, with over 4.5 million books in print in the United States alone.
Among his notable works are “The Last Colony”, “Fuzzy Nation”, and “Redshirts”, each contributing to his reputation as a master of inventive and thrilling fiction. His recent releases, including “The Last Emperox”, “The Kaiju Preservation Society”, and “Starter Villain”, have not only topped bestseller lists but also set new records for the fastest-selling Scalzi novels of all time. Scalzi’s upcoming book, “When the Moon Hits Your Eye”, scheduled for release in March 2025, is highly anticipated and promises to continue his streak of success.
A Deal That Defines the Future
The multi-book deal, brokered by Patrick Nielsen Hayden, VP and Editor-At-Large at Tor Publishing Group, and Bella Pagan, Publisher at Tor UK, alongside Scalzi’s agent Ethan Ellenberg of the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency, represents a significant investment in Scalzi’s future. The agreement grants World English rights for ten new books, with the first of this new contract tentatively set for release in 2029.
Scalzi expressed his enthusiasm for the deal, stating, “It’s rare in publishing to get anything close to continuity—authors go from one publishing house to the next. So, I’m especially proud that this contract not only extends my two-decade association with Tor Books but gives us both an opportunity to build on what’s come before and make what comes next even better. We have so much planned in the years ahead. I can’t wait for you all to read it.”
Industry Reactions
Patrick Nielsen Hayden of Tor Publishing Group praised Scalzi’s enduring talent, saying, “It’s fantastic to know that we’ll be in the John Scalzi business for even more years to come. He’s a remarkable writer and I can’t wait to see what he does next.”
Bella Pagan of Tor UK shared her excitement, noting, “I am so thrilled to have acquired an incredible ten further books from John Scalzi. John is incredibly talented—writing exciting, adventurous, and inventive fiction that is always a delight to publish. I always look forward to the wit and verve John brings to his writing, and it will be fantastic to work with Patrick and the Tor US team on these.”
Looking Ahead
This major multi-book deal is not just a testament to John Scalzi’s achievements but also an affirmation of his influence on the science fiction genre. As he prepares to embark on this new literary journey, both Tor Publishing Group and Tor UK are poised to benefit from the continued success and innovation Scalzi brings to his storytelling. With his next book, “When the Moon Hits Your Eye”, already generating excitement, Scalzi’s future in the science fiction realm looks brighter than ever.
As the publishing world eagerly awaits the release of Scalzi’s next works, it’s clear that this deal marks a new era of creativity and collaboration, promising readers more of the compelling and imaginative narratives that have become synonymous with John Scalzi’s name.
