Today's Read Contributor The week ending January 12, 2026, saw an uptick in significant rights acquisitions and book deals within the U.S. publishing industry, signaling a robust start to the year. Publishers Weekly, a leading trade publication, highlighted a range of high-profile deals that reflect both editorial confidence and a strong investment in future catalogs across both adult and children’s markets.
One of the standout transactions of the week was Putnam’s acquisition of North American rights to What Hungers in the Dark by Monika Kim. This highly anticipated novel, which has already generated considerable buzz in literary circles, explores dark themes through a unique narrative structure, and its acquisition signals Putnam’s commitment to adding bold, literary voices to its portfolio. Meanwhile, Bloomsbury continued to build its list with a two-book deal for Rebecca Flint Marx’s upcoming novels. Known for her compelling storytelling, Marx’s upcoming works promise to captivate readers, and this deal reflects Bloomsbury’s ongoing interest in fresh voices that bring new perspectives to the literary scene.
In another major deal, Ballantine secured a multi-book agreement with K.L. Speer, a writer whose past works have found a dedicated audience. Speer’s novels are noted for their intricate plots and character-driven narratives, and Ballantine’s investment highlights the growing trend of multi-book deals with established authors who consistently deliver compelling stories to readers.
Meanwhile, Dell made headlines with its acquisition of Romantasyland, a genre-defying novel by Emma MacDonald. Blending romance with fantasy elements, the book is expected to appeal to a wide audience, particularly fans of cross-genre fiction. Dell’s acquisition signals the ongoing popularity of genre-blending stories that continue to dominate the market. Montlake also entered into a deal for My Neighbor, the Assassin by Michelle Heard, a novel that combines elements of mystery, romance, and suspense, further illustrating the demand for gripping, fast-paced narratives.
In the children’s book sector, the week was marked by a surge in rights acquisitions for interactive and illustrated titles, reflecting ongoing investment in the youth publishing market. These deals signal that publishers are not only focusing on traditional storybooks but are also looking to expand their catalogs to include more engaging, interactive content for young readers. Whether in the form of picture books, graphic novels, or innovative formats that incorporate digital and interactive elements, children’s publishing continues to evolve to meet the changing tastes and expectations of young readers and their families.
This flurry of activity in both adult and children’s publishing underscores a healthy level of editorial confidence and strategic investment in future catalogs. Publishers are not only securing well-established authors but are also looking for fresh voices, diverse genres, and stories that resonate with a wide array of readers. The strength and variety of the deals reflect the industry’s readiness to adapt to market trends and respond to the demands of a changing readership. As we move further into 2026, the momentum in the publishing world suggests a promising year for both emerging and established authors alike, with a continued focus on high-quality, engaging content across all genres.
