JK Rowling Working on New “More Adult” Book

JK Rowling is treading back into the literary sphere, but she’s not bringing any Harry Potter sequels, prequels, or spinoffs with her. Little, Brown and Company announced today its acquisition and intent to publish a new Rowling novel, but one for grownups.

“Although I’ve enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different to the Harry Potter series,” Rowling said in a statement. “The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry’s success has brought me.”

Rowling’s work on the new novel breaks the author’s now-five year hiatus since the publication of the final Potter book, Deathly Hallows. The Potter series was published by Bloomsbury and others across the world (Scholastic in the U.S.), and though the Potter series brought Rowling worldwide fame and success, the switch the a new publisher is, in her eyes, appropriate for the new novel.

“…it seemed a logical progression to have a new publisher. I am delighted to have a second publishing home in Little, Brown, and a publishing team that will be a great partner in this new phase of my writing life,” she said.

The first Harry Potter novel, Sorcerer’s Stone, was released in 1998. Six more came after, and the series quickly became the fastest-selling books in history. They’ve been translated into 70 languages, and have been adapted into a successful and star-studded film franchise. In 2007, Deathly Hallows sold 11 million copies on its first day of publication.

Can Rowling do it again?