Monday, 4 April 2011

Digital Potter due to take in £100million

JK ROWLING could rake in £100million if she agrees to release ebook versions of her best-selling Harry Potter books.

The author, who ruled out the electronic format for years, will net millions when she sells the rights to publish the iconic series for iPads and Kindles.

Yesterday, her agent hinted ebook versions of the seven Potter novels will get the green light.
And publishing industry experts said they will transform the electronic market and easily net the author £100million.


Lawyer Neil Blair, of the Christopher Little Agency who represent Rowling, said: "We are continuing with our evaluation of all options relating to Harry Potter ebooks."

Rowling's spokeswoman said: "The ebook format is now something that is being actively considered."
Rowling's fortune is estimated at £620million but Liz Thomson, editor of book industry website BookBrunch, said ebooks would give her another windfall.

She said: "I wouldn't be too surprised if the rights for the ebooks are sold for £100million.
"Experts believe the move could revolutionise the world of electronic publishing, triggering rocketing sales of ebook readers such as the Kindle and the iPad."

Professor Claire Squires, director of Stirling University's centre for international publishing and communication, said: "The rights to the ebooks would be worth millions of pounds.

"It is akin to the Beatles allowing their music to be launched on iTunes - it really is that important.
"JK Rowling has been very protective of her novels, and rightly so, but this signals a real sea change in her attitudes."

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