Hilary Duff Signs Multi-Book Deal With Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

NEW YORK, March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilary Duff, film and television star, recording artist, clothing designer, and philanthropist, has signed a world rights deal with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers to publish her first-ever young adult fiction series, it was announced today. The first novel in the multiple-book series, entitled Elixir, publishes in hardcover in October 2010. Also part of the deal are world rights for a nonfiction title to be published in spring 2012 concerning the challenges faced by children of divorce--an issue that has touched Duff's own life.

Duff's Elixir combines the overpowering allure of a dangerous love triangle with thrilling international adventure. Clea Raymond is a talented young photojournalist who has spent her entire life in the spotlight as the daughter of a Washington politician and a renowned surgeon.  Haunted by the strange appearance of a mysterious young man in her photographs, Clea travels the globe with her best friends, Rayna and Ben, in a race against time to unravel a centuries-old mystery that could unlock the key to her soulmate's true identity and the secret of her father's disappearance--and ultimately save all their lives.

Says Duff, "I've always loved the escape of a great book, especially one that features a strong, inspiring female character you feel you really understand, someone who could be you, but living a more fascinating life. I'm hoping Elixir will be that kind of book--a novel that will transport readers and open new worlds for them."

Hilary Duff is a multifaceted actress and recording artist whose career began on the popular Disney Channel sitcom, Lizzie McGuire. She has since worked on a number of films and TV series, and most recently appeared in a guest-starring role on Gossip Girl. She has also released three multiplatinum albums as well as a clothing line for DKNY and a bestselling fragrance, With Love... Hilary Duff, for Elizabeth Arden. Hilary's humanitarian work is recognized throughout the world. She is actively involved with the charity Blessings in a Backpack, a program that provides quality nourishment for children who wouldn't otherwise receive it. She has served on the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation and was named Youth Ambassador of Bogota, Colombia. Elixir is her first book.

"Hilary Duff is a multi-talented international sensation and we are positive her leap into young adult books will be an incredible success," said Justin Chanda, VP, Publisher of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. "Elixir is a smart, unique page-turner, and we are thrilled to be able to give Hilary's fans the opportunity to connect with her in an entirely new way."

Justin Chanda negotiated the book deal for Simon & Schuster, with Rob Weisbach and Fonda Snyder of Rob Weisbach Creative Management representing Hilary Duff.  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Executive Editor Emily Meehan will edit the books.

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, one of the leading children's book publishers in the world, is comprised of the following imprints: Aladdin Paperbacks, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Libros para ninos, Little Simon®, Little Simon Inspirations™, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Simon Pulse, Simon Scribbles, and Simon Spotlight®. While maintaining an extensive award-winning backlist, the division continues to publish acclaimed and bestselling books for children of all ages. In addition to numerous Caldecott, Newbery, and National Book Award winners, Simon & Schuster publishes such high-profile properties and series as Eloise, Olivia, Raggedy Ann & Andy™, Henry & Mudge®, The Hardy Boys®, Nancy Drew®, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Nickelodeon's® Dora the Explorer®, Blue's Clues®, and SpongeBob SquarePants®, and Mirage Studios' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™. For more information about Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

Simon & Schuster, a part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com

SOURCE Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing