The global publishing world is buzzing with fresh deal activity as major houses and independent presses snap up rights to the next wave of highly anticipated titles. In one of the most watched weekly roundups, editors and agents clashed in auctions and negotiations that reveal not just which books are next on readers’ lists but how publishing priorities are evolving across genres and markets.
In the week ending February 23, Flatiron Books captured the adult fiction debut Conjure the Bones by Dhonielle Clayton in a high-profile auction, signaling a strong industry interest in genre-bending narratives that resonate with diverse readerships. In the same deal spree, Summit Publishing secured The Book of Contraband by Pablo Maurette, an award-winning literary novel that blends family saga with historical crime storytelling, translated into English for global distribution.
Not far behind, Putnam made waves with its acquisition of Tea & Time Loops by Amanda Williams, a debut that industry insiders describe as “queer cozy fantasy meets cozy mystery.” Set for publication in spring 2027, this two-book deal underscores the rising commercial appetite for stories that combine comfort, queer representation, and genre innovation — a trend increasingly shaping acquisition strategies.
Earlier in February, publishers also chased high-profile sequels and legacy franchises. Grand Central and Crown struck deals for adult continuations tied to beloved series, including a new Blair Waldorf novel that revisits fans’ favorite Upper East Side characters years after the original hit series concluded. These acquisitions reflect a broader trend of reinvigorating established intellectual properties to capture both nostalgic and new audiences.
Across the Atlantic, independent and regional markets are also experiencing vigorous rights trades. HarperCollins expanded its footprint with ANZ rights to several narrative nonfiction projects, while Text Publishing in Australia scooped up the intriguing psychological verse novel Night Swimming by Sharon Kernot. Other regional imprints, from Riveted Press to Hardie Grant Books, are diversifying their lists with middle-grade fantasies, gastronomic memoirs, and other distinct voices poised to reach global readers. This surge of international rights deals highlights the globalization of storytelling and the breaking down of market silos in publishing.
The earlier weeks of 2026 were equally busy: notable acquisitions included Karen Kosztolnyik at Grand Central preempting rights to Blair by Gossip Girl creator Cecily von Ziegesar and Disney Hyperion acquiring a contemporary YA novel poised for strong crossover appeal. Such moves show how publishers are balancing investment in both big-name authors and emergent voices.
This flurry of deals comes amid a broader shift in the industry where audio-first acquisitions are gaining traction, with publishers increasingly recognizing audiobooks and serialized audio as strategic markets rather than supplemental formats. While this trend was noted late last year, its implications continue to unfold as publishers expand their rights portfolios to include audio and multimedia adaptations alongside traditional print deals.
What these deal movements reveal is more than a snapshot of contracts signed; they map the evolving priorities of readers and industry professionals alike. From cozy fantasy to award-winning world literature, from sequel-driven expansion to innovative format experiments, the story behind 2026’s early publishing deals is one of strategic diversity and expanding global resonance.
For authors, agents, and book lovers around the world, the latest roundups of publishing rights and acquisitions offer a clear sign: the literary marketplace is dynamic, competitive, and ready to bring fresh voices and long-anticipated works to bookshelves everywhere.
