Best-selling author signs multi-book contract with Hachette Book Group to 'extend his influence'

Leadership author John Maxwell is on the move, joining with a new publisher for his next book, due in the fall of 2011.

Maxwell recently signed a three-book contract with Hachette Book Group (HBG), leaving longtime publisher Thomas Nelson. The Five Levels of Leadership, based on a series of messages, will release through HBG's Center Street imprint.

"John Maxwell is the world's most influential authority on leadership," said Rolf Zettersten, senior vice president and publisher for Center Street. "His books and speeches on this topic have changed lives and entire organizations. It's an honor to work with him again, and we look forward to publishing his international best-sellers that will extend his influence."

Maxwell has released dozens of titles in the past two decades with Thomas Nelson, including Leadership Gold, Developing the Leader Within You and Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. Michael Hyatt, president of Thomas Nelson, cited the company's "long and productive relationship" with Maxwell, pointing to a strong backlist of the author's titles.

"Though he decided to go with another publisher for his next few books, we still have the bulk of his backlist and intend to be good stewards of that library of marvelous content," Hyatt said. "John and I have spoken since he made the decision, and our friendship remains solid. I am committed to doing everything I can to help him succeed in getting his message to as many people as possible."

Center Street also recently acquired mass-market paperback rights for some of Ted Dekker's previous novels and began releasing them last month. Adam (Thomas Nelson), Dekker's 2008 hardcover thriller, was one of the titles to be released.

Kevin Kaiser, brand manager for Dekker's management company Creative Trust, said the decision to go with Hachette for mass-market rights was to broaden the author's audience.

"It's a straightforward reason: to introduce Dekker thrillers to more readers," he said. "There is a vast audience that buys mass-market editions as a way of trying new authors without the cash outlay of a hardcover. Reaching out to them is a strategic move in growing Ted's brand, and we're excited to be partnered with the experienced team at Hachette."

Last year, Dekker exercised an option in his multi-year Thomas Nelson contract for an annual thriller released by Center Street. This year's title, The Bride Collector, was to be released this month. His next Thomas Nelson title, Immanuel's Veins, is scheduled to release Sept. 7.

Meanwhile, Thomas Nelson recently announced a new contract for three upcoming books by Andy Andrews, author of The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift, which includes two nonfiction titles and The Boy Who Changed the World—a children's book based on his 2009 release, The Butterfly Effect.

Matt Baugher, vice president and publisher for Thomas Nelson, said he believed that the "best is yet to come" from Andrews and "we couldn't be more proud to continue our fortunate publishing relationship with him."