18 Sep 08

Publishing giant plans major book series for new teen and tween property

It looks as if 2009 is going to be the year of Scarlett & Crimson! Already Coolabi’s exciting new girls’ property aimed at the teen and tween market is wowing would-be licensees. And now the sassy, friendly, non-conforming girls who share a close friendship and all each other’s secrets are looking forward to their first foray into print.

Following the announcement of a major publishing deal with consumer publishing giant Simon and Schuster for the US, Canada and the UK, it has now been confirmed that no fewer than 16 Scarlett & Crimson books are planned.  The book series will be launched in the UK with two full-colour fiction titles with more to follow in Spring 2010.

The core audience for the books is expected to be girls aged between 10 and 14 for whom research has shown the themes of strong individual style and deep friendships have the most resonance.

The stories, already in development, will bring the Scarlett & Crimson themes of friendship, individuality and humour to illustrated narratives. The illustrations will employ the offbeat, original look and style developed by the property’s creator Ged Backland and Coolabi, the company that co-owns and licenses the property. This will be brought together with a compelling narrative that focuses on the two girls’ independence, coupled with a sharp wit and sense of style. The Los Angeles-based writing team behind the Scarlett & Crimson books is highly experienced with credits that include Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Smallville, Lizzie McGuire and Charmed.

 Elisa Offord, Marketing & PR Director, Simon and Schuster UK Ltd, says, ‘We’re delighted to be publishing this exciting range of books in the UK.   A combination of strong friendship values, edgy and stylish attitude and positive self-expression ensures huge appeal to tweenagers everywhere’

Janet Woodward, Head of Licensing for Coolabi, adds: “The fact that this series of books has attracted both an amazing writing team and one of the most famous and respected names in publishing underlines the extraordinary potential of this exciting property. We really believe that 2009 could be the year of Scarlett & Crimson.”