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Publishers Bank On a 007 Comeback

Bond franchise hoping new author can leave book sales, fans stirred

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted May 8, 2008 1:55 PM CDT

(Newser) – This year is the centenary of author Ian Fleming's birth, but while Daniel Craig gave the James Bond movie franchise a much-needed recharge, sales of the 007 books haven't caught up. Now, the Wall Street Journal reports, the Fleming estate has commissioned respected writer Sebastian Faulks to pen a new Bond novel, Devil May Care, with an ambitious first US printing of 250,000. 

The last Bond books have sold pitifully, and their attempts to make Bond contemporary proved unpalatable. Faulks is returning Bond to the days of the Cold War, and publisher Doubleday has gone all-out with promotion. One Barnes and Noble buyer has high hopes for the title: "The downturn in the economy has prompted a demand for escapist fare," he said.

British novelist Sebastian Faulks at his office in London, Aug. 23, 2007. Sebastian Faulks was awarded the CBE in 2002, he has written many novels including Birdsong, Charlotte Gray and he has become the latest author to write an official James Bond novel, Devil May Care, at the request of...
British novelist Sebastian Faulks at his office in London, Aug. 23, 2007. Sebastian Faulks was awarded the CBE in 2002, he has written many novels including Birdsong, Charlotte Gray and he has become...   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Ian Fleming, best-selling  British author and creator of James Bond, is seen in this 1962 file photo.
Ian Fleming, best-selling British author and creator of James Bond, is seen in this 1962 file photo.   (AP Photo/File)
The new James Bond novel has been written by Sebastian Faulks.
The new James Bond novel has been written by Sebastian Faulks.   (AP Photo/Sony Pictures, Karen Ballard)
British novelist Sebastian Faulks at his office in London, Aug. 23, 2007. Sebastian Faulks was awarded the CBE in 2002, he has written many novels including Birdsong, Charlotte Gray and he has become the latest author to write an official James Bond novel, Devil May Care, at the request of...
British novelist Sebastian Faulks at his office in London, Aug. 23, 2007. Sebastian Faulks was awarded the CBE in 2002, he has written many novels including Birdsong, Charlotte Gray and he has become...   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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