Paula Deen Gets New Publisher

Celebrity chef Paula Deen–who was dropped, amid scandal, by Random House in 2013–has struck a sales and distribution agreement with Hachette Book Group for distribution of all of the culinary star’s titles, released under her Paula Deen Ventures label, throughout the globe.

Deen fell out with Random House after she suffered an onslaught of negative press a few years ago which led to, among other things, Deen’s products being dropped by major chains like Target and Wal-Mart. The stream of negative publicity came after Deen admitted to using a racial slur in a deposition.

The new titles on the PDV list will, according to Hachette, lean towards “healthier recipes.” In September PDV will release the new book Paula Deen Cuts the Fat; PDV will also be reissuing some of Deen’s backlist titles, such as The Lady & Sons and A Savanna Country Cookbook.

While questions may linger about Deen’s appeal, post-scandal, Hachette feels the star may have weathered the storm, and commented, that Deen’s “trademark warmth and culinary flair are as appealing as ever” and that her “dedicated fan base is eager for more from her.”

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Page to Screen

A slew of sensational books are heading to the big screen this year. Here’s what to look for during the second half of 2014.

The Hundred Foot Journey by Richard Morais will delight culinary enthusiasts with its delicious French setting. Not only does it star Helen Mirren, but it’s produced by Oprah AND Steven Spielberg. Lois Lowry’s The Giver is finally screen bound, with Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep and Taylor Swift. Comedy lovers, Jonathan Tropper’s “This is Where I leave you” is the tale of a guy forced to sit shiva with his astoundingly dysfunctional family. With Jason Bateman and Tina Fey, we’re gonna love it. 2 Gillian Flynn titles are cineplex bound. Dark Places starring Charlize Theron, and Gone Girl with Ben Affleck. December will showcase …Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl? Hmmm….the jury’s out.

Know before you go. Get the literary 411 on my show The Book Report.