Effective October 1, Simon & Schuster will be the exclusive distributor of Hallmark Publishing in e-book and print editions. The division of Crown Media Family Networks publishes mostly romances and mysteries, including originals and titles that draw on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
Hallmark Publishing launched as a digital publisher in 2017 and has since expanded into paperback offerings available at major book retailers nationwide. Two of its original novels, Wrapped Up in Christmas by Janice Lynn and Country Hearts by Cindi Madsen, were USA Today bestsellers. Another title, The Secret Ingredient by Nancy Naigle, was adapted into a Hallmark Channel original movie and others are in development.
Later this year, Hallmark Publishing will release three new Christmas novels: Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson, Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn, and Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy by Nancy Naigle.
Stacey Donovan, director of Hallmark Publishing, commented: "Hallmark Publishing has expanded swiftly from a digital publisher to a multi-faceted publishing house with books in major retail channels. We are delighted to partner with such an experienced and well-known publishing distributor as Simon & Schuster as we continue to grow our business."
Michael Perlman, v-p, general manager of Simon & Schuster Publisher Services, said about Hallmark Publishing: "One of the best-known brands in the media business, they have made great progress with their publishing program in just a few short years. We look forward to working together to take their business to new levels."