Ian Cameron Esslemont sells four books to Transworld

Canadian-born Alaskan archaeologist/writer Ian Cameron Esslemont sold World rights for a four-book Malaz series to Simon Taylor of Transworld Publishers (London) via agent John Jarrold. Jarrold reports that the deal was "for a strong five-figure sum in UK pounds." The first book, Stonewielder, is due September 2009 for publication in 2010.

Esslemont created the Malaz world with Steven Erikson, and with Erikson, co-wrote Night on Knives and its sequel, Return of the Crimson Guard, both of which were originally published by Transworld.

"I'm really delighted about this deal," Jarrold said. "Simon Taylor and Transworld have shown their long-term belief in Cam Esslemont, at a time when much of the publishing world is wringing its hands over its shorter-term problems."