Audrey Niffenegger Receives Huge Advance For Second Novel

NEW YORK — In a time of cost-cutting in the publishing industry, wallets opened wide for a long-awaited second novel.

Audrey Niffenegger's "Her Fearful Symmetry," her first book since the million-selling "The Time Traveler's Wife," has been acquired by Scribner and will be published in September, spokesman Brian Belfiglio said Tuesday.

The advance was at least $4 million, according to two publishing officials with knowledge of the negotiations. They declined to be named, saying they were not authorized to discuss financial details.

Virtually all of the major publishers had bid for the novel, the story of twin American girls who live near a cemetery in London. "Time Traveler's Wife," published by MacAdam/Cage, came out in 2003.

Scribner is an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

Comments

[timetraveler2039]

Sorry to tell you that I thought the first book was tedious and boring and certainly will not buy this new one. I listened to "the Time Traveler's Wife" on audio while I was working. I kept listening hoping there was a "there" there -- right now am listening to "The Piano Tuner" - wonderful book, great language - from experience I can tell you there are many books out there which are far more enjoyable!

[Razril]

Wow. So I'm the only one who didn't like The Time Traveler's Wife? The premise was interesting, and I was pretty engaged through the first half of the novel. After that, I started expecting to feel the love between the two characters (they've been together long enough), but I never did even until the end.

The story was interesting, but I thought the novel was overly long, and found myself skimming through the pages with the million definitions of groceries, obscure punk rock bands, street-by-street directions, and long, drawn-out pool games that meant nothing to the story.

I hope she gets better on her second novel. I'm skeptical but I'm still not counting her out.

[k1k2lee]

I loved her first book. I cried through the whole last 50 pages. It was delicious.

[Budokan]

I didn't read it but I heard lots of good buzz about the first novel.

http://kennethmarkhoover.com

[skyeapril]

Loved the unique progression of the plot in her first book. Hope the second is equally entertaining.

[mediamarv]

One of my all time favorite books. The structure was so inspired, it could only come from a very organized mind (and a good computer database).
I genuinely hope her next is as good a read. I turn to good books to clear my head of all the negativity that abounds in media these days.

[whit4brains]

I absolutely LOVED her first novel and will definitely be reading anything she puts out in the future.

[ManoftheWest]

Ms. Niffenegger -- unlike many CEOs -- has earned her success.

If we are, indeed, in a depression, we might see a rebirth in American fiction that is relevant to our times.

A little escapism wouldn't hurt either.

[ella52]

Loved her first book. Hope the second is as great.

[motherofsons]

wow. Not a fan of her first book-made for tv move script. If she stays true to form, the next book will be hit too. No thank you.

[Imzadi]

My Spouse and I both enjoyed her first novel very much. The premise of the 2nd book sounds interesting and we are definitely looking forward to its release.

[Bubbas]

She seems relatively happy in the photo.

[Lurker50]

LOL