Especially as the reports come in of a record second quarter operating income of $77 million, an increase of $15 million (and almost 25%) over the same period from just a year ago. What's responsible? Sales of the NARNIA books, the continued success of FREAKONOMICS as well as John Grogan's MARLEY and ME and Michael Crichton's STATE OF FEAR. Total book publishing sales rose from $377 million to $390 million.

Meanwhile, the Bookseller reports the company's UK offices have just created a new non-fiction imprint, Harper Non-Fiction, bringing together strands of HarperEntertainment and Thorsons Element. The imprint will be spearheaded by Belinda Budge, who takes on the role of managing director and publisher on March 1. She said: "The newly created non-fiction division truly makes us a force to be reckoned with and gives us outstanding buying and commissioning power. I'm looking forward to extending our diverse and eclectic list of top bestsellers."