Actor Gene Hackman has sealed a deal to publish his next novel with Pocket Books. Entitled Jubal’s Bounty, the new Western takes place in 19th century of New Mexico–recounting the adventures of “a brave young hero who is forced to take the law into his own hands after the murder of his family.”

Deputy publisher Anthony Ziccardi acquired the worldwide rights to the book, and the deal was negotiated by Noah Lukeman of Lukeman Literary Management. The book will be published in July 2011.

Here’s more about Hackman’s literary career, from the release: “Prior to Jubal’s Bounty, Hackman co-authored three novels, Wake of the Perdido Star (1999), Justice for None (2004), and Escape from Andersonville (2008) and received critical acclaim for his historically accurate, elegant writing.”

Today Simon & Schuster announced that they will unite two imprints–Pocket Books hardcover and trade paperbacks, and Simon Spotlight Entertainment–into a single imprint called Gallery Books.

In a memo, CEO Carolyn Reidy explained the changes: “Gallery will be an immediate leader in those areas where Pocket Books and SSE have already forged well-earned reputations, such as women’s fiction, pop culture and entertainment. As with our other imprints, Gallery will also operate with a mandate to acquire top authors and hot prospects in a broad range of publishing categories, both fiction and nonfiction.”

With the changes, Pocket Books’ Louise Burke will now serve as publisher at Gallery. Anthony Ziccardi will be the imprint’s VP and deputy publisher, while Jen Bergstrom will serve as editor-in-chief. They intend to launch the new imprint in Spring 2010. Click here to read a PDF copy of a staff memo from Burke about the changes.