Tyra Banks Signs Multi-Book Deal With Delacorte Press

(Press Release) NEW YORK, May 11, PRNewswire — Delacorte Press has acquired MODELLAND, the first novel in a three-book series written by international, entertainment, and media icon Tyra Banks, it was announced today by Beverly Horowitz, Vice-President and Publisher, Delacorte Press. Drawing from an area of expertise she is avidly passionate about, Tyra's MODELLAND is the story of a teen girl in a make-believe society who finds herself competing for a way of life that's both hotly desired and woefully out of reach at an academy for Intoxibellas, the most exceptional models known to humankind. As the plot unfolds, readers will uncover lessons that are buried beneath the surface of this magical world. The premise of the 3-part fantasy series is deeply rooted in Tyra's core mission of expanding the definitions of beauty. In MODELLAND, Tyra's innate ability to connect with women on issues ranging from relationships to body image finds a natural extension to the page. MODELLAND will launch in summer 2011 and will be supported by a major national marketing and publicity campaign.

Executive Editor Wendy Loggia acquired the three-book series for Delacorte from Andy McNicol of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. Loggia, editor of the bestselling series Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares and Fallen by Lauren Kate, will also edit Banks. "When we read the proposal, we immediately loved it," says Loggia. "That it was from an icon like Tyra Banks made it a publishing opportunity like none other. Readers will be drawn to the books for the very same reasons they love Tyra — her adventuresome spirit, her sincere desire to empower females of all ages, and her unique success in the fashion world are very much present in the story. MODELLAND is hands-down the FIERCEST thing Delacorte will be publishing in 2011."

"We're delighted to partner with Tyra," says Horowitz. "Tyra is passionate about reading and in MODELLAND she combines a powerful and positive message with a fun and surreal story that will resonate with readers of all ages."

This marks the first fiction foray into publishing for Bankable Enterprises, which includes Bankable Productions, Bankable Digital and Bankable Studios — which serve as strategic platforms for the continued development of the MODELLAND series.

Delacorte Press is an imprint of Random House Children's Books, the world's largest English-language children's trade book publisher. Random House Children's Books is a division of Random House, Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG, a leading international media company.