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Serial Winner

James Patterson is an extremely prolific author, and, more importantly, a phenomenally popular one in the United States and throughout the world. Published by Little, Brown and Company, a subsidiary of Hachette Book Group USA, he released no fewer than six books in 2007, including five thrillers: Step on a Crack, The 6th Target, The Quickie, You’ve Been Warned and Double Cross. All occupied the No. 1 position on the New York Times bestseller list when released, a feat never before achieved by a single author in the period of a year. He also authored a book for young people titled Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, also published by Little, Brown. According to the publisher’s calculations, one hardcover book out of every 15 purchased in the United States last year was a novel by James Patterson! In December, Little, Brown signed a contract with Patterson for his next 20 books.

Saga Africa

As a result of a call for tenders issued by the Belgian Technical Cooperation Agency on behalf of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Hachette Livre International submitted a tender in 2006 under the Edicef brand to supply a French textbook for use by second- and third-year primary-school pupils. The textbook proposed by Hachette Livre International, which was specially edited to reflect specific national objectives and level requirements, won the call for tenders at the end of 2006.
It wasn’t until June 2007, however, that the administrative and legal barriers were lifted, permitting the printing to begin in China and Spain.
In September, just in time for the new school year, nearly four million copies were delivered to the DRC via a vast transport operation involving the use of planes, boats, trucks, bicycles – and even dugout canoes!