Simon & Schuster Children’s Books has signed a major new six-book deal with Ben Miller, securing the fast-growing middle-grade children's author until 2025 and expanding his publishing range.

The six-book World English language deal was acquired by Rachel Denwood, Managing Director at S&S Children’s Books, from Luigi Bonomi at LBA with Lucy Pearse, Fiction Editorial Director, to edit. The deal comprises three new standalone middle grade adventures, two further Christmas books to seal Miller as the King of Classic Christmas alongside the soon to be published Diary of A Christmas Elf, and his first picture book.

First published in November 2018 Miller became an instant success with young readers and gatekeepers. His total UK sales now exceed 200,000 copies with every one of his books hitting the Sunday Times bestseller charts. Miller is the fastest growing children’s fiction author jumping 33 places up the fiction author chart since first publication. His most recent release, The Day I Fell into a Fairytale, saw a 204% hardback and 194% paperback sales growth against his previous title.

In 2021, Miller will publish two highly anticipated titles: body swap adventure How I Became A Dog Called Midnight, and classic festive fun, Diary of A Christmas Elf. Both books are illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini, supported by an expansive marketing and PR campaign that will see Miller on national television and the book advertised across national rail and press.

Miller is already well known to television viewers with appearances on much-loved shows such as Death in Paradise and Bridgerton. He has appeared in both Paddington movies and this summer, ITV has given the hallowed Sunday evening spot to his crime drama Professor T.

Denwood said: “We are thrilled to be publishing more wonderful books by Ben Miller and to be extending this hugely rewarding and fun partnership for years to come. Ben opens up a world of wonder for children and his exciting, elegant storytelling is thrilling, timeless and enduring. I believe he is the next major, lasting star of Children’s Fiction. A talent brimming with ideas and a passion for quality children’s storytelling, we are so proud to publish Ben.”

Miller says: ‘I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than writing for children, and I’m so grateful to the exceptional team at Simon & Schuster for making my lifelong dream of becoming a children’s author come true. Here’s to many more magical adventure stories that fire young imaginations and bring families together through the joy of reading!’