J.K. Rowling doesn’t have to cast a spell to hook prospective readers to her new book.
Announced Feb. 23, Rowling will write an adult novel through Little, Brown & Company publishing. The details of the book, including the plot, title and release date are unknown.
The announcement sent the Internet into a frenzy and generated tons of publicity for Rowling — not that she needs it.
Having sold more than 400 million copies of the “Harry Potter” novel series worldwide, Rowling already has an established audience for any work she releases.
Alvin C. Burns, marketing department chair and undergraduate advisor, said Rowling doesn’t need a marketing strategy to drum up buzz.
“She’s so well known,” Burns said. “I’m sure nine out of 10 people could tell you who she is. It’s easy for people to get excited about [her new book].”
Burns said Rowling has a lot of press and a large following, so the segment of the population that reads her books would be more knowledgeable and eager for her new book.
“She should just write it and have a gala event,” Burns said.
June Pulliam, an English professor who teaches a class called “The Fictional World of Harry Potter Readings and Viewings,” isn’t sure what to expect from Rowling’s next endeavor.
“She’s a gifted writer and is extremely knowledgeable about mythology, so it will be interesting to see if those same types of themes will be found in her next book,” Pulliam said in an e-mail. “I don’t even know if the next proposed book will be fantasy or realistic fiction.”
Marcie Terry, kinesiology freshman, and Katie Zimmerman, psychology freshman, both said the buzz created from Rowling’s announcement is good to gain readership.
“I’m so obsessed with ‘Harry Potter,'” Terry said. “I think [Rowling’s new book] is cool. She has the right to write another book.”
Zimmerman said she gave up on the Potter series after reading the first two novels.
“They were too long, but I will probably read her new book if it’s good,” Zimmerman said. “It’s a really good marketing strategy. She should not have to be defined by ‘Harry Potter.'”
Psychology sophomore Taurinesha White also plans on reading the new book once it’s released.
“It could be successful. … You never know because of how great a writer she was,” White said. “Her audience was mostly kids, and she has a huge fan base.”
Along with her book announcement, Rowling said she will also expand her online “Pottermore” site.
“Pottermore” has partnered with OverDrive, a digital eBook and audio book distributor, to make the series available for public and school libraries.
The eBooks will be offered in more than 20 languages and will be supported by many devices such as the Barnes & Noble Nook and Android phones.
West Baton Rouge Parish Library currently participates in the OverDrive network and will offer electronic versions of the “Potter” novels.
 
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Contact Raylea Barrow at [email protected]