I feel like this has been going on for a while.

Do you want to write a Dark Crystal prequel? by EileenAlphabet on 2013-09-30 09:16:00 UTC Reply

Well, then you're in luck.

'From October 1st, 2013 to December 31st, 2013, The Jim Henson Company and Grosset & Dunlap of the Penguin Young Readers Group will be accepting writing submissions to find the author for a new novel set in the world of Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal. This author search is open to all professional and aspiring professional writers.'

http://www.darkcrystal.com/authorquest.php

On a more general note, I find this and Amazon's new combination of self-publishing and licenced tie-in very interesting. I wonder if this is just a fad, somthing being tried out but never becomming more than a niche or if it will become really big and spread to lot of canons.

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I feel like this has been going on for a while. by DawnFire on 2013-09-30 16:26:00 UTC Reply

Anyone remember, um, Dragonlance, I think it is? There were all sorts of different authors writing in the same series. Same with such things as the Star Trek books--they're authored by many different people. (However, the Star Trek books are not considered canon by everyone, while Dragonlance was, I believe). And I'm sure there are many more examples.

Also, wasn't Eoin Colfer going to be writing a continuation to Douglas Adams' Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy? I remember seeing an ad for that in the back of an Artemis Fowl book a while back...

~DF

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Re: I feel like this has been going on for a while. by EileenAlphabet on 2013-09-30 20:45:00 UTC Reply

Oh, I know that it's not a new thing to get different authors to write tie-ins (and spin-offs and sequels an prequels and what have we).
What seems to be new (or maybe it isn't and I just haven't been paying attention) is that rather than the publishers approaching specific authors and asking them to write something under a license (like in the case with Eion Colfer or Brandon Sanderson who's finishing Wheel of Times), they are approaching the fanbase (Not trying to imply that Colfer and Sanderson are not fans of the works they are continuing. I'm sure they are.) and asking them to contribute and then they pick the best.
And Another Thing by Desdendelle on 2013-09-30 20:08:00 UTC Reply

I think you're looking for this, DF. It's already out, though I've not read it yet.