Is the Next Harry Potter Set to Be Boy Archaeologist?

J.K. Rowling's publisher thinks he may have found another Harry Potter. Except this time, its a boy archaeologist, according to Reuters.

The book industry thrives on hype and is always searching for their next big hit. Two authors, unknown until this time, have gotten advances of over 500,000 pounds and the pre-publication rights in 15 languages. Authors Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams were signed by the publisher Chicken House, by Barry Cunningham. Cunningham found an earlier version of their self-published "Tunnels."

"I knew from page one that Harry Potter was magic. Reading 'Tunnels' gave me the same thrill. Tunnels has it all: a boy archaeologist, merciless villains, a lost world and an extraordinary journey to the centre of the earth," said Cunningham, according to Reuters. The book first brought an interest at the international children's fair in Bologna.

Cunningham has become a worldwide success at publishing, since publishing Cornelia Funke's many children's books.

The two authors met at a university, but then followed two different paths. One became an investment banker, the other, an artist. When Gordon became redundant from his job in corporate finance, they got together again. Gordon then sold his house so that he would be able to self-publish a limited edition of the book, "Tunnels."

Cunningham then heard of their success and signed the pair up for a series of fantasy tales. These books will be seen through the eyes of 14 year-old Will Burrows, and will take place in a hidden world that is located deep below London.

Cunningham signed J.K. Rowling while working with the British publisher Bloomsbury. Rowling's Potter stories have since sold more than 325 million copies worldwide, making her the world's first billion dollar author. Her movies are also a cult-legend, and still in the making. Her last novel of the Harry Potter story will be hitting the bookstores in June, and the latest movie is about to come out to heightened excitement.

Cunningham famously warned Rowlings when he first signed her that she was unlikely to make any money from her story of the teenaged wizard.

Rowling has said, "If it wasn't for Barry Cunningham, Harry Potter might still be languishing in his cupboard under the stairs", according to Reuters.

originally reported By Paul Majendie, "Could boy archaeologist be next Harry Potter?"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070612/en_nm/arts_publisher_dc_1