Rowling finished writing the final book in January
Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury has unveiled plans to gain extra revenue from the JK Rowling phenomenon.

The seventh and final novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, will be published on 21 July.

And the firm has now said that it will launch a box-set of all seven books about the teenage wizard on 1 October.

Bloomsbury, which saw annual profits drop 74% in 2006 - a Potter-free year - said that export orders for the final book were up 17% on book number six.

The global success of the Harry Potter books has generated bumper profits for Bloomsbury, but the company is now under pressure to find new hit publications as the Potter series draws to a close.

In statement ahead of its annual general meeting (AGM), Bloomsbury said it would not be giving any guidance on its 2007 profit because of the "unpredictable market".

However it said that it was confident of its strategy for the "medium and long term".

Shares in Bloomsbury are now below 200 pence, having nearly touched 400 pence two years ago.

"Earlier successes now appear a distant memory," said Hargreaves Lansdown equity analyst Keith Bowman.

"Whilst Harry Potter remains a key ingredient in the group's future success, management are now having to look beyond the initial euphoria created, with new authors and acquisitions being sought."

He added: "On balance, the jury is still out as to whether management can inject the necessary levels of diversification needed in the highly competitive publishing world."

BBC News

Rowling joins Potter stars at London premiere, sad about last book

Author J.K. Rowling expressed both sadness and relief on completing the final Harry Potter book as she joined fans at the European premiere of the latest movie about the wizard-in-training.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, shown Tuesday at the London premiere of the movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, says she's planning a long holiday.Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, shown Tuesday at the London premiere of the movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, says she's planning a long holiday.

"Finishing it was very, very emotional. It was a combination of relief and sadness really," she said in London on Tuesday night about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, to be published July 21.

"It's been a hell of a month," said the 41-year-old author, who added that she plans to take a long holiday soon.

Fans pleaded for details but Rowling remained mute about the final outcome in which two main characters are slated to die. The author, now a billionaire, said she has even kept the plot from her family.

The book has become the most pre-ordered item on Amazon, reaching 1.6 million pre-sales. More than 325 million copies of the first six books have been sold around the world.

cbc.ca

TeamPlayer Wrote:...Rowling remained mute about the final outcome in which two main characters are slated to die.

whaaat? I didn't know that some characters were going to suffer that fate Any idea which ones?

Jag,now we know who the victims are

Latest news about the "Harry Potter success story"

Quote:It's Potter, Harry Potter: boy wizard beats 007 at box-office
Tue Sep 11, 3:43 PM ET
LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Harry Potter has deposed James Bond as the most money-spinning movie character of all time, entertainment industry press reported on Tuesday.

Worldwide box-office takings from the five big-screen adaptations based on the books by J.K. Rowling have surpassed the earnings of the 22 films featuring British superspy 007, according to Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

So far the Harry Potter films have raked in 4.47 billion dollars worldwide, compared to the 4.44 billion generated by the Bond franchise, which began in 1962 with "Doctor No."

The Harry Potter films have also surpassed the six films in the "Star Wars" franchise, which have netted 4.23 billion since 1977.

While the figures released by Warner Bros. do not take into account inflation or rising ticket prices, studio executives say there is ample scope to increase future earnings with two more Potter films in the pipeline.

"It is amazing to think what heights the franchise could reach by the end of the decade," Warners president of US distribution Dan Fellman told the Hollywood Reporter.

The most recent Harry Potter film "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" has earned around 924 million dollars since its release earlier this year.