Cecily von Ziegesar, the original author of the acclaimed Gossip Girl series, is set to release a new standalone novel titled Blair. This upcoming book will focus on the iconic character Blair Waldorf, providing fans with a fresh glimpse into her life.
New Novel Announcement
Alloy Entertainment has confirmed the sale of the novel to Grand Central Publishing. The deal was overseen by Karen Kosztolnyik, the VP and Executive Editorial Director of Fiction. The competitive nature of this sale highlights the enduring popularity of the Gossip Girl franchise.
Global English-Language Launch
The novel will be published in collaboration with Hachette UK’s Orion Fiction, marking a global English-language launch. The project is being represented by former Alloy staff member Sara Shandler from The Book Group.
Creative Team Involved
Alloy’s book division has enlisted Josh Bank, Joelle Hobeika, and Jess Harriton to oversee the development. Alloy’s president, Leslie Morgenstein, is also deeply involved in this project.
Plot and Character Evolution
Set 20 years after the original series, Blair will depict a more mature Waldorf navigating life in her 40s. As she returns to New York City, readers can expect to see her strategizing on how to regain her status in the Upper East Side social scene.
Release Date and Rights
The tentative release date for Blair is set for Summer 2027. Alloy Entertainment maintains film and television rights for the novel, which may pave the way for adaptations in the future.
Legacy of Gossip Girl
- The original Gossip Girl novel, published in 2002, has sold over 6 million copies.
- It was translated into 25 languages and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over 100 weeks.
- In 2007, the franchise expanded with a six-season television series created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage.
- A revival of the series aired on HBO Max in 2021, further cementing its cultural impact.
Alloy Entertainment has established a reputation for adapting popular novels into successful television series, with hits like The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars. Currently, the company is also working on the eight-episode series The Probability of Miracles for Amazon and is producing the Netflix film In a Holidaze.
