Jailed Archer turns to new publisher

Jeffrey Archer has signed a three-book deal with the publisher Macmillan, ending his longstanding relationship with HarperCollins.

The first novel in the deal, Sons of Fortune, is almost finished and will be published early next year. Under the terms of the contract, the second novel will be delivered in June 2004 and Archer is due to complete a book of short stories a year later.

HarperCollins has published Archer since 1991 and outbid Macmillan in 2000 for a similar three-book deal reported to be worth £10m.

The first novel in that deal, In The Lap Of The Gods, was delayed as Archer went through the trial that resulted in his imprisonment for perjury. The book, a political thriller which follows the lives of two twins separated at birth, has been retitled Sons Of Fortune.

HarperCollins had said Archer's conviction would not affect their relationship but on Monday the publisher announced that it had reached an "amicable and mutual agreement" to release Archer from his contract. Neither publisher would comment on the reasons for the switch.

Archer will still be in prison when Sons Of Fortune is published but Macmillan said he should be out in time to promote the paperback version. The former politician's appeal for a shorter sentence was rejected last month.