Actor and author Mindy Kaling is launching a “boutique story studio” with Amazon later this year, the company announced in a news release.
Kaling, known for her roles in the shows The Office and The Mindy Project and her books Why Not Me? and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), will partner with Amazon Publishing to release books under the name Mindy’s Book Studio.
The books will span genres, Amazon said, “from fresh romantic comedies and poignant coming-of-age stories to make readers laugh—and cringe—to suspenseful dramas with unforgettable female protagonists.”
As part of the deal, Amazon Studios will develop some of the books as movies that will stream on Amazon Prime.
Amazon also revealed that it will publish two books by Kaling: a novel, scheduled for 2023, and an essay collection, which will be published the following year.
"I had the best time working on [essay collection] Nothing Like I Imagined, and I am so excited to continue my relationship with Amazon,” Kaling said in a statement. “I’m passionate about bringing unique stories to readers and viewers, and I can’t wait to help discover and support talented new voices through Mindy’s Book Studio.”
Julia Sommerfeld, publisher of Amazon Publishing, said the company is “delighted” to work with Kaling on her new imprint.
“Mindy is brilliant at bringing to life highly entertaining, funny, sharp, and bingeable stories, and we can’t wait to collaborate with her on discovering and championing must-read stories from new and diverse voices,” Sommerfeld said.
Michael Schaub is a Texas-based journalist and regular contributor to NPR.
