QUICK TAKES - Sept. 9, 2009

After more than 40 bestsellers, James Patterson is just getting started.

He has agreed to a 17-book deal with his longtime publisher, the Hachette Book Group -- an unthinkable commitment for most writers, but for Patterson a mere three years worth of work.

Hachette announced Tuesday that the ultra-prolific novelist, whose output has been enhanced by such co-authors as Maxine Paetro and Andrew Gross, will turn out 10 adult thrillers, one nonfiction work and six novels for young people by the end of 2012. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Patterson’s many popular books include the Alex Cross detective stories and the “Maximum Ride” and “Daniel X” series.