T. Jefferson Parker's L.A. Outlaws is moving to Dutton as part of a two-book deal, with publication next February. But here's my favorite L.A. angle from Publishers Lunch:

Adena Halpern's THE TEN BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE, the heartwarming and humorous story of a young LA personal shopper who dies before her time -- run over by a Mini-Cooper -- who narrates her assignment to prove herself worthy of staying on the top level of heaven (which includes calorie-free ice cream, walk-in closets and a hunky guy next door) by making right some relationships left behind.

That one goes to Plume. Halpern previously wrote Target Underwear and a Vera Wang Gown and does essays for Maire Claire from here in L.A.