Times Health Reporter, Recently of WSJ, Sells Book on Marriage to Dutton

Tara Parker-Pope, who blogs about health and writes a health column for The New York Times, has sold an advice book on healthy marriages to Dutton, Publisher's Weekly reports.

Ms. Parker-Pope, who in August left her job as a health reporter at The Wall Street Journal for the Times gig, was represented by literary agent Lynn Johnston. According to PW, Ms. Johnston had eight publishers interested in the project before she closed the six-figure deal with Dutton editor Amy Hertz, who acquired the book on a preempt.

Reached by phone today, Ms. Parker-Pope-- who was married herself for 17 years before getting a divorce several years ago-- said she will not take book leave to work on the project.

The book, titled The Science of Marriage, is scheduled for publication in late 2009 or early 2010.