PUBLISHER Bloomsbury yesterday posted a 4.5 per cent rise in profits, despite the absence of a new Harry Potter novel.

The company said a string of successful titles, including Susanna Clarke's first novel Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, left it confident of a satisfactory outcome to the year.

Bloomsbury posted pre-tax profits of £3.72m, even though profit margins were lower due to the positive impact of Harry Potter on last year's results.

However, the paperback edition of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has sold very well since it was launched in July, the group said.