Last April, Lucasfilm announced that the "expanded universe" of licensed novels, games and comics would not be considered "canon," at the same time announcing a new line of prose novels from Del Rey which would (see "Lucasfilm Formally Defines Position on the 'Star Wars' Expanded Universe").
The new line will include releases through Disney Publishing Worldwide’s own imprints as well as at least seven outside companies, including Del Rey, DK Publishing, and Marvel Comics. Developed in close conjunction with the screenwriters and filmmakers at Lucasfilm, the comics and novels will include Easter eggs and hints about what will be included in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (see "'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Teaser").
Marvel will be releasing the movie prequel title Star Wars: Journey to the Force Awakens, as well as another preview story told from C-3PO’s perspective. Also of note to comic book fans will be a Greg Rucka (Detective Comics, 52) novel Smuggler’s Run, a Han Solo tale; and Cecil Castellucci ’s (Plain Janes) novel Moving Target, which follows Princess Leia.
Additional titles announced include Jason Fry’s The Weapon of a Jedi following Luke Skywalker, Claudia Gray’s Lost Stars, and the Del Rey title: Star Wars: Aftermath. Studio Fun International will print the vehicle guide Star Wars: Ships of the Galaxy. Disney-Lucasfilm will release YA novels focusing on original trilogy characters, to familiarize younger readers with the heroes and villains from the original Star Wars trilogy.
The EW article also mentioned plans for additional Star Wars novels that were not tied to the "Journey To..." program which will recount the events of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi from the point of view of various supporting characters.
