Celebrated horror writer Stephen King is back in business with the biggest book deal of his career, just months after surviving a near-fatal car accident.

The author of cult chillers such as Carrie, The Shining and Misery suffered broken bones and a collapsed lung when he was knocked down by a camper van.

Many publishers and King fans suspected he would retire, but the 52-year-old has reportedly entered into two fresh book deals which together are worth about £30m.

According to The Guardian newspaper, he has been signed up by his British publishers to write three new novels.

On top of that, he is said to have agreed a second deal with an American publisher covering hardback and paperback editions of the fresh works, as well as the release of audio versions.

King, who has sold more than 100m copies of his 36 books in 33 languages, is already thought to be the world's richest author.

Near-fatal accident

It was in June that King was involved in the accident which reportedly left him without confidence and concerned about his ability to write again.

He was thrown 14 feet when he was hit by a Dodge motor caravan in rural Lovell, west of Portland, Maine, where he owns a summer home.

He 'd been walking along the side of the road when the motorist, approaching from behind, lost control of his vehicle because of a dog which was loose inside.

Last month, the driver of the Dodge avoided jail after doing a deal with prosecutors. Bryan Smith pleaded guilty to dangerous driving while a more serious charge of aggravated assault was dropped.

King condemned prosecutors for not trying Smith on the more serious charge and called the plea agreement "irresponsible public business".