A successful black playwright whose work, a mix of urban comedies and gospel musicals, has earned more than $50 million at theater box offices, has been signed to a two-novel deal at Simon & Schuster. He is David E. Talbert, whose Fabric of a Man won him one of three NAACP Theatre Awards, and he is currently working on a musical for Broadway production next year. Editor Cherise Grant signed him for a mid six figures with agent Alan Nevins at Renaissance, now at its new Los Angeles home with The Firm. First of the two books is called The Baggage Claim, about a flight attendant and her problems with relationships.