WHERE THE DARK STANDS STILL publishes in the UK
Happy publication day to A.B. Poranek! The highly anticipated WHERE THE DARK STANDS STILL publishes today in the UK.
A sweeping gothic fairytale romance for fans of Belladonna by Adalyn Grace and Gallant by V.E. Schwab.
Raised in a small village near the spirit-wood, Liska Radost knows that Magic is monstrous, and its practitioners, monsters.
After Liska unleashes her own powers with devastating consequences, she is caught by the demon warden of the wood – the Leszy – who offers her a bargain: one year of servitude in exchange for a wish.
Whisked away to his crumbling manor, Liska makes an unsettling discovery: she is not the first person to strike this bargain and all of her predecessors have mysteriously vanished. If Liska wants to survive the year and return home, she must unravel her host’s spool of secrets and face the ghosts of his past.
Those who enter the wood do not always return . . .
Praise for WHERE THE DARK STANDS STILL:
‘Where the Dark Stands Still is a triumph; a deeply romantic debut with spiralling, atmospheric prose that swept me up and away to the enchanted forests of Polish folklore. You’ll never want to leave this beautiful, magical world’. Sarah Underwood, NYT Bestselling Author of Lies We Sing to the Sea
‘Treading a tender line between unnerving and enchanting, Poranek’s writing is lyrical and atmospheric. With a beautiful grumpy/sunshine romance, Where The Dark Stands Still is a poignant and magical tale’ Bea Fitzgerald, bestselling author of Girl, Goddess, Queen
‘An enchanting spell of a read, woven through with petal-soft romance and roots-deep self-acceptance. The dark, gothic fairy tale of my dreams’ Kika Hatzopoulou, author of the Sunday Times Bestseller Threads that Bind
Jessie Elland's THE LADIE UPSTAIRS sold in pre-empt
Jade Chandler, publishing director at Baskerville, John Murray Press, has snapped up UK rights to Jessie Elland’s captivatingly dark debut The Ladie Upstairs, from Katie Greenstreet of Paper Literary.
The Ladie Upstairs introduces a bold and unflinching new voice in horror-adjacent fiction. The story follows scullery drudge Ann, who longs to become a lady’s maid. Ann can’t quite remember how or when she arrived at Ropner Hall. She loathes spending her days toiling in the dank kitchen, so when a chance meeting with Lady Charlotte leads to the opportunity to become her personal maid, Ann is convinced she has finally escaped her own version of
hell. But has she? As Ann’s experience above stairs takes a sinister twist, will it turn out that the terrors lurking there are worse than the devils she knows below?
Jade Chandler said, ‘I was bewitched by Jessie’s darkly visceral, ambitious and provocative novel from the first page. The Ladie Upstairs is wholly original; it’s set in an unspecified historical period that feels deeply grounded as well as slippery to pin down. I love how Jessie explores the patriarchal horrors overlaid on the female body through the eerie space that is Ropner Hall, where the paintings watch her from the walls, and nothing is as it first seems. Her plotting is compelling while also turning everything we expect from a big historical house novel on its head. I can’t wait to share her work with readers!’
Jessie Elland said, ‘I couldn’t be happier to be working with the team at Baskerville! I was so inspired by Jade’s passion for The Ladie Upstairs, and as soon as I learnt that Baskerville pride themselves on publishing ‘books that haunt the imagination’, I knew my book had
found its perfect home.’
Katie Greenstreet said, ‘I couldn’t be prouder to represent the wildly talented Jessie Elland. I was hooked from the first page of her initial submission, and uncovering the world of Ropner Hall through Ann’s eyes is a deliciously dark and twisted ride that I can’t wait for readers to embark upon. And The Ladie Upstairs is only the beginning of what I know will be a very special career!’
Baskerville will release The Ladie Upstairs in hardback in May 2025, supported by a suitably creepy and immersive marketing and publicity campaign.
About the author:
Jessie Elland is a twenty-four-year-old actress from Teeside best known for her role as Chloe on the hit soap Emmerdale, but she is a true reader and writer at heart and also blogs about books on her Instagram @JessieElland. THE LADIE UPSTAIRS is her first novel and was inspired by a grand estate near her childhood home around which much superstition swirled.
Rae Giana Rashad's THE BLUEPRINT publishes in the US
A very happy publication day to Rae Giana Rashad! Her debut novel, THE BLUEPRINT publishes today in the US from HarperCollins. North American rights were sold in a significant pre-empt.
THE BLUEPRINT is a stunning novel in the vein of Octavia Butler and Margaret Atwood, which imagines an alternate United States.
Solenne Bonet lives in Texas where choice no longer exists. An algorithm determines a Black woman’s occupation, spouse, and residence. Solenne finds solace in penning the biography of Henriette, an ancestor who’d been an enslaved concubine to a wealthy planter in 1800s Louisiana. But history repeats itself when Solenne, lonely and naïve, finds herself entangled with Bastien Martin, a high-ranking government official. Solenne finds the psychological bond unbearable, so she considers alternatives. With Henriette as her guide, she must decide whether and how to leave behind all she knows.
Inspired by the lives of enslaved concubines to U.S. politicians and planters, The Blueprint unfolds over dual timelines to explore bodily autonomy, hypocrisy, and power imbalances through the lens of the nation’s most unprotected: a Black girl.
Praise for THE BLUEPRINT:
“The Blueprint is an astounding work, an unflinching portrait of misogyny and racism in a speculative world terrifyingly close to our own. Rae Giana Rashad chronicles the generational ghosts of womanhood, and how we understand ourselves through the stories of those we come from, in a way I’ve never read before. A remarkable new talent, and a timeless literary voice.” Ashley Audrain, New York Times’ bestselling author of The Push
“Horrifying, captivating, and full of urgency.” Kirkus Reviews
“A consuming debut, a provocative and worthy mash-up of historical and speculative fiction.” Publishers Weekly
Jihyun Yun's AND THE RIVER DRAGS YOU DOWN sold at auction
We are delighted to announce that Oneworld’s Rock the Boat imprint has acquired the UK rights to AND THE RIVER DRAGS YOU DOWN, the YA debut from award-winning poet Jihyun Yun in a two-book deal at auction. AND THE RIVER DRAGS YOU DOWN was acquired by Rock the Boat’s Senior Commissioning Editor Katie Jennings from Catherine Cho at Paper Literary on behalf of Annie Hwang and Serene Hakim at Ayesha Pande Literary.
The book is a Gothic YA inspired by a ghost story from Korean folklore about two sisters – one who dies under mysterious circumstances, and the other who brings her back, with devastating consequences. Pitched as SHE IS A HAUNTING meets THE ASTONISHING COLOUR OF AFTER, by way of THE GIRL WHO FELL BENEATH THE SEA.
Katie Jennings said: “I’ve been searching far and wide for a voice-led, multilayered Gothic tale and I’m beyond thrilled to be publishing Jihyun Yun’s unsettling, gorgeously written and deeply moving YA debut on the Rock the Boat list. Jihyun Yun is a rare talent and her unique, poetic voice, coupled with a raw, honest approach to grief really got under my skin. This is the spookiest and saddest of books – in the best possible way. I can’t wait to bring it to the broadest readership here in the UK.”
Jihyun Yun is the author of the poetry collection SOME ARE ALWAYS HUNGRY (University of Nebraska Press, 2020). Her work has appeared in Best New Poets, AAWW
The Margins, Adroit Journal, NinthLetter, and elsewhere. A National Poetry Series finalist and Prairie Schooner Prize winner, Yun holds an MFA in poetry from New York University and has been a fellow at the Fulbright Research Program, Brooklyn Poets, Lighthouse Writers Workshop among others.
Rock the Boat will publish AND THE RIVER DRAGS YOU DOWN simultaneously with Knopf Books for Young Readers in the US in autumn 2025.
We are delighted to have represented this project in the UK, many congratulations to Jihyun!
D.L. Taylor's THE BEASTS WE BURY sold in six-figure pre-empt
We are delighted to announce that D.L. Taylor’s THE BEASTS WE BURY and THE BEASTS WE RAISE, a YA fantasy duology, has sold in a six-figure pre-empt. Brian Geffen at Holt acquired World English rights in a joint acquisition with Emma Jones at Macmillan UK.
THE BEASTS WE BURY follows Mancella, a king’s daughter who can summon an army of animals, but only by killing them first, and Silver, a charming thief who plans to manipulate her to pull off a once-in-a-lifetime heist.
THE BEASTS WE BURY will publish in Winter 2025.
Diana is a civil attorney who works at a non-profit providing legal services to low-income clients. She has three kids, two cats, and minimal sanity, but in the quiet hours before dawn she likes to write about magic, mischief, and moral quandaries.
Congratulations, Diana!
Amy Tordoff's ALL WE HAVE IS TIME sold in six-figure deals in US and UK
We are delighted to announce deals for Amy Tordoff’s All We Have Is Time. Loan Le at Atria acquired the North American rights in a six-figure pre-empt, in an exclusive submission, and Vikki Moynes at Viking acquired the UK rights at auction in a six-figure deal from Catherine Cho. There has also been a flurry of international interest with rights sold in Germany, Italy, Brazil and Romania.
Combining the historical journey through time of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue with the emotional heft of The Time Traveler’s Wife, All We Have Is Time is an impossible love story between an immortal woman and a time traveller.
Vikki Moynes says: ‘Amy has penned an utterly transportive, sweeping book club novel with an enchanting dash of fairytale feel, that explores those timeless themes of love, loss and second chances. I was spirited away, thronging with the crowd at the Globe, basking in the splendour of the original St Pauls and sipping high strength gin on the frozen Thames – all with the deliciously wild Bea and the impeccably charming Oliver. Heartbreaking and heartwarming, this is one of the most original and beguiling long distance love stories I’ve ever read.’
Amy Tordoff says: “I am thrilled to work with Vikki and the wonderful team at Viking, who blew me away with their enthusiasm and vision for All We Have is Time, a story that began with a question: “What if an immortal and a time traveler fell in love?” The answer is a story about what it means to live, what it means to love and, most of all, what it means to be human.
I am forever grateful to the talented team at Viking Penguin and to my US editor Loan Le and her team at Atria for taking a chance on my debut, and to my amazing agent Catherine, who believed in everything this story was (and everything it could be) since the beginning. I have no doubt Beatrix and Oliver are in the best of hands, and I can’t wait for readers around the world to meet them.”
Congratulations to Amy!
Lauryn Hamilton Murray's STORM WEAVER series acquired by Penguin in upper six-figure deal
We are delighted to announce that Lauryn Hamilton Murray’s Storm Weaver series has been acquired by Penguin in a highly competitive six-house auction. Carmen McCullough, Publisher, acquired World Rights from Catherine Cho in an upper six-figure deal for three books. The first title, Heir of Storms is scheduled for release in June 2025, rights have already been sold in six countries, including a significant US deal with Roaring Brook Press, and is set to take the world by storm.
Lauryn Hamilton Murray is a phenomenal new talent from Scotland, her cinematic debut is packed with all the features of a hit: a compelling cast of characters, stunning worldbuilding, an electrifying love triangle, high-stakes political intrigue, and a life-or-death competition.
Described as Twin Crowns meets Sarah J. Maas with a touch of The Hunger Games, Heir of Storms follows Blaze, a Rain Singer, as she vies against other Etheri, masters of elemental powers, to be the ruler of a kingdom where crowns are not inherited – they’re won.
When Blaze came into the world, she almost drowned it.
Blaze, a Rain Singer, is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the kingdom. Her birth summoned a devastating storm that resulted in the deaths of thousands, and she has spent her life as an outsider, reviled and feared.
When Blaze and her twin brother, Flint, are selected to compete in the Choosing Rite, the trials which decide the future rulers of the kingdom, she’s suddenly thrust into the limelight – and into battle.
A handsome prince and a royal throne within her reach, Blaze is poised to take the crown and restore her honour.
Lauryn Hamilton Murray says: “I am beyond excited to be working with Carmen and the amazing team at Penguin Children’s, whose enthusiasm for this series has utterly blown me away. I wrote Heir of Storms during my final year of university, and I could never have imagined where it would lead me. To be given the opportunity to share this book with readers across the world whilst being published alongside a number of my literary heroes is a true privilege. I’m so grateful to the Penguin Random House Children’s team, to my brilliant US editors Kate and Emilia at Roaring Brook, and to my incredible agent Catherine, who believed in me and in this story from the very beginning.”
Carmen McCullough, Publisher, says: “This is such an exciting time for the fantasy market and all of the sub-genres within it. It’s incredibly important to us to have a fantasy offering for every reader and Heir of Storms really is best in class romantasy. Lauryn is an exceptional talent and I know there will be a huge global audience for her totally compelling series. I can’t wait for everyone to meet Blaze in 2025.”
Many congratulations to Lauryn, we are so excited for readers to discover Heir of Storms.
Brooke Robinson's THE INTERPRETER publishes in the UK
We are delighted that Brooke Robinson’s debut, THE INTERPRETER, publishes today in the UK! Katie Greenstreet sold UKBC rights in a six-figure pre-empt to Harvill Secker and North American rights in a pre-empt to Harper. Rights have also sold in Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, and Russia.
Early reviews have touted the book’s innovative premise and page-turning plot. HEAT called it ‘fresh, exciting, original,’ while PRIMA found it ‘compelling and ingenious.’
It’s also had some brilliant blurbs:
“An ingenious premise, cleverly executed, THE INTERPRETER is multi-layered and intriguing, gripping from beginning to end.” Sabine Durrant, author of LIE WITH ME and SUN DAMAGE
“Clever, atmospheric and utterly absorbing” Alice Clark-Platts, author of THE COVE
“Brilliantly crafted and deliciously dark, THE INTERPRETER forces us to question how
far is too far when it comes to serving justice and protecting our loved ones, and whether the best of intentions can excuse cataclysmic outcomes. A propulsive and heartfelt page-turner.” Erica Katz, author of THE BOY’S CLUB and FAKE
THE INTERPRETER follows single mother Revelle Lee, a court interpreter who spends her days translating for victims, witnesses and the accused across London. Only she knows what they’re saying. Only she knows the truth.
When Revelle believes a grave injustice is about to occur, and a guilty man is going to be found innocent, she has the power to twist an alibi to get the verdict she wants. She’s
willing to risk it all to do what’s right.
But when someone discovers she lied, Revelle finds the cost might be too high… and she could lose everything, including her son…
THE INTERPRETER will publish in the US on September 19th.
Rosanna Pike's A LITTLE TRICKERIE sold in six-figure pre-empt to Fig Tree
We are delighted to announce that UKBC rights for Rosanna Pike’s debut novel, A Little Trickerie, were preempted by Helen Garnons-Williams, Publishing Director of Fig Tree, in a six-figure deal from Katie Greenstreet.
Based on a true story of the so-called ‘Holy Maid of Leominster,’ a medieval conwoman who impersonated an angel and amassed a cult following, A Little Trickerie is a dazzlingly written, irreverent and big-hearted novel about hope and superstition, cruelty and kinship, dreams and daring – with an unforgettable heroine.
Born a vagabond, Elizabeth ‘Tibb’ Ingelby and her mother roam the English countryside, scamming men and dreaming of a home to call their own. When her Ma dies in childbirth after a trick gone wrong, Tibb finds refuge on the Norfolk coastline with a boy named Ivo. He cares for and protects her as a brother would, until his own demons become too much to bear, and she is once again left alone to survive on her wits.
Tibb joins a troupe of strolling players on a journey across Tudor England that leads eventually back to Ivo, and to the conjuring of an audacious plan that will enable them – and those they love – to escape the shackles of society. But when news spreads of miracles in the parish, their hoax takes on a life its own, drawing crowds – and then enemies – to the doors of the church …
Garnons-Williams says:
‘A Little Trickerie is an absolute delight, and the irrepressible, foul-mouthed Tibb is a glorious and utterly unique creation. Rosanna Pike has written a fresh, disarmingly funny and deeply moving picaresque story, set far from the rarefied, familiar world of the Tudor court, and we are thrilled to be publishing it at Fig Tree’
Rosanna Pike says: ‘When I came across the details of this historical hoax I was instantly captivated, and Tibb’s story came roaring into my mind. My thanks go to my agent, Katie Greenstreet, who saw the potential and believed in Tibb from the start. We have found the very best home for the novel at Fig Tree and I’m so excited to work with the excellent team there to share A Little Trickerie as my debut novel!’
Katie Greenstreet says: ‘Tibb’s is a voice that will grab you and won’t let go as she takes you on her wild and wonderful journey across Tudor England. This hilarious and heart-breaking debut is one I’m enormously proud to represent. Rosie’s characters feel like friends from the first page, and I can’t wait for readers to meet them all!’
Rosanna Pike is a former teacher and red-carpet interviewer for The Evening Standard who lives in south-west London with her family. She is a graduate of Curtis Brown Creative and the Faber Academy.
Fig Tree will publish A Little Trickerie in hardback in July 2024.
Emily Dunlay's TEDDY sold in 'major' six-figure deals to Fourth Estate and Harper
We are delighted to announce that Emily Dunlay’s debut novel, TEDDY has been acquired by Fourth Estate and Harper in ‘major’ six-figure deals. There were multiple pre-empt attempts which led to hotly contested auctions in the US and UK.
Editorial Director Katie Bowden secured UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Katie Greenstreet at Paper Literary. North American rights sold to VP & Executive Editor Sara Nelson at Harper. HarperCollins US and HarperCollins UK will collaborate to deliver a major global publication.
Set in 1960s Rome, TEDDY tells the story of the wayward wife of an American diplomat as she tries with increasing desperation to contain a scandal from her past, the discovery of which she fears will be her ruin.
Katie Bowden said: ‘With echoes of Curtis Sittenfeld and Taylor Jenkins Reid, and with a protagonist even more magnetic and complex than Mad Men’s Betty Draper, TEDDY is the smart, compulsive, darkly glamorous blockbuster of a novel I’ve been waiting for. Teddy is a woman in over her head – will she make it out alive? You’ll have to read to find out. I fell in love with Teddy from the very first page and we are thrilled that Emily is joining the 4th Estate list.’
Emily Dunlay said: “I am so looking forward to working with Katie Bowden and Sara Nelson to bring this story into the world. I’ve spent so much time with Teddy that she feels like a friend, and I can’t wait for readers to meet her. I’m especially grateful to my agent, Katie Greenstreet, who understood Teddy from the beginning.”
Katie Greenstreet said: “TEDDY fell into my inbox during a very busy week, but I knew I had to drop everything to spend time walking the streets of midcentury Rome with Emily’s complicated and captivating protagonist. I knew from the start that Fourth Estate would be the perfect home for this dazzling debut, and I’m delighted to have found a publishing team who adore this character as much as I do.’
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Emily studied English literature and creative writing at Princeton University, after which she trained as a librarian for rare books and special collections. She currently lives and works in the United Arab Emirates as a library consultant.