By Georgie Cutler, Eva Lee, Niamh Parr and Emily Retford
Acquisition News
Craig’s YA Fantasy Bound for Rock the Boat
Bestselling author Erin A. Craig has secured her first UK book deal with The Thirteenth Child, a YA fantasy inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Godfather Death. It is set to be published as a lead title by Rock the Boat, an imprint of Oneworld, where Editorial Director Shadi Doostdar bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Hannah Babcock at Random House Children's Books US on behalf of Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord.
Hazel Trépas, the youngest of thirteen siblings, has been given as a goddaughter to Death. Death, in turn, has given her both the gift of healing and the burdensome duty of taking lives. When Hazel, recognised for her peculiar healing skills, is summoned to the royal court to save the life of the king, she finds herself in conflict with her duty after developing a fascination with the king’s son, Prince Leopold. Hazel’s new relationships cause her to question everything she has ever known and she wonders for the first time whether she could truly thwart Death to save a doomed man. An unmissable fantasy dealing in themes of love and sacrifice, The Thirteenth Child will be published in September 2024.
Jessica Stanley Romance Signed By Hutchinson Heinemann
Hutchinson Heinemann has landed Jessica Stanley’s new literary love title Consider Yourself Kissed. The new novel from Stanley explores the in-and-outs of love in adulthood through the lens of thirty-something Coralie, her journey into love and what happens afterwards. Consider Yourself Kissed challenges the real meaning of a happily ever after, by traversing topics such as relationships, parenthood, politics and family values, whilst remaining light-hearted, humorous and warm. Hutchinson Heinemann publisher Helen Conford commented on the new novel, saying that “Stanley writes life as we live it… you will see your experiences here in hearts and smarts” (Books + Publishing). Conford, alongside Senior Commissioning Editor Amy Batley, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to the novel from David Higham Associates through Lizzy Kremer, with US rights preempted by Sarah McGrath of Riverhead, Penguin Random House. Australian rights went to Penny Hueston of Text. Consider Yourself Kissed will be a leading publication for Hutchinson Heinemann, due to be released 8 May 2025.
From Book to Screen
What to Watch?
Classic Favourite Time Bandits on Apple TV+
Time Bandits, a classic favourite released back in 1981, is set to be re-released as a television series by Apple TV+ produced by Paramount Television Studios. The original film written and directed by Terry Gilliam will see him return as the executive producer with the series featuring 10 episodes. Time Bandits tells the story of Kevin, a young boy taken on an adventure through time with a band of sneaky thieves, stumbling across treasure from various points in history. The thieves witness iconic moments and cause chaos from the Ice Age to ancient civilisation to meeting Robin Hood. Will they escape the chaos and return in one piece? Only their actions will tell. Time Bandits will star Lisa Kudrow, Kal-El Tuck, Charlyne Yi, Tadhg Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Rune Temte, Kiera Thompson and Rachel House. Check out Time Bandits, which will be released globally on 24 July 2024.
In The Works
Happy Place is headed to Netflix
Netflix has optioned Emily Henry’s novel Happy Place for Nuyorican Productions, with a view to turn the bestselling novel into a series. The story follows Harriet and Wyn, exes who haven’t told their friends about their recent breakup. As their annual friend group holiday in Maine approaches, they agree to pretend to be together still to avoid upset. How hard can it be to fake it with someone you might still have feelings for? The series has yet to be cast; Emily Henry is looking to cast “actors in their late twenties to early thirties” (Elle). The producers of the series will be Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina. Nuyorican is planning to involve Emily Henry in the series, who has already been posting updates on social media. At this moment in time, Deadline reported that Nuyorican producers and executives from Netflix are meeting with writers to adapt the book for streaming.