Headline to publish LOVE IN COLOUR, a collection of representative love stories by Bolu Babalola

Headline Publishing Group has announced the acquisition of LOVE IN COLOUR by debut author, Bolu Babalola, that will be publishing in hardback in April 2020. Katie Packer, Assistant Editor, acquired world rights to the creative partnership project from Hattie Grunewald of Blake Friedmann, whilst Juliet Pickering is on maternity leave.

LOVE IN COLOUR is a collection of representative love stories from mythology and history, retold by the wonderful Bolu Babalola. From magical Nigerian folktales, to homoromantic Greek myths, to the ancient stories of South Asia, Bolu brings new life to tales that truly show the vibrance and colours of love around the world.

The anthology is a step towards decolonising tropes of love, and celebrates in the wildly beautiful and astonishingly diverse tales of romance and desire that already exist in various cultures and communities.

Bolu Babalola is an incredibly talented London-based writer who, in 2016, was shortlisted in 4thEstate's B4ME competition for her short story 'Netflix & Chill', a hilarious teen romance. Whilst writing scripts for TV and film, she also works as a TV and Culture columnist for Dazed.

Katie Packer said: ‘I am so unbelievably excited that this spark of an idea has grown into a fully fledged book. There are so many incredible love stories out there, full of magic and mystery, and Bolu Babalola is the perfect person to breathe life back into them.’

Bolu Babalola said: ‘It's a privilege and honour to be able to re-work these beautiful tales of romance and magic from around our world for our times. Love binds humanity, strengthens and propels and in re-telling and amplifying these stories I hope I can help shine light on how humanity - like love - comes in technicolour.’

Headline pre-empts HERMIT, S.R. White's remarkable crime debut

Blake Friedmann is delighted to announce the acquisition of HERMIT by S.R. White, an extraordinary debut that follows – over a single day ─ the investigation of a murder in a small Australian town.

Editorial Director Toby Jones at Headline bought world rights to HERMIT and a sequel in a pre-emptive deal struck with Hattie Grunewald at Blake Friedmann.  It is set to be a major launch title for Headline in early 2021.

Taking place over just 12 hours, HERMIT sees detective Dana Russo unravel the murder of a local shopkeeper in rural Australia. Dana must interrogate the prime suspect, Nathan Whittler – an almost silent, desperately awkward man who appears to have been living off grid, with no human contact, for fifteen years. Without conclusive forensics linking him to the killing, it’s a race against time to extract a confession. But over a series of seven intense interviews, Dana must herself open up – despite the past traumas it will force her to confront – to persuade Nathan to reveal himself.

Toby Jones said: ‘HERMIT is an astonishing, character-driven debut: compulsive, exquisitely layered, charged with an electric atmosphere. Like the best thrillers, the breathless suspense propels you from page to page while the dazzling, perceptive writing addresses profound questions. Within minutes of starting the novel, we all knew we were in the presence of a major new talent.’

Hattie Grunewald said: ‘It is one of the highest joys in agenting to orchestrate a perfect match between author and publisher, and so I'm thrilled about this deal - the combination of S.R. White’s sharp writing and Toby's passion and enthusiasm is sure to make HERMIT a worldwide success.’

S.R. White said: ‘I'm thrilled to be joining Toby and his team in the publication of HERMIT. Bringing Dana Russo to life has been a labour of love, and I know it's in great hands with Headline. I look forward to sharing Dana with readers.’

S.R. White worked for a UK police force for twelve years, before returning to academic life and taking an MA in Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University. He now lives in Queensland, Australia.

TWO BOOK DEAL FOR JENNIFER STONE AT FARRAGO

Farrago has acquired World English Language rights for two Essex-based crime novels by Jennifer Stone from Hattie Grünewald at Blake Friedmann. CHERRY SLICE is Jennifer’s debut novel and is scheduled for publication in October 2019.

CHERRY SLICE is the story of investigative reporter, cake-baker and amateur sleuth Cherry Hinton. When Kenny Thorpe, contestant in Big Blubber, the hot new celebrity weight-loss show, is murdered on live television in front of 3 million viewers the case seems pretty watertight. After all, everyone saw whodunit. Barry Davis even confessed. Cherry knows there’s more to this than meets the eye... Is Barry innocent? What is Kenny’s connection to infamous gangster Leon Solent? Is Expose to blame, and is there a killer still on the loose?

Jennifer Stone says:

‘I'm thrilled that CHERRY SLICE is going to be published; Farrago is the perfect home for my characters. I'm looking forward to working in partnership with them and especially big thanks must go to Hattie Grünewald at Blake Friedmann for introducing us.’

 Abbie Headon of Farrago says:

‘From the moment I started reading Jennifer’s manuscript I was hooked. Cherry Hinton is a heroine for our times: funny, resilient and unafraid to get stuck into risky situations to find out the truth. CHERRY SLICE has an inclusive cast of characters, and doesn’t shy away from the most embarrassing moments of human life – it made me laugh and cringe and come out whooping with joy, and it’s exactly the kind of bold, funny writing we need right now.’

 About the author:

Jennifer Stone was born in Essex and spent her formative years living within its borders and enjoying the delights of the multiple night clubs and alcopop swigging opportunities available. After a stint in North Wales acquiring a degree and a further spell in Leeds, training to be a teacher, she returned to the south of England to teach English in a variety of schools. She is currently head of English at a boarding school in Suffolk and has just completed her MA in Creative Writing (Crime) at UEA. She lives with her wife and their small son.

Laura Dennison and Eve Simmons book debunking myths about food has been signed by Mitchell Beazley

Founders of the website and blog Not Plant Based, Laura Dennison and Eve Simmons’s book EAT IT ANYWAY has been acquired by Mitchell Beazley (part of the Octopus Publishing Group).

Hattie Grunewald has sold World English Language rights to Editorial Director Eleanor Maxfield. It will be published on 17th January at £10.99.

Not Plant Based are on a mission to help you love food again. The principle is very simple: eat what you like and don't worry about it. This is a game-changing narrative for anyone who has struggled to find a balance between healthy and happy, between empty and full. The definition of 'healthy eating' has been chewed up, spat out and re-digested enough times to make Joe and Josephine Public give up and seek out their nearest branch of McDonald's. Our mindless obsession with eating 'right' is such that we're now more concerned about what our Instagram followers think of a poorly lit picture of our dinner than we are of its effect on our own palate. Or, indeed, our happiness. We seem to be living in a time where we no longer eat with our hearts, emotions or heritage – but with our waistlines (and followers) in mind.

Throughout the book, Eve and Laura call on experts to debunk myths and provide a balanced exploration of our attitude towards food, with some delicious recipes thrown in along the way from food heroes such as Ruby Tandoh, The Hairy Bikers, and Angela Hartnett. They discuss their own experiences of eating disorders and offer personal tips and coping mechanisms to help rid you of anxiety linked to food. No one is saying healthy eating is bad; there is simply a lot of misleading information out there. More to the point, food is so much more than just healthy eating: it’s family, friends, enjoyment and memories.

From sugar to fat, clean eating and the #fitspo generation, chapters call out the fads, debunk myths and teach you how to reinstate food happiness. It’s a menu that’s especially delicious, “guilt-free” and requires a hell of a lot less money spent in health food shops.

Eleanor Maxfield said of the acquisition ‘I am incredibly proud to be part of such an important message about the relationship between food and anxiety. Readers will relate to this powerful, yet accessible journey through our relationship with eating, and Eve and Laura’s vital advice can help all of us. Long live cake.’  

Laura Dennison said EAT IT ANYWAY is the book I wish I had when I was in my teens and tortured by food. Had it reached the shelves during my worst eating battles, I truly believe that I wouldn’t have wasted so many years desperately trying to look like anyone but myself. I can’t wait to see how many lives this book will change.’

Eve Simmons commented ‘It is beyond thrilling that Octopus has granted us the chance to spread our message of wholehearted food celebration to the masses. In our ever-unstable world of belfies, protein powders and fitspiration we feel our tale of the sanctity of a peaceful relationship with food couldn't come at a more perfect time. We hope we can help a nation of anxious eaters to feel the feel, harness it, and goddamn eat it anyway.'

About the Authors

NOT PLANT BASED is a blog for the troubled eater co-edited by writers and journalists Laura Dennison and Eve Simmons. Not Plant Based was founded by Laura, after years of troubled eating led her to conclude that really, she will always love ALL food. Both Laura and Eve have suffered from eating disorders and are telling their stories to dispel dietary myths and help others reignite their passion with the grub they love, with the help of professional dietitians and medical experts. Particular passions include melted cheese, Kit-Kats and jacket potatoes. 

Laura Dennison is a journalist and writer with a particular interest in writing about the food she puts in her gob - most recently entwining her work with the subject of mental health. She previously worked as a digital reporter at the Press Association for two years - the UK's leading news agency - but now is a freelance journalist who dedicates most of her time to the Not Plant Based cause. 

Eve Simmons is a journalist and writer, specialising in women's interest issues. From Irish abortion laws to female autism diagnoses, Eve has written features with an aim to uncover untold women's stories. Eve is currently flexing her millennial muscles as Deputy Health Editor at the Mail on Sunday, and has contributed to publications such as Grazia, VICE, The Debrief, The Daily Mail, The Telegraph, The Evening Standard and The Financial Times.

Visit the NOT PLANT BASED website

Follow NOT PLANT BASED, Laura and Eve on Twitter

Follow NOT PLANT BASED on Instagram

Like NOT PLANT BASED on Facebook

Two book deal for Catherine Miller at Bookouture

Commissioning Editor Christina Demosthenous has acquired World English Language rights for two women’s fiction novels by Catherine Miller from Hattie Grünewald. Catherine was previously published by Carina (WAITING FOR YOU and ALL THAT IS LEFT OF US) and HQ for her novels THE GIN SHACK ON THE BEACH and CHRISTMAS AT THE GIN SHACK.

99 DAYS WITH YOU is a heart-breaking yet ultimately hopeful novel about Esther and Nathan, who meet in a doctor’s surgery while each awaiting a cancer diagnosis. Not knowing how many days they have left, the pair fall in love against all the odds – promising to make every moment count. It will be published in June 2019, followed by a second book in November 2019.

Christina Demosthenous said:

“I couldn’t be more excited to be welcoming Catherine to Bookouture. She has spun a spellbinding tale that left me reaching for the tissues and weeping – yet smiling and raring to live life to the absolute full. I cannot wait for this magical story to be out in the world, winning over readers’ hearts.”

Catherine Miller said:

“I've always admired Bookouture so I was absolutely thrilled when they loved my latest book and Christina offered to be my editor. One of the characters in the book has a reoccurring dream and this outcome has to be my dream come true! I'm so excited for Esther and Nathan to exist beyond the realm of my laptop and I know I've got the best publishing team to help my characters meet their readers, for this book, and beyond.”

PRAISE FOR GIN SHACK BOOKS

‘I absolutely adored this book! Utterly enjoyable, uplifting and charming, CHRISTMAS AT THE GIN SHACK is heartwarming and feel good fiction at its very best. Highly recommended and best read whilst enjoying Olive's Christmas gin cocktail!’ – Alison Sherlock

‘This book was immensely entertaining, utterly enjoyable from the first page to the last and downright brilliant! Hugely inspiring and absolutely charming…THE GIN SHACK ON THE BEACH serves every single one of its five big fat gin & tonic stars from me.’ – My Book Reviews

About the Author

When Catherine Miller became a mum to twins, she decided her hands weren't full enough, so wrote a novel with every spare moment she managed to find. By the time the twins were two, Catherine had a two-book deal with Carina UK. There is a possibility she has aged remarkably in that time. Her debut novel, WAITING FOR YOU, came out in March 2016.

Catherine was a NHS physiotherapist, but for health reasons (Uveitis and Sarcoidosis) she retired early from this career. As she loved her physiotherapy job, she decided if she couldn't do that she would pursue her writing dream. It took a few years and a couple of babies, but in 2015 she won the Katie Fforde bursary, was a finalist in the London Book Fair Write Stuff Competition and highly commended in Woman magazine's writing competition. Soon afterwards she signed with Carina. Soon after that, she collapsed in a heap and was eventually revived by chocolate.

Follow Catherine on Twitter

Like Catherine on Facebook