Deals for two books for Historical Author A D Bell
Deals for two books for Historical Author A D Bell
Making her first acquisition since joining HQ Fiction in September, publishing director Kate Byrne has bought historical debut The Bookbinder's Secret and a second novel by an author writing as A D Bell. HQ has UK & Commonwealth rights (exc Canada) from David Headley.
The synopsis for The Bookbinder's Secret (autumn 2025): 'When a burned book falls into the hands of young apprentice bookbinder Lily Delaney, she uncovers an unfinished tale of forbidden love, a lost fortune and murder. Her intrigue quickly turns to obsession as she searches for the other books which will complete the story. But she's not alone in the search, and her rivals are willing to take extreme measures to stop the books' secrets from being revealed – even kill – putting everything Lily holds dear in jeopardy.'
Byrne said: "I never expected to fall so deeply for the first submission I read in my new role at HQ, but The Bookbinder's Secret was a cleverly plotted, intriguing gift that I simply couldn't ignore. The timeless appeal of mystery, romance and a woman in a man's profession, determined to make her own way in the world, combined with the fascinating exploration of how books can be beautifully bound yet keep secrets of their own, make this a novel I'm incredibly excited to publish, and press into the hands of book lovers and sellers everywhere."
David Headley said: "From the first page, I was transported to A D Bell's world. Before I knew it, the night had drawn in, and I felt enormous excitement. It is a sublime journey into the world of books - about obsession, mystery, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth. Lily Delaney's quest gripped me from the first burned page and kept me breathless as I followed her through a maze of danger and intrigue. This is a book for anyone who has ever been lost in the magic of stories and the perilous power they can hold."
Bell said: "Living in Oxford, you can't escape history, mystery and the world of books, all things I adore. I enjoyed every moment of writing and researching this novel, from the real stories of lost pages hidden in the bindings of old books, to the intricacies of Victorian bookbinding techniques and the fervour of 19th-century book collectors. I'm beyond excited that Lilian's story has landed with Kate at HQ, her passion and ambition for The Bookbinder's Secret are amazing, I couldn't be in better hands."
Two-Book Deal in the US and Italy: Author Lands Major International Successes
A D Bell has secured two deals from competitive auctions in the US and Italy.
Keith Kahla at St. Martin’s Press has taken North American rights to The Bookbinder’s Secret and one other in a good deal.
Sandra Barbui from Mondadori secured Italian rights at a competitive auction.