ALITA BRYDON’S NONFICTION BOOK ACQUIRED BY HARPERCOLLINS
Social media superstar Alita Brydon has sold the rights to her nonfiction book to HarperCollins Australia.
Part memoir, part guidebook, this hilarious, feisty and relatable book will help you rewrite the narrative on love, bodies and self-esteem.
KELLY BRODIE-BROWN SELLS TWO PICTURE BOOKS TO SCHOLASTIC
We are excited to share the news that Kelly Brodie-Brown has sold not one, but two picture books to Scholastic Australia.
Both are joyous, sometimes-absurd and very funny stories about breaking stereotypes.
HOLLY BRUNNBAUER’S DEBUT TO BE PUBLISHED BY HARPERCOLLINS
We are delighted to share the news that Holly Brunnbauer’s debut romcom will be published in August 2025 by HarperCollins Australia. This novel is feisty, fun and totally captivating.
MURRAY MIDDLETON’S NOVEL NO CHURCH IN THE WILD TO BE PUBLISHED BY PICADOR
Vogel-award winning writer, Murray Middleton’s complex and powerful novel, No Church in the Wild, will be published in April 2024 by Picador/Pan Macmillan.
From the vial-studded stairs of the inner-city high-rises to the mud-sucking jungle of Kokoda, No Church in the Wild is a fierce interrogation of contemporary Australian society and the prejudices that still underpin it.
SHERRYL CLARK’S NEXT CRIME THRILLER TO BE PUBLISHED BY HQ/HARPERCOLLINS
HQ/HarperCollins has acquired award-winning writer, Sherryl Clark’s, brilliant new crime novel, Woman, Missing.
To be published in July 2024 by HQ/HarperCollins, this twisty, gritty and unputdownable thriller is perfect for readers of Sarah Bailey and Jane Caro’s The Mother.
She’s the one to turn to when you need saving. But first she has to save herself…
ANTONY ELWORTHY MIDDLE GRADE NOVEL ACQUIRED BY WALKER BOOKS
Author, illustrator and animator Antony Elworthy’s debut middle grade novel has been acquired by Walker Books and will published in 2024. This absurd, smart and heartfelt story will be perfect for readers of David Walliams and Morris Gleitzman.
“With his grandson as his skeptical audience, Gramps likes to relate the adventures of his youth. He’s had what they call a Chequered Career, and some of his tales would leave you wondering.
There was the occasion when Gramps was selling ice-creams at the beach and a freak wave swept his van out to sea. Then there was the time as he was digging his way out of a collapsed coal-mine and discovered a fortune of diamonds. But perhaps his most astonishing adventure was when Gramps used to ply his trade as an itinerant magician known as The Astounding Alfredo…”
IAN W. SHAW’S 12th Book coming THROUGH SIMON & SCHUSTER
We are thrilled to share the news that Simon & Schuster will be publishing Ian W Shaw’s next (and 12th!) book – a page-turning and carefully-researched account of Frank Gardiner.
Considered the godfather of Australian bushranging, Frank Gardiner was a complex character within Australian colonial history – equal parts gentleman and felon.
This is the story of a man who, with a hand-picked band of followers, would control the roads leading to and from Australia’s richest goldfields for almost two years. A man who planned and directed the greatest armed robbery in Australia’s history. And a man who then walked away from crime to start a new life with the woman he loved.
The book will be published in the second half of 2024.
ANNIE DE MONCHAUX DEBUT NOVEL SOLD TO ULTIMO PRESS
We are so pleased to announce the news that Ultimo Press has acquired the rights to Annie de Monchaux’s debut novel, Audrey’s Gone AWOL, in a two-book deal. We adore this book, which will be published in April 2024.
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From the publisher:
Audrey and her husband are empty nesters, and as she nears sixty, she is feeling invisible to her family, society, and disturbingly, even herself. When she discovers her husband is contemplating an affair, she flees to her aged aunt’s place in France. There begins Audrey’s journey to finding the courage to live on her own terms…
Publisher, Alex Craig, says: ‘In Audrey, Annie has created an unforgettable heroine. I can’t wait for readers to discover this uplifting and funny novel in which it’s never too late to change your life.’
ALISTER NICHOLSON’S NEXT PICTURE BOOK ACQUIRED BY ALLEN & UNWIN
We can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on Alister Nicholson’s gorgeous, fun-filled new picture book, The Backyard Games, in late 2024. Written by one of Australia’s most respected sports journalists, illustrated by the excellent Tom Jellett and published by the wonderful team at Allen & Unwin, this book celebrates the joy and inclusivity of kids’ sports.
B.M. CARROLL’S NEXT THRILLER TO BE PUBLISHED BY AFFIRM
We’re excited to share the news that B.M. Carroll will have a new novel out with Affirm Press in May 2024.
One of Us is Missing is another psychological thriller that pulses with fast-paced, ever-twisting intrigue. It follows Ber’s 2023 release, The Other Side of Her.
MARK MUPOTSA-RUSSELL DEBUT NOVEL TO BE PUBLISHED BY AFFIRM PRESS
Debut author Mark Mupotsa-Russell’s very excellent noir crime thriller will be published by Affirm Press in August 2024.
Sinners Like Me is an acerbic, darkly funny and completely unique novel that will have you gasping. Think ‘Killing Eve’ meets ‘Mr Inbetween’ but with hippies, hipsters and bogans.
GLENNA THOMSON THRILLER ‘GONE’ ACQUIRED BY PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
We’re very happy to share the news that Glenna Thomson’s next novel will be published by Penguin Books Australia.
Gone is a gripping and sophisticated rural crime thriller that will keep you up late at night. Coming February 2024.
JULIE JANSON’S NEXT NOVEL TO BE PUBLISHED BY MAGABALA BOOKS
We’re thrilled to share the news that Julie Janson’s next historical fiction novel, Compassion, will be published by Magabala Books.
Compassion is a follow-up to Benevolence, which was shortlisted for the Barbara Jefferis Award, nominated for the NIB Literary Award and the Voss Literary Award.
“All the women danced together in a line, spiraling, a long twisting rope of human hair gripped in our hands joining us to country and to our mother’s mothers. We sang for the ancient ones, unending and forever, and I shuddered, knowing I had come home, and I was one of them.”
Coming Autumn 2024.
AWARD RECOGNITION FOR SMLM AUTHORS
We are proud and delighted to share some recent award wins and announcements for SMLM authors, including:
– Shelley Burr, winner of the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year
– Jackie Bailey, The Eulogy, winner for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards Multicultural NSW Award category, and shortlisted for the Glenda Adams Award for New Writing
– Scott Stuart, My Shadow is Purple, shortlisted for the ABIA Small Publisher Children’s Book of the Year
– Julie Janson, Madduka the River Serpent, longlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award
Kate Talbot’s picture book to be published by Allen & Unwin
We are very excited to announce that author/illustrator Kate Talbot’s picture book How to Draw a Dragon will be published in 2024 by Allen & Unwin.
This gorgeous, clever and very sweet story is about art, imagination and resilience.
Scott Stuart’s 10th book COMING IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS
By popular demand, Scott Stuart has a new book coming in time for Christmas!
Scott’s bedtime stories for hard days went viral on social media – the first story being viewed over three million times on Instagram! – and now they are being published as a collection by Bright Light / Hardie Grant.
Shelley Davidow’s next novel sold to HQ/HarperCollins
We are delighted to share the news that Shelley Davidow’s next novel will be published by HQ/HarperCollins.
A literary love story set set against the backdrop of Berlin in the 1980s and the deeper background of WW2, this gorgeous novel about music, gender, history and inherited trauma will be published in 2024.
My Shadow is Pink in TV development
We are proud and excited to announce that Scott Stuart’s best-selling picture book My Shadow is Pink is being developed into a TV series!
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and CBC/Radio-Canada have announced that My Shadow is Pink is one of two projects selected from over 180 submissions to receive developmental funding under the Kindred ABC/CBC Animation Collaboration.
The series has been created by Scott Stuart and Ken Cuperus, with Headspinner/Sticky Pictures.
Ilsa Evans’ 15th novel, Family Baggage, to be published by HarperCollins HQ
Ilsa Evans’ latest novel, Family Baggage, will be published by HarperCollins/HQ in March 2023. A deeply insightful and wryly funny story perfect for readers of Meredith Jaffe and The Weekend by Charlotte Wood.
Ultimo Press to publish Marija Pericic’s Exquisite Corpse
We are so excited that Ultimo Press will be publishing Vogel award-winning Marija Pericic’s next novel in mid-2023.
Exquisite Corpse is a literary psychological thriller and one of the most fascinating and frightening books we’ve read in a long time – about love and obsession, coercion and control.
Weaving Country to be published by Walker Books
We are delighted to announce that Walker Books Australia will be publishing Weaving Country by Aunty Kim Wandin, Chris Joy and Ashleigh Pugh in 2024 – a joyful picture book about respecting Country, intergenerational knowledge transmission, and the work of women and girls. The work is a collaboration between Aunty Kim Wandin, a Wurundjeri Elder, senior knowledge holder and master-weaver, Chris Joy, who has worked for many years in the cultural and environmental education sector, and Ashleigh Pugh, a young, award-winning Noongar artist.
Pantera Press acquires Victoria Vanstone’s memoir in two-book deal
We’re excited to share the news that Pantera Press has snapped up ANZ rights to Victoria Vanstone’s hilarious and heartfelt memoir, A Thousand Wasted Sundays in a two-book deal. Best known as Drunk Mummy Sober Mummy, host of the hugely popular Sober Awkward podcast and founder of the Cuppa community, Victoria is one of Australia’s leading media commentators on issues of motherhood, sobriety and alcohol-free living. Her book will be released in 2024.
Ultimo Press to publish Louise Wolhuter’s debut novel in December
We are thrilled to share the news (and the stunning cover) of Louise Wolhuter’s debut novel, An Afterlife for Rosemary Lamb. This beautifully written and completely engrossing mystery will be published by Ultimo Press in December.
Kitty Black’s next picture book acquired by Affirm Press
Kitty Black’s new picture book will be published by Affirm Press. A fun and affirming story about starting school, this will be Kitty’s sixth picture book.
Rebecca Timmis’ junior fiction series Jawsome
We’re excited to share the news that super-talented writer/illustrator Rebecca Timmis has a new junior fiction series, Jawsome, coming next year with Albert Street Books / Allen & Unwin.
B.M. Carroll’s next psychological thriller sells to Affirm Press
Affirm Press has snapped up rights to All Her Inconsistencies, the latest psychological thriller from B.M. Carroll.
This will be Ber’s eleventh book, and will be published in May 2023.
Liz Ledden’s next picture book acquired by Bright Light
We are excited to share the news that Liz Ledden’s newest picture book will be published by Bright Light / Hardie Grant in 2023.
Inky and Quack is a sweet and very funny story about the importance of diversity and representation in literature.
The Brothers by S.D. Hinton to be published by HarperCollins
We’re so happy to share the news – and the brilliant cover – for The Brothers by S.D. Hinton, which will be published by HarperCollins Books Australia in August 2022.
An isolated house. A mysterious note. Someone is watching …
An absorbing, atmospheric mystery about families, secrets and the bonds of brotherhood set on the Victorian south coast.
Debut children’s author, Dani Colvin, to be published by Walker Books
We are excited to announce that author/illustrator Dani Colvin’s debut picture book will be published by Walker Books Australia in 2023 – a powerful and uplifting story that will foster resilience, self-belief and courage.
Julie Janson’s Madukka, The River Serpent acquired by UWAP
We are delighted to announce that Julie Janson’s next novel – Madukka, The River Serpent – has been acquired by UWAP.
A unique contemporary crime story exploring Aboriginal deaths in custody, climate change and water theft, it will published in November 2022.
Scott Stuart’s Alone to be published by Bright Light / Hardie Grant
We are thrilled to announce that best-selling author/illustrator and all-round superstar Scott Stuart’s next book, Alone, will be published through Hardie Grant’s Bright Light imprint.
Alone is a beautiful story about how sometimes our worst moments can lead to the best things in life.
Sonia Henry’s memoir to be published by Allen & Unwin
We are thrilled to announce that Allen & Unwin has secured the rights to Sonia Henry’s next book.
Following on the heels of her best-selling novel, Going Under, Sonia’s newest book is a funny, eye-opening and deeply personal memoir about her experiences working as a solo GP in remote Australia.
At nearly 35, after having her heart broken by a heart surgeon, Sonia escaped to the middle of the West Australian desert, to the land of ‘blackfella’ and ‘whitefella’, where seasons consist only of ‘wet’ and ‘dry’, where healthcare is chronically underfunded and under-resourced. Through Pilbara and the Kimberley, to Lightning Ridge and North West NSW, Sonia discovers things not only about herself, but about our land and our country, and how a healthcare system tailored for white people fails Indigenous Australians.
My Shadow is Purple to be published by Larrikin House
The much anticipated sequel to the international best-selling picture, My Shadow is Pink, will be released in May 2022 by Larrikin House.
My Shadow is Purple is a heartwarming and inspiring book about being true to yourself, by best-selling children’s book creator Scott Stuart. This story considers gender beyond binary in a vibrant spectrum of colour.
Elise Hearst debut acquired by HarperCollins/HQ in competitive two-book deal
We are very excited to announce that HarperCollins HQ has acquired Elise Hearst’s debut novel in a hotly-contest two-book deal.
HQ head of publishing Jo Mackay described the novel as ‘fiercely honest and fearless … a deep dive into the complex questions that surround culture, identity politics and generational trauma in contemporary Australia. This novel is both a sadly affectionate and brilliantly unsparing examination of the glorious, awkward, messiness of life.’
The novel will be published in early 2023, with Elise’s second book to follow 12 months later.
Shelley Burr sells debut novel to Hachette/Hodder & Stoughton in hotly contested international auction
We are THRILLED to announce that we’ve sold world rights to Shelley Burr’s debut Wake in hotly contested international auctions in Australia, the UK and US.
The substantial, six-figure, two-book deal will see Hachette Australia publishing Wake in May 2022, with Hodder & Stoughton (UK) and William Morrow (US) publishing the book in July 2022.
Wake won the CWA Debut Dagger in 2019 and was previously shortlisted for both the Kill Your Darlings Unpublished Manuscript Award and the Bath Novel Award. It is described by the publishers ‘as a searing crime novel where the grief and guilt surrounding the unsolved disappearance of a nine-year-old twin girl still haunt a small NSW farming community almost twenty years later’.
Yvonne Sewankambo sells four picture books to Walker Australia
We are so happy to share the news that Walker Books Australia has acquired world rights to FOUR picture books by the very talented Yvonne Sewankambo.
First There Was Me, Then There Was You and Good Hair will be the first two books, to be published in 2023.
Scholastic Australia acquires two more picture books by Scott Stuart
The good news continues with Scholastic Australia acquiring world rights to not one, but TWO, new picture books by Scott Stuart – a sequel to Who’s a Goose, and a touching and funny book exploring the battle between a risk-averse, controlling brain and an impulsive but sensitive heart.
Jackie Bailey’s auto-fictional novel to be published by Hardie Grant
We are thrilled to announce that Hardie Grant have acquired world rights (ex-US) to Jackie Bailey’s debut auto-fiction, The Eulogy – a stunning book exploring themes of family, faith, identity, trauma, illness and death, with levity and lightness.
The Eulogy follows the story of Kathy as she sits down to write her sister Annie’s eulogy and reflects on the complexities that shaped their family and their identities.
It will be published in June 2022.
Ultimo Press acquires dual narrative memoir by Shaimaa Khalil and Shelly Davidow
We are thrilled to announce that Ultimo Press will be publishing the ground-breaking dual narrative memoir by BBC journalist Shaimaa Khalil and acclaimed author Shelley Davidow.
Runaways tells a story of an improbable female friendship between two women from either ends of Africa. Traversing issues of race and religion, family and friendship, this is a poetic, timely and vitally important story told by two women whose friendship transcends historical, social, geographical and temporal boundaries.
Coming May 2022
Kitty Black’s middle grade series Everglade to be published by Affirm
We’re delighted to announce that Affirm Press have snapped up world rights to Kitty Black’s delightful middle grade trilogy, Everglade – a brilliant series with echoes of Buffy and Marvel, combining magic, black comedy, neuro-divergence and beautiful tween-age friendships.
Scott Stuart’s junior fiction series acquired by Scholastic
We are excited to share the news that best-selling picture book author Scott Stuart will be branching out into junior fiction! Scott has signed a three-book deal with Scholastic Australia to publish the sassy, fun Sapphire Sparks series.
Fun, funny and empowering, this is the story of a sassy young girl, Sapphire, who comes from a long line of not-very-successful monster hunters. Together with her nonbinary friend, Jasper, they embark on a chaotic adventure to catch a monster, enabling her family to finally join The Society for the Hunting of Monsters which are Definitely Evil. Things don’t go to plan, however, when Sapphire realises that maybe monsters aren’t as evil as she was taught to believe.
