Award-winning author Corinne Duyvis is well-known for her thrilling, edge-of-your-seat speculative fiction. Today I am excited to share that she has a brand new novel on the way – and this is one you absolutely will not want to miss! Here’s the deal announcement:

Maggie Lehrman at Abrams has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Art of Saving the World author Corinne Duyvis’s new YA novel, #Viral. This near-future thriller follows an autistic high-schooler who goes viral with her livetweets when she finds herself as the only survivor trapped on a zombie-infested island. Danger, stakes, and highly embedded conspiracy quickly follows in this fast-paced fight for survival. Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author in a deal for World English rights. Publication is planned for spring 2024.

Huge congratulations, Corinne!

- Joan

There are few things more exciting than sharing news of a debut book deal—and today’s deal takes it to a whole new level! Mrs & Mr MacLeod are a dynamic duo: wife and husband, illustrator and author. Their work first caught my eye when they posted an art sample on twitter. Let me tell you, I jumped in to message them so fast I nearly tripped over my own fingers! With just the right balance of quirky and odd, heart-warming and hilarious, the more I saw of their work the more thoroughly I was hooked.

Once their picture book went on submission, it sold almost instantly in a three-book preempt (which, to add to the excitement, I found myself negotiating while on a trip to Kathmandu!)—and here’s the deal announcement, ready to share at last:

Tracey Keevan at Union Square Kids has acquired How to Eat a Book by Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod, in a three-book preempt. With hints of Shel Silverstein and a splattering of Edward Gorey, this debut picture book chronicles the adventures of cousins Sheila, Gerald, and Geraldine, who are devoured by their books—quite literally! The first book will publish in Fall 2022. Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency sold world rights.

I absolutely can’t wait for you to meet these irresistible characters—they’re going to absolutely sweep you away. Huge congratulations, Mrs & Mr M!

--Joan

Alice Faye Duncan has long desired to find a way in to creating a picture book series that celebrate the African American spiritual. We’re delighted to announce that with the beautiful art of Paul Kellam, the dream has been realized. Utilizing Alice Faye’s beautiful language and Paul’s gorgeous artwork, these books will be something to look forward to!

Kimberly Von Fange at WaterBrook has acquired world rights to This Train Is Bound for Glory and I Gotta Sing by Alice Faye Duncan (l.) (Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop), illustrated by Paul Kellam. These picture books introduce well-known African American spirituals and offer a short history behind each song. Publication is planned for summer 2023 and summer 2024; Tricia Lawrence at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author, and Robbin Brosterman at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. 

Congratulations, Alice Faye!

–Tricia