Tag: Acquisition

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Solaris snaps up new and backlist titles by Aliya Whiteley

Solaris is thrilled to announce the acquisition of two brand new novels, and four backlist titles, by Arthur C. Clarke Award-nominated author Aliya Whiteley.

A meta coming of age tale of stories within stories, Three Eight One follows Rowena Savalas, a curator of the 21st century’s primitive internet in the year 2314, who stumbles upon a story posted online in the summer of 2024 that leads her to question her own life choices and whether the truth behind the story really matters at all.

Previously published by Unsung Stories, Solaris will also reissue The Beauty, The Loosening Skin, The Arrival of Missives and Greensmith, with a tenth anniversary edition of The Beauty to be published in Summer 2024.

Three Eight One will be released in January 2024. World All Languages Rights for Three Eight One and a second title and exclusive rights in all languages and territories for The Beauty, The Loosening Skin, The Arrival of Missives and Greensmith were acquired by David Moore from Max Edwards at Aevitas Creative Management. Titan will continue to sublicense North American English language rights to The Beauty, The Loosening Skin and The Arrival of Missives from Solaris, as they previously had from Unsung Stories.

Author Aliya Whiteley on the acquisition:

“It’s a delight and a reassurance to know that Solaris will be publishing my novels and novellas, starting with my latest novel of adventure and discovery, Three Eight One, from 2024. Many thanks to David Moore and all at Solaris for deciding to champion my stories into the future.”

Acquiring Editor David Moore:

“Aliya is a ferocious talent, creating some of the smartest, weirdest, most hauntingly beautiful stuff in genre at the moment, and it’s an honour to be a part of that. Three Eight One is a gorgeous book, a coming-of-age story that’s also a road trip that’s also an exploration of generational tension that’s also a meandering commentary on authorship and authenticity that’s also one of the coolest bits of metafiction you’ll read this year.”

Aliya Whiteley’s strange novels and novellas explore genre, and have been shortlisted for multiple awards including the Arthur C Clarke award, BFS and BSFA awards, and a Shirley Jackson award. Her short fiction has appeared in many places including Beneath Ceaseless Skies, F&SF, Strange Horizons, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Lonely Planet and The Guardian. She writes a regular non-fiction column for Interzone magazine.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk.

For rights enquiries please contact Reitha Pattison, Rights Manager: reitha.pattison@rebellion.co.uk

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Solaris acquires haunting literary sci-fi by Lorraine Wilson

Solaris is thrilled to announce the acquisition of We Are All Ghosts in the Forest by Lorraine Wilson.

The internet is dead and its ghosts haunt us all. In a world without electronics and barely any politics, photojournalist Katerina flees to her grandmother’s village and a life of herbal medicine and beekeeping. When a wordless young boy is mysteriously entrusted into her care and rumours of harvest failure and a rampant digital disease start to swirl, they must escape into the dubious safety of the forest amidst accusations of witchcraft to search for the truth behind the disease.

We Are All Ghosts in the Forest will be released in November 2024. English Language UK/BC excluding Canada Rights were acquired by Amanda Rutter from Robbie Guillory at Underline Literary Agency.

Author Lorraine Wilson on the acquisition:

“I am truly delighted to be joining Solaris – they work with an amazing array of authors and are doing really exciting things across speculative fiction, so it will be an honour to become part of that. Amanda is a fantastic champion to have for my books and I know they are in the best possible hands with her. I have to confess I absolutely adore the characters and world in We Are All Ghosts In The Forest, so I cannot wait to see this story come to life under Solaris’ care, and to then be able to share it with readers. I feel like Orlando and Stefan are going to steal some hearts!”

Acquiring Editor Amanda Rutter:

“From the moment I started We Are All Ghosts in the Forest, I knew I was reading something special – it haunted me every time I wasn’t able to read it, and I couldn’t wait to get back to it. The beauty of the prose drew me in first, and then the warmth and hope of the character relationships had me all-in. I’ve been aware of Lorraine’s work for a while, and was thrilled to realise that this novel was just as special as what I had seen before, with themes of loss, love and belonging. I am delighted to welcome Lorraine to Solaris and can’t wait to bring We Are All Ghosts in the Forest to the reading public.”

A conservation scientist and third culture Scot, Lorraine Wilson lives by the sea writing stories influenced by folklore and the wilderness. She has a PhD from the University of St. Andrews but left academia and turned to writing due to disabling illness. Her debut novel, the dystopian thriller This Is Our Undoing, was a multi-award finalist. The follow up, a dark folkloric mystery The Way The Light Bends, was longlisted for the BSFA Best Novel award; and her third book, Mother Sea has recently released. It is an exploration of motherhood, climate change and belonging, and was called ‘complex, rich and beautifully crafted’ by Claire North, author of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. Lorraine has been stalked by wolves and befriended pythons, she also runs the Rewriting The Margins mentorship scheme for marginalised writers.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk.

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Solaris to publish The Spear Cuts Through Water for the UK

Solaris is delighted to announce the acquisition of The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez for the UK.

Shortlisted for an Ignyte Award, British Fantasy Award and the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize, The Spear Cuts Through Water is a stunning and ambitious fantasy saga told as a story within a story that explores identity, legacy and belonging, in a tale of a god who escapes from their prison beneath a despotic emperor’s palace.

The Spear Cuts Through Water will be released in March 2024. UK/BC Rights were acquired by Amanda Rutter from Rachel Kind at Del Rey.

Author Simon Jimenez on the acquisition:

“I’m thrilled to be working with the Solaris team on the UK release for The Spear Cuts Through Water, and so excited to share the book with the new readership.”

Acquiring Editor Amanda Rutter:

“At London Book Fair, I was bowled over to realise that the UK rights to the most beautiful novel I have read in years, possibly ever, were still available. I immediately started the work to bring The Spear Cuts Through Water to a new readership, and I am delighted that Simon agreed to be published by Solaris. I am honoured to think that this breath-taking, clever and epic novel is going to be a part of our list. It deserves every single award nomination and plaudit it has received!”

Simon Jimenez is a Filipino-American writer of speculative fiction. His debut novel was The Vanished Birds and The Spear Cuts Through Water is his second novel. Jimenez’s works have received critical praise, with his debut novel being nominated for the 2021 Locus Award for Best First Novel and the 2021 Arthur C. Clarke Award. Jimenez himself was nominated for the 2021 Astounding Award for Best New Writer.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk.

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Solaris to publish Gothic novella by Sarah Monette

Solaris is delighted to announce the acquisition of its third and final Solaris Satellite novella for 2023, A Theory of Haunting by Sarah Monette.

Monette, who also wrote the critically acclaimed The Goblin Emperor as Katherine Addison, returns to the world of 19th century museum archivist Kyle Murchison Booth in this haunted house mystery for fans of M. R. James and Sarah Waters. The star of a series of short stories previously collected in The Bone Key, Booth attracts yet more supernatural mishaps in his latest adventure that welcomes new and familiar readers alike.

A Theory of Haunting will be released in August 2023.

Exclusive World English Language Rights were acquired by Amanda Rutter from Cameron McClure at the Donald Maass Literary Agency.

Author Sarah Monette on the acquisition:

“It took me a long time to write this novella, so I’m very excited to be working with Solaris to see it in print.”

Acquiring Editor Amanda Rutter:

“Having been an ardent fan of Sarah in her Katherine Addison guise, I was absolutely thrilled to learn that there was a whole other world and wealth of stories to explore in the Kyle Murchison Booth canon. This standalone novella about Mr Booth is the perfect way to discover the necromantic mysteries he dwells within, and I am delighted that Solaris will be publishing A Theory of Haunting.”

Sarah Monette and Katherine Addison are the same person. She has published more than sixty short stories, eight solo novels, and four collaborations with her friend Elizabeth Bear. Her most recent novel is The Grief of Stones (Tor Books/Solaris, 2022). The Goblin Emperor (Tor Books, 2014) won the 2015 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel and was a finalist for the Hugo, the Nebula, and the World Fantasy Award. The Angel of the Crows (Tor Books/Solaris, 2020) was a finalist for the Locus Award. The Witness for the Dead (Tor Books/Solaris, 2021) was a finalist for the Locus Award and shortlisted for the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. The Grief of Stones was longlisted for the British Science Fiction Award for Best Novel. You can find her on Patreon as pennyvixen. She lives, with spouse, cats, and books, somewhere in the Upper Midwest.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk.

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Solaris to publish Sign Here by Claudia Lux for the UK

Solaris is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Sign Here by Claudia Lux for the UK, a horror comedy set to be developed into a series by Amazon with Phoebe Waller-Bridge executive producing.

Peyote Trip works in Hell. Literally. He’s on the cusp of a big promotion if only he can get one more member of the wealthy Harrison family to sell their soul. But things aren’t always as they seem, on Earth or in Hell. And as old secrets and new dangers scrape away at the Harrisons’ shiny surface, revealing the darkness beneath, everyone must face the consequences of their choices.

Sign Here will be released in September 2023.

UK/BC English Language Rights were acquired by Amy Borsuk from Tawanna Sullivan at Berkley, PRH.

Claudia Lux on the acquisition:

“I am so excited to partner with Solaris to bring Sign Here to the UK! As a self-professed anglophile, it is an honor to join such a great list of authors and work with Amy and the whole Solaris team. Can’t wait to see you all in hell!”

Editor Amy Borsuk:

“I’m delighted to bring Sign Here to UK audiences, ahead of its adaptation into a TV show! This book is parts hilarious, moving, thrilling and tragic—UK readers are in for a wild and exciting ride!”

Claudia Lux is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, and has a master’s in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. She lives and works in Boston, Massachusetts. Sign Here is her first novel.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk.

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Solaris acquires sapphic sci-fi rom-com by Rebecca Fraimow

Solaris is delighted to announce the acquisition of Rebecca Fraimow’s debut novel, Lady Eve’s Last Con.

Ruthi Johnson and her little sister Jules have been small-time hustlers on the interstellar cruise lines for years, but when one of their targets, Esteban Mendez-Yuki, leaves Jules heartbroken and pregnant Ruthi is determined to take revenge. Disguised as debutante Evelyn Ojukwu, she’s going to make Esteban fall in love with her and then break his heart and take half his fortune. But Esteban has an overprotective sister of his own, and Ruthi’s mission becomes so much harder when she begins to fall for her.

Lady Eve’s Last Con will be released in Summer 2024.

World All Language Rights were acquired by Amy Borsuk from Bridget Smith at JABberwocky Literary Agency.

Rebecca Fraimow on the acquisition:

“Solaris acquiring Lady Eve’s Last Con is a dream come true for me in every way – it’s a joy to work with Amy (and the whole Solaris team!), and a huge honor to join their incredible list among so many authors that I admire. I can’t wait to share this sci-fi rom-com caper with the world!”

Editor Amy Borsuk:

“I loved working with Rebecca on her brilliant novella The Iron Children, and am thrilled to be working with her again for this excellent romantic caper! There’s an anti-grav opera! Sparks fly between two women con artists! There’s so much fun and imagination wrapped up into one story, and I’m excited for readers to join the ride.”

Rebecca Fraimow is an author and archivist living in Boston. Her short fiction has recently appeared in PodCastle, The Fantasist, and Consolation Songs: Optimistic Speculative Fiction for a Time of Pandemic, among other venues. Her short story in Consolation Songs, “This Is New Gehesran Calling,” appeared on the longlist for the 2021 Hugo Award. Her debut novella, The Iron Children, will be published by Solaris in 2023.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk

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Solaris to publish swashbuckling queer historical fantasy by Emma Sterner-Radley

Solaris has acquired queer Scandinavian historical fantasy Snowblooded by Emma Sterner-Radley.

State-sanctioned assassins Valour and Petrichor were plucked from the streets of 18th century Vinterstock as children and raised to be rivals. When brash butch Valour and uptight dandy Petrichor are given the job of co-assassinating their city’s elusive seller of illegal magic tonics, they must quell their bickering long enough to buy their way out of the abusive order that reared them and into a normal life.

Snowblooded will be released in Summer 2024.

World All Language Rights excluding North America were acquired by Amy Borsuk from Abner Stein in association with Speilburg Literary Agency.

Emma Sterner-Radley on the acquisition:

“I am beyond thrilled to be working with the great team at Solaris and to get a chance to not only share my love of the history and mythology of my native country, but also to write the LGBTQIA characters that mirror my own experiences!”

Editor Amy Borsuk:

“Emma has created an absolutely uproarious romp with characters that will warm your heart and then break it. Her writing is several parts wit and swashbuckle with a beautiful helping of rich worldbuilding and intriguing storytelling. I can’t wait for readers to meet our assassins Petrichor and Valour, and the indomitable Ingrid!”

Emma Sterner-Radley is an ex-librarian turned fantasy author. Originally Swedish, she now lives with her wife and two grumpy old cats in the U.K. She spends her time writing, reading, daydreaming, lifting weights, and watching whatever is the most gay on TV.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk.

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Solaris to publish debut novella by Em X. Liu

Solaris is thrilled to announce the acquisition of If Found, Return to Hell by Em X. Liu, the second of the 2023 Solaris Satellites novellas, to be published in June 2023.

Being an intern at One Wizard sounds magical on the page, but in practice mostly means getting yelled at by senior mages and angry clients alike. And so, after receiving a frantic call from a young man who’s awoken to a talisman on his bedroom wall—and no memory of how it got there—Journeyman Wen jumps at the chance to escape call-center duty and actually help someone for once.

But the case ends up being more complicated than Wen could ever have anticipated. The client has been possessed by a demon prince from Hell, and he’s not interested in leaving.

World English Language Rights were acquired by David Moore from Penelope Burns at Gelfman Schneider.

Author Em X. Liu on the acquisition:

“If Found, Return to Hell is an attempt to rediscover the magic in mundanity: carving out satisfaction in your work, how to balance a helping instinct with your own happiness, living with the guilt of not calling your mom for weeks, a warm meal, friends that turn into family, etc. I am so excited to bring it to you with the help of the Solaris Satellites program; I hope it will be the perfect size to dig into, but not too hearty—a nourishing meal in these trying times.”

Acquiring Editor David Moore:

“Em could hardly have found a more susceptible editor! As an immigrant myself I delighted in the found family storyline, and as a parent I ached with the impulse to protect someone a little bit helpless; but the frustration and tedium of the call centre? That I felt right in the bottom of my crusty old Gen-X soul. If Found, Return to Hell is strange, lovely, incredibly humane and utterly delightful.”

Em X. Liu is a writer and recent biochemistry graduate, which means they love stories about artificial intelligence and Shakespeare in equal measure. Since immigrating to Canada, they never go long without hopping on a plane to wander new places. But out of all the cities they’ve been to, they still love their home in Toronto the most. Their debut novel, The Death I Gave Him, will be published by Solaris in September 2023.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk

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Solaris to publish luscious Cornish fantasy by Sam K. Horton

Solaris is delighted to announce the acquisition of historical folk fantasy Gorse, and its sequel Ragwort, by debut author Sam K. Horton.

Poldark meets The Bear and the Nightingale in a tale of the battle between folk belief and religion in 18th century Cornwall. Pelagius Hunt – a Keeper responsible for mediating between the worlds of men and fey – and his one-time friend Revered Cleaver battle for the village of Mirecoombe’s soul as death stalks the moor. Only Pel’s ward, changeling Nancy Bligh, can unroot the darkness threatening to swallow them all.

Gorse will be released in Fall 2024.

UK/BC English Language Rights were acquired by Amy Borsuk from John Baker and Julie Gourinchas at the Bell Lomax Moreton Agency.

Sam K. Horton on the acquisition:

“I’m thrilled to be working with Amy and Solaris to bring Gorse, and Nancy and Pel’s world, to life. I can’t wait to share these moors filled with monsters and folklore.”

Editor Amy Borsuk:

“I’m so excited to be working with Sam on this magnificent book! His lush writing, the fight of old gods versus new ones, immersive Celtic folklore at the heart of the story, and the dark magic lurking in the moors is what drew me to this book and will captivate readers craving more dark folkloric fantasy.”

Sam K. Horton lives above the moor in Cornwall, drawing on its wild landscape, wide skies and windblown folklore for his work. He trained as a costume designer before moving into visual art. It was during his last creative project that he discovered his talent for writing. This came as a surprise, despite a lifelong love of reading anything within reach, but a welcome one.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk.

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Solaris to publish S.L. Huang’s The Water Outlaws for the UK

Solaris has triumphed at auction for The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang, a queer wuxia fantasy epic inspired by the Chinese classic, Water Margin.

Lin Chong is an expert arms instructor who believes in keeping her head down and doing her job—until a powerful man with a vendetta rips her carefully-built life away. Disgraced, tattooed as a criminal and on the run, she’s recruited by the Bandits of Liangshin who proclaim a belief in justice for women and the downtrodden. Together, they could bring down an empire.

The Water Outlaws will be published in August 2023.

UK/BC Rights were acquired by Michael Rowley from Danny Baror at Baror International Inc.

Author S.L. Huang on the acquisition:

“I could not be more thrilled that The Water Outlaws landed with Solaris, who have published some of my favorite books in science fiction and fantasy. The enthusiasm of Solaris’s team is just amazing, and I can’t wait for them to bring my queer, feminist martial arts bandits to the United Kingdom!”

Acquiring Editor Michael Rowley:

“As an editor, finding a book like The Water Outlaws hitting your desk is like a dream come true. A wonderful concept brilliantly realised. This gender-flipped retelling of a great, perhaps the great, Chinese epic that is a joy to read. Compassionate, thrilling and at times heartbreaking, then joyous, I am beyond excited to welcome S. L. Huang and The Water Outlaws to Solaris.”

S.L. Huang is a Hugo-winning and Amazon-bestselling author who justifies an MIT degree by using it to write eccentric mathematical superhero fiction. Huang is the author of the Cas Russell novels from Tor Books, including Zero Sum Game, Null Set, and Critical Point, as well as the new fantasies Burning Roses and The Water Outlaws. In short fiction, Huang’s stories have appeared in Analog, F&SF, Nature, and more, including numerous best-of anthologies. Huang is also a Hollywood stunt performer and firearms expert, with credits including “Battlestar Galactica” and “Top Shot.” Find SL Huang online at www.slhuang.com or on Twitter as @sl_huang.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk.