Alward signs new series with S&S set in near-future

The Potion Diaries author Amy Alward has signed a new series with Simon & Schuster, set in a near-future society where mobile phones have been replaced by “smart pets”.

The as-yet-untitled new two-book series aims to shine a spotlight on STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), with only 14% of STEM workforce currently occupied by women.

The YA books will explore how technology has the power to “open up a whole world of magical possibility”. The first will be published in August 2018 followed by the second in August 2019 as paperback originals.

Lucy Rogers acquired UK & Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) from Juliet Mushens of CaskieMushens.

Rogers said Alward’s new series promised to have “all the magical and thrilling ingredients” of The Potion Diaries. “Amy has such a talent for writing for this age group, and teen readers are going to love her next creation,” she said.

Alward credited Simon & Schuster Children's with taking The Potion Diaries series from “strength to strength”.

“I am thrilled that they will be introducing readers to my smart, inventive, teen engineer heroine, Lacey, and her curious robotic best friend, Jinx," she added.

Canadian author Alward was listed as one of The Bookseller's Rising Stars in 2013. Her debut fantasy adventure novel, The Oathbreaker's Shadow, was published in 2013 under the name Amy McCulloch and was longlisted for the 2014 Branford Boase Award. Her first book written as Amy Alward, The Potion Diaries, has sold over 35,000 copies in the UK (TCM), according to S&S.

Alward has also just signed up to help YouTuber Zoella pick YA titles for a "Zoella and Friends" book club with W H Smith.