Three buys for Unsung Stories

Red Squirrel imprint Unsung Stories has acquired world rights for three titles due for publication in 2017: Metronome by Oliver Langmead, Pseudotooth by Verity Holloway and You Will Grow Into Them by Malcom Devlin.

Metronome is literary fantasy featuring an ageing musician who finds himself caught up in the war between the forces of dream and nightmare, and only his music can unlock the secrets at the heart of the Maelstrom. This is the follow up to Dark Star (Unsung Stories), Langmead’s science fiction epic poem which was shortlisted for the Guardian’s Not the Booker award in 2015.

Pseudotooth follows Aisling who suffers from mysterious pseudoseizures. Abandoned in Suffolk with stern Aunt Edyth, she finds herself drawn into a strange world of decaying cities where Our Friend rules, and those who dissent must face The Quiet.

You Will Grow Into Them is Devlin's debut short story collection which explores the "unsettling" and "strange" reaches of the mundane world, from werewolves and ghosts to a disturbing cabaret and living cul-de-sac.

Speaking about the acquisitions, managing editor George Sandison said: “These three works, in very different ways, represent the immense emerging talent in UK genre fiction. These ambitious and talented writers combine compelling storytelling with firm literary convictions, exploring topics like mental health, inequality and old age.”

He added: “We are particularly proud to be publishing Langmead’s second book, and launching two more debut writers. Unsung Stories is about showcasing new talent and we are delighted to be able to continue that mission."