Avon bags 'glorious' Doyle debut in two-book deal

Avon Books has bagged the “glorious” debut from Liverpool actress and writer Hayley Doyle in a two-book deal.

Publishing director Helen Huthwaite at Avon acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Never Saw You Coming from Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson Agency. It is slated for publication in summer 2020, with the second to follow in 2021.

“Set between Liverpool and Dubai, Never Saw You Coming is about two people whose lives collide unexpectedly - and the importance of taking risks when it comes to love”, the publisher said.

Huthwaite said: "It’s a wonderful feeling to see women’s fiction well and truly on the rise again, and Never Saw You Coming is the perfect book to sate the appetite of all those readers out there. Hayley Doyle’s debut is a glorious homage to the unlikeliest of friendships showing that, just when you need it most, a door can open to a whole new life. Infused with the wit and wisdom of Mhairi McFarlane, this beautifully drawn novel of love, friendship and new beginnings sits perfectly against its Liverpudlian backdrop. Never Saw You Coming is a testament to Hayley’s talent and with it it’s clear that she’s already well on her way to becoming a real star for the future.”

Doyle made her West End debut playing Ali in “Mamma Mia!” at the Prince of Wales Theatre before gaining an MA in Creative Writing from Brunel University. Using her experience on the stage and writing skills, she started teaching musical theatre to children that landed her a job in Dubai. It was during her time living in the Emirates that she set up her own company, Hayley's Comet, training children and teenagers in all aspects of theatre.

She said: “The team at Avon have not only welcomed me with such warmth and support, but they’ve opened their arms to my characters too. I’m thrilled that Avon will be bringing them to life and I couldn’t be more excited about this deal.”