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Head of Zeus signs five new authors to Aria imprint in major expansion
Head of Zeus has signed five new authors to Aria in a major expansion of its commercial fiction imprint. The publisher said that the acquisition of the five authors, all contemporary romance authors, "aims to captivate a younger readership with fresh perspectives and engaging narratives that explore the complexities of modern love, careers, relationships and sex".
The five new authors are Annabel Monaghan, Katherine Reilly, Nina Kenwood, Chloe Ford and Cristina Wolf.
Monaghan released her latest book, Summer Romance, in the UK with Head of Zeus in June. Her forthcoming book, It’s a Love Story, is publishing in May 2025. Aubrie Artiano, editorial director at Head of Zeus said of Monaghan: “Annabel’s stories are rich with depth and humour, and her romances are wonderfully aspirational. We are thrilled to be her new UK publishing home.”
Reilly published her Wimbledon romance, Match Point, with Head of Zeus in June. Reilly will write three more sports romances, beginning with Ride the Wave, which will be released in June 2025. Kimberley Atkins, publishing director at Head of Zeus, acquired world all-language rights from Lauren Gardner at Bell Lomax Moreton. Atkins said: “Katherine’s romances are deliciously indulgent, with warm, complex characters and captivating love stories.”
Kenwood will make her adult debut with The Wedding Forecast, publishing in the UK in July 2025. Atkins acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding ANZ and Canada, from Anna Boyce and Sarah Lutyens at Lutyens & Rubinstein on behalf of Text Publishing in Melbourne. Atkins said: “The Wedding Forecast is an addictive, feel-good romantic comedy, filled with sharp dialogue, memorable scenes and timeless romance.”
Ford’s first book, Work Trip, will be published in April 2025. Artiano acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Safae El-Ouahabi at RCW Agency in a two-book deal. Artiano said: “Chloe’s sharp and witty writing will have readers laughing and swooning in equal measure. Work Trip is perfect feel-good escapism.”
Wolf’s book How to Write a Rom-Com will be published in May 2025. Artiano acquired world English language rights from Sian Ellis-Martin at Blake Friedmann in a two-book deal. Artiano said: “Cristina’s writing is heartfelt, with characters that are flawed, funny and deeply relatable. This book reads like "Virgin River" meets "How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days".”
The authors’ books will be available in all formats. Artiano added: “We’re thrilled to be working with such talented women. Their fresh perspectives are perfect for the current market and one strand of our women’s fiction publishing that we are keen to develop and grow.”
