Headline snaps up Bradley's debut novel Thirty

Headline has snapped up the “hilarious and insightful” debut novel by Christina Bradley about a woman who goes on 30 dates in as many days.

Senior commissioning editor Kate Byrne acquired world rights from Amanda Preston at LBA. Thirty will be published as an ebook in June, followed by a paperback in August.

The novel centres on Bella Edwards, whose 30th birthday is approaching. With 30 days left until the milestone, she goes on 30 dates in a bid to find “the one”. The publisher said it "shines a fresh light on what it truly means to be single, when everyone else (according to their social media accounts) seemingly has it all".

Byrne said: “I fell head over heels for Thirty. The hook is irresistible and Christina’s voice is honest, wise and hugely funny, with a gift for identifying what so many single women feel. And, as well as being hugely entertaining and enjoyable, Thirty has a brilliant takeaway message that makes it a memorable and powerful read as well. Bella is a character to relate to and root for and I can’t wait for readers to go on her journey of self-discovery with her.”

Bradley said the book was inspired by endless discussions on being single in her early 30s. She explained: “My ambition was to write an unconventional, modern-day love story exposing the truths about dating - the good, the bad and the ugly - while attempting to reframe and most importantly, reclaim what it actually means to be single. I am absolutely delighted to be working with Kate and the wider Headline team and incredibly grateful to all those involved in publishing Thirty.”