HQ takes two from Andi Osho

HQ has signed two further books from writer and actress Andi Osho.

World all-language rights were acquired by Katie Seaman, senior commissioning editor, from Richard Scrivener at the Creative Rights Agency, in partnership with talent agency Victoria Lepper Associates.

The first book in the deal, Tough Crowd, follows aspiring comedian Abi, who has always been told that she’s too much but never felt like she is enough, until she meets Will, who changes everything. The synopsis goes on: “But Will is a package deal and comes with two daughters from a previous relationship. Abi is used to playing to difficult audiences, but winning over the girls and step-parenting is going to be her toughest gig yet.”

Osho currently features as a character in the new series of the BBC's “Line of Duty”. Her debut novel Asking for a Friend was published by HQ in February.

She said: "Having been in a relationship with a single dad, I can testify to what a profound, challenging and illuminating experience it can be. Tough Crowd is about all that and I hope it goes some way to dispelling the myth of the 'evil stepmother'. As the lead character is a stand-up comedian, it’s also a fond farewell to my days on stage. In Tough Crowd, readers get to enjoy the insane ups and downs of life as an open-mic comic, all from the safety of their own homes!"

Seaman added: "It’s been a joy to see Andi’s debut novel Asking for a Friend really resonate with readers. Andi is a natural storyteller. She writes relatable characters and relationships with such honesty, warmth and wit, for truly entertaining reads that women of all ages can enjoy. I can’t wait to publish Tough Crowd next year—it promises to be the laugh-out-loud hit of the summer—and see Andi’s star continue to rise."

Tough Crowd will be published in hardback, e-book and audio in June 2022.