Lindsay Straube's self-published monster romance pre-empted by Quercus

Quercus publishing director Anne Perry has bought UK and Commonwealth rights to a self-published monster romance by debut author Lindsay Straube in an overnight pre-empt. 

The deal was negotiated by Suzannah Ball of WME. North American rights were sold to Christa Désir at Bloom by Haley Heidemann.

Kiss of the Basilisk was originally self-published in instalments on Straube’s website, and then uploaded in its entirety to Amazon, where it became an overnight sensation and Kindle Unlimited bestseller. Perry snapped up the rights the day after receiving the submission.

Perry said: “I am completely obsessed with Kiss of the Basilisk. It is 100% the steamiest, sexiest book I have ever read, and I am not over that ending. Thankfully, Lindsay is working on two more books in the series, so I’ll have the opportunity to make inappropriate snake puns for a long time to come.”

Straube said: “I am beyond thrilled and grateful that Kiss of the Basilisk found its home at Quercus. I couldn’t ask for a better team to bring sexy snakes to the UK! The series is in capable hands, and I can’t wait for new readers to meet Caspen, Tem and Leo."

Kiss of the Basilisk will publish in February 2025.