Welbeck signs two new novels from McInerney

Welbeck has signed two new novels from Monica McInerney in a deal which also sees the publisher acquire seven of her backlist titles for a “major relaunch” of her work in the UK.

Fiction publisher Jon Elek acquired UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Australia, New Zealand, Canada and audio, from Jonathan Lloyd and Lucy Morris at Curtis Brown. First new novel The Godmothers will be published in hardback in February 2021.

Its synopsis reads: “The Godmothers is a story about the families we are born into and the families we make for ourselves. It follows Eliza Miller, the only daughter of a troubled single mother, whose unbreakable bonds with her two devoted godmothers provide the comfort, wisdom and security she will need in a challenging and unconventional life.” 

McInerney, previously published by Michael Joseph, said: “I’m really happy to be joining Jon Elek and all at Welbeck with The Godmothers and my next novel. It’s very exciting to be a part of a dynamic new publishing house in the UK & Ireland, and their enthusiasm for my books and writing means so much.”

Elek added: “I absolutely love this book and we’re beyond pleased to have Monica on the list. The Godmothers is a masterpiece of contemporary fiction. In Eliza and her two unwavering, kind-hearted godmothers, Monica has given us a memorable look at what life is like with, and without, meaningful connections in place. It’s profound, profoundly moving, and I didn’t want it to end.”