Michael O’Mara editor Thomas pens semi-autobiographical debut

Andersen Press has bought world rights to the debut novel by Emily Thomas, an editor at Michael O’Mara Books.  

Mud is a semi-autobiographical story about a 14-year-old called Lydia, whose father sells their house and moves his family onto a barge. Set in 1979, Mud is told through the lens of Lydia’s diary.

Andersen's publishing director Charlie Sheppard bought world rights from Gillie Russell of Aitken Alexander Associates.

“We all know that mud sticks,” said Sheppard. “Well this Mud certainly does. It’s the story of an extraordinary adolescence; a novel which I desperately wanted to publish the moment I read it. It’s bittersweet and unique – and it will stick with you. I’m immensely proud that Emily has chosen Andersen Press to be its publisher.”

Thomas, who has also worked at Hodder Children’s Books and Hot Key Books, added: “It makes me so happy that Charlie and her team love and believe in Mud as much they do. Andersen Press has such a stellar reputation for great, quality fiction that endures, and I am honoured to be part of their list.”

Andersen Press will publish in July with a cover by artist Helen Musselwhite.