Angry Robot takes two from self-publishing success Hennigan in five-figure deal

Angry Robot Books has snapped up two books from self-publishing success story Jane Hennigan in a five-figure deal.  

Eleanor Teasdale, publisher, and Gemma Creffield, managing editor, acquired world English rights for Moths and Toxxic from Liza DeBlock at Mushens Entertainment. Moths was originally self-published, racking up more than 10,000 sales on Amazon. It will now publish with Angry Robot in March 2023, with the sequel Toxxic coming at a later date.  

Moths explores male violence against women, homo-normativity, and gynocracy, and is described by the publisher as “a powerful assessment of life through the lens of a main character in her 70s”. 

It follows Mary as she contemplates her life before men were driven mad by a toxin and life was upended. Unable to ever return to society, men are now kept in specially treated dust-free facilities for their safety. "The world is quiet, but secrets are kept safe in whispers," the synopsis goes on. "Very few people remember what life was like before the change, but Mary knows. She had a family. She was happy. This is her story. "

Hennigan said: “I devour any and all dystopian fiction, especially feminist dystopias, so when I read an article on a type of toxic caterpillar infesting Europe, I put the two together and the idea for Moths was formed. I wanted my protagonist to be an older woman, flawed but capable, and constantly underestimated by those close to her. I put my book out there with few expectations and was stunned by the overwhelming response from so many readers. This past year, Moths has taken on a life of its own, and I’m delighted that Angry Robot has stepped in to ensure Mary’s story reaches the widest readership possible.” 

Teasdale added: "Moths is utterly, horrifyingly compelling with an older protagonist who has lived through the change in the world. It’s smart, readable and a total breakout sensation. I’m so excited to introduce Moths to a whole new set of readers as well as get the magnificent sequel, Toxxic, to the fans who picked it up early on.”