'Brilliantly funny' debut of Avon's Ellie Pilcher to Hodder Studio

Hodder Studio has acquired a "brilliantly funny" romantic comedy from Avon marketing manager Ellie Pilcher: What Planet Can I Blame This On?   

The book is Pilcher's debut, to be published on 3rd June, and is "about looking to the stars for answers and finding them within ourselves". Hodder Studio’s Bea Fitzgerald acquired world rights from Hannah Weatherill at Northbank Talent Management.

The synopsis reads: "As Krystal approaches her 29th birthday her life is perfect, but when it’s all upended and her friend blames it on her Saturn Return, Krystal turns to horoscopes, crystals and even a tarot card or two. She’s never bought into all of this before but maybe it's time to re-evaluate – because if the stars got her into this mess, they can get her out of it."

As well as her role at Avon, Pilcher is a journalist, blogger and public speaker who has written for Glamour, the Telegraph and the Huffington Post among others.

"I’m so privileged, and excited to be published by Hodder Studio this summer," she said. "It is a dream come true, and still feels very much like a dream! Clearly the stars were in my favour on finding my fiction home as my editor, Bea, has proven to be incredibly dynamic and never ceases to impress me with her knowledge and enthusiasm. I know What Planet Can I Blame This On? is in steady hands with her and her team’s support."

Fitzgerald said: "This book has been such a joy to work on. It’s fun, captivating and full of Ellie’s wit and charm. It’s exactly the sort of book we all need right now, and I can’t wait to see it out in the world, making readers as happy as it has made me. I’m so pleased to have found a talented writer like Ellie and welcome her to the Hodder Studio list."