Century pre-empts three royal historical novels

Century has acquired three royal historical novels by Emma Royal, the pen name for romance writer Katie Ginger, including the first in the series, The Palace Girls.

Katie Loughnane, editorial director, acquired world all-language rights to three novels in a 24-hour pre-empt, from Kate Nash at Kate Nash Literary Agency.

The Palace Girls will publish in paperback and e-book in August 2023. It is described as “a captivating commercial historical novel that follows the lives of a group of women working in the Royal Army of Cleaners at Buckingham Palace during the 1950s as Queen Elizabeth II ascends to the throne” and “a page-turning story packed full of royal drama, love, and secrets from above and below the stairs, perfect for fans of ‘The Crown’ and ‘Downton Abbey’”.

Royal said: “I’m incredibly excited to be working with the talented team at Century to bring The Palace Girls to readers. I was immediately impressed by their enthusiasm and dedication and knew straight away that I, and my characters, would be in very safe hands. It’s been a pleasure working with them and I can’t wait for readers to dive into this dramatic and heart-warming series set in the opulence of Buckingham Palace, one of the world’s most iconic locations.”

Loughnane commented: “I instantly warmed to Emma’s cast of characters and loved the sense of community, friendship and drama she creates among the below-stairs staff, which reminded me of one of my all-time favourite series, ‘Downton Abbey’. She also provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at life at Buckingham Palace and her narrative is packed full of historical detail that is guaranteed to delight readers who have an interest in the royal family and times gone by. Emma is a superb storyteller, and I can’t wait for readers to be led through the palace gates and swept up into the world she has created in The Palace Girls this August.”