Choc Lit signs two-book deal with film archivist Carryl Church

Choc Lit has signed a two-book deal with film archivist Carryl Church, with the first title scheduled to publish in autumn 2024. 

Editorial director Emma Grundy Haigh acquired world English rights to Church’s debut historical romance, The Forgotten Life of Connie Harris, and one more title, from Saskia Leach at the Kate Nash Literary Agency.

Church was a winning entrant at the first pitch party held by Choc Lit’s parent company, Joffe Books, which asked entrants to pitch their unpublished novels in 280 characters or less. The call out was especially seeking authors who identify as or who are writing commercial fiction with characters that are BAME, LGBTQ+, working class and/or have disabilities.

The synopsis says: “The Forgotten Life of Connie Harris sees the titular character struggling in the aftermath of the Second World War. Connie Harris’s job as an usherette at the Tivoli cinema provides escape from her difficult home life in post-war Devon. With projectionist Charlie she finds the unconditional love and security she yearns for but struggles to believe in. After she’s left for dead on Exmoor, Connie’s forced to start again and rely only on herself, determined to provide love and security for her son.”

Grundy Haigh said: “I was immediately charmed by  the warmth of Carryl’s voice. Her brilliant historical romance swiftly draws you in, with hugely endearing characters and easy flowing prose. And even better than the impeccably researched backdrop of post-war Devon is the irresistible love story between Connie and Charlie, which simply leaps from the page.”

Church added: “I’m thrilled to be working with Emma and the Choc Lit team to publish my debut novel and over the moon to have been offered a two-book deal. Emma’s enthusiasm for the setting and characters assured me my book is in safe hands.”

Leach commented: “Set against the immersive backdrop of cinema, Carryl’s writing explores themes of lost love and the lasting bond of friendship across generations. I am delighted this has found a home with Emma on the Choc Lit list and I can’t wait for readers to meet Connie Harris.”