Cotton’s debut novel goes to Penguin Michael Joseph

Penguin Michael Joseph has acquired Fearne Cotton’s debut novel in a two-book deal.

Publisher Clio Cornish acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Scripted and a second as-yet-untitled work from Amanda Harris at YMU.

Scripted follows the story of Jade Shaw. She used to have her life on track. But now, at 32, she’s pushed around by her warring family and taken for granted by her boyfriend. She knows that she’s got to start standing up for herself again. She just doesn’t know how.

She finds answers in a series of mysterious scripts, which appear on the path outside her house, at work – and even in her recycling bin. Predicting future arguments in which Jade fails to speak up – arguments which then become reality – these scripts are as infuriating as they are puzzling. Who is leaving them? How can they predict Jade’s reactions so accurately? And can Jade find a way to rewrite the script for good?

Scripted will be a major fiction launch for Penguin Michael Joseph in June 2024, publishing in hardback, e-book and audio. Cotton said: “Writing Scripted has been one of the greatest joys of my career to date. To escape into Jade’s world and to explore the relationships in her life has been a riot. I have created a character that I believe will resonate with many readers who feel pulled along by life rather than being in control of it.

“Jade is surrounded by loud, confident characters so often feels lost in other people’s demands and drama. Throughout the book, she finds scripts in random places that predict a future conversation. These scripts bring about some personal realisations but also give Jade a chance to change the course of her life. I’m so excited for the readers to meet Jade and explore the power of speech along the way.”

Cornish said: “Packed with warmth, relatability, and laugh-out-loud humour, wrapped up in a brilliantly inventive and emotionally satisfying plot, Scripted is a total dream of a novel and shows what an empathetic and creative writer Fearne is. Like all the best fiction, this is a book that will surprise readers and sit close to their hearts, introducing characters that instantly become friends – I fell in love with this gloriously messy and real cast instantly and rooted for Jade until the very last, triumphant page. We at Penguin Michael Joseph are extremely proud to be launching Fearne’s fiction debut, which marks the start of a hugely exciting new chapter.”

Harris added: “I’ve had the privilege of working with Fearne from her very first book. Almost a decade and many many bestsellers later, it’s been a joy to see Fearne’s writing confidence grow and strengthen with every book. So, when Fearne said to me, ‘I have an idea for a novel,’ I held my breath with excitement and leaned in for the pitch. The idea blew me away – think Matt Haig meets ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’.

“Scripted is a high concept rom-com and the novel we all need right now. Funny, thought-provoking and a celebration of love in all its forms, Scripted launches Fearne’s fiction writing career with such appeal and resonance. Fearne is a creative powerhouse and, being such an avid and prolific reader herself, she has created a story and a world that is as captivating as it is magical. And Penguin Michael Joseph is its perfect publishing home. We all need to find our voices and in Scripted, Fearne has found her fiction-writing authorial voice loud and clear.”