Danler moves to Scribner with ‘era-defining’ novel in three-book pre-empt

Scribner has pre-empted an “era-defining” new novel called Smog by Stephanie Danler, alongside a memoir and the 2020 book Stray.  

Publishing director Sophie Missing acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Hellie Ogden at Janklow and Nesbit UK. North American rights were pre-empted by Kara Watson at Scribner from Melissa Flashman at Janklow and Nesbit US. Smog will be published in 2025. 

Smog is a “probing, suspenseful” novel set in 1990s Los Angeles against a “backdrop of wealth, privilege and the Menendez brothers trial”, which Danler attended as a child. The untitled memoir is a “four-season culinary romp” through Spain, while Stray, released in the US by Knopf, is an account of Danler’s return to southern California. Danler’s last book Sweetbitter was released in the UK by Oneworld.

Missing said: “Stephanie Danler is a mesmerising writer with a unique style that is precise, elegant and utterly compelling. Smog promises to be an ambitious, era-defining novel that draws upon the traditions of noir and true crime to tell a story about power, money, justice and family. Stephanie also writes beautifully about food and travel, and her culinary memoir will establish her as the modern-day successor to M F K Fisher. I am so happy to welcome her to the Scribner list and cannot wait to give these three books a UK home.”

Danler commented: “To say I’m moved to be joining Scribner UK with these three books is an understatement. The prestige and breadth of this publishing house is thrilling, and I’m especially grateful to be working with Sophie. I’m excited to connect to readers through these next books.”