Deacon makes first acquisitions for Bookouture

Bookouture publishing director Laura Deacon has acquired two books each from Mel Sherratt and Leah Mercer, her first acquisitions since moving from Amazon Publishing in August. 

Sherratt is returning to Bookouture from Avon. Bookouture launched Sherratt's Detective Eden Berrisford crime thriller series with The Girls Next Door in 2015 and published two further novels in the series. The first of the two new psychological thrillers, The Liar’s Revenge, was acquired direct from the author and will be published in June 2021. 

Mercer, whose latest novel Ten Little Words was published by Amazon Publishing in June 2020, will publish the first of two "emotional" women’s fiction titles, The Other Mother, with Bookouture in June 2021. Rights were acquired through the Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV and Film Agency.

Pictured left: Leah Mercer, Pictured right: Mel Sherratt

Deacon said: "I’m thrilled to be bringing Mel and Leah and their exceptional storytelling to my list at Bookouture. When I read the opening pages of The Liar’s Revenge I just knew I had to publish it. It has everything that I love about Mel’s writing—complex characters, dark and long-buried secrets and a gut-punch of a twist that you won’t see coming. The Other Mother is a moving and deeply human novel that will grab your heart and not let go—I read it in one sitting, absolutely transfixed by the power of Leah’s writing."

Sherratt commented: "I’m delighted to have signed two more books with Bookouture, and I’m really looking forward to a change in genre. I love mixing psychological suspense with domestic noir and coming up with gritty but emotional ‘it might happen to me’ stories. I’ve also admired Laura from afar and am thrilled to be able to work with her now. Bookouture have gone from strength to strength and I’m glad to be back."

Mercer added: "I’m thrilled to have signed with Bookouture and to be working with such an experienced and knowledgeable editor as Laura. I’ve been watching Bookouture’s success since the very beginning and have long admired their digital savviness and explosive growth. I’m very excited to get started on a new journey with a talented and enthusiastic team!"