Doubleday nets Youngson's barge-set second novel

Doubleday will publish the second book from award-winning novelist Anne Youngson.

Jane Lawson, Doubleday editorial director, acquired British and Commonwealth rights including Canada and exclusive Europe with audio rights from Judith Murray at Greene and Heaton. Three Women in a Boat, billed by Doubleday as “delightfully wise” will be a hardback lead title for publication in January 2021.

Youngson’s debut, Meet Me At the Museum (Doubleday) was shortlisted for both the Costa Best First Novel Award and a McKitterick Prize, and won the inaugural Paul Torday Prize for debuts by an author over 60. It sold across multiple territories including North America (St Martin’s Press) and China. 

Lawson said: “Anne has found a place for herself as the voice of new adventure for people of a certain age. Her bittersweet insight into the human heart has caught the attention of prize panels and booksellers alike. 

“This new novel of three women who meet unexpectedly on a tow-path and embark on a journey along the canals of England on a mission to deliver a barge they do not know how to operate, is as much an emotional journey as a physical one, in which they encounter fascinating strangers and discover answers to some of life’s mysteries. Anne has proved she has vast crossmarket potential and we are all hugely excited to take her new level with her delicious new book.”

Youngson added: “I am delighted that the Doubleday team will be working with me once more to launch my new book. I am so impressed with their energy and professionalism and am especially looking forward to working again with Jane Lawson, as an editor, and Alison Barrow, as a publicist. It will, I know, be a complete pleasure.”