Dougal moves to Michael Joseph in three-book deal

Michael Joseph has signed a three-book deal, including a duology saga series and one standalone saga, from Kirsty Dougal.

Senior editor Madeleine Woodfield acquired world rights from Caroline Sheldon at the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency. Wartime on Sanctuary Lane, the first book in the deal, will be published in spring 2024.

Dougal previously wrote saga novels at Hodder & Stoughton under the name Poppy Cooper. Now, her new two-book series will follow Ruby Archer and her friends who work at the East End munitions factory in the First World War and decide to open an animal sanctuary for abandoned pets. The second book in the series will be set during Christmas time.

Dougal commented: "It is, of course, a dream come true to have my sagas published by Penguin and it is a delight to work with Madeleine again. The Sanctuary Lane series is inspired by my grandfather who served on the frontline in the First World War, my grandmother who lived in the East End of London during the Great War and, of course, all the wonderful pets I grew up with. These are stories written from the heart and I can’t wait to share them with reader."

Woodfield added: "Kirsty’s ideas and enthusiasm for the period she is writing about are second to none, and her writing is everything you want in a saga – fascinating period detail, rich plots and a lot of heart."