Egmont snaps up two more from McLachlan

Egmont has snapped up two more middle-grade novels from The Land of Roar author Jenny McLachlan. 

Fiction publishing director Ali Dougal and commissioning editor Liz Bankes signed the deal for world rights in all languages with Julia Churchill of AM Heath. 

The third title in The Land of Roar series will publish in Spring 2021, with artwork from acclaimed illustrator Ben Mantle, and will see twins Arthur and Rose continue their adventures in their not-so-imaginary world. A fourth as yet untitled middle-grade novel will follow.

The deal comes as Egmont prepares to publish the second book in The Land of Roar series in September 2020, after securing the title and the first in the fantasy series in a six-figure pre-empt last year. 

The Land of Roar launched as Waterstones Book of the Month on 1st August 2019, has sold 5,810 copies through Nielsen in its first 10 days, and hit the 4th spot on the TCM children’s chart this week. Several major retail promotions are set to run in the coming weeks, backed by targeted marketing and PR and a nationwide schools tour for McLachlan in September. Ten major rights deals – including several auctions and pre-empts – are already secured for The Land of Roar.

Dougal said: "It’s incredibly exciting to watch a book you love storm into the charts. The Land of Roar is a magical treat for kids and adults alike, and working with Jenny and Ben has been a complete joy for us all at Egmont, so we’re thrilled to now have three more books worth of fun to look forward to. As Wininja would say, it’s imaginary."

McLachlan added: "This is wonderful news. When I wrote The Land of Roar I hoped it would capture children's imaginations and take them to a wonderful place. Working with Ali and Liz, and the team at Egmont, I have seen this dream come true, and Ben's illustrations have brought the story alive. I can't wait to write more magical books with them."