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Erin A Craig signs first UK deal with Oneworld for dark Grimms' fairytale retelling
Rock the Boat has acquired The Thirteenth Child, a dark fairy tale retelling from bestselling YA fantasy writer Erin A Craig, in her first UK deal.
Editorial director Shadi Doostdar acquired UK and British Commonwealth rights from Hannah Babcock, director of subsidiary rights at Random House Children’s Books US, on behalf of Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord. The novel, which is supported by a major publicity campaign from boutique PR firm Black Crow, will be published as a lead title this September.
The novel is a dark retelling of "Godfather Death", the Grimms’ fairytale. “This fantastical saga follows Hazel Trépas, the thirteenth child, who has been promised to Merrick – the god of death since birth,” Oneworld Publications said.
“Gifted with the magic of healing and burdened with the responsibility to end a life, Hazel has always obeyed God’s orders.
“But when destiny brings her to the royal court, she meets Leopold, an infuriatingly alluring prince, who makes Hazel question everything she knows about love and duty. With her heart and head in battle, can she go against the will of Death himself to save someone who is marked to die?”
Craig said “I am over the moon to have The Thirteenth Child find a home at Oneworld. Hazel and Merrick’s story is so dear to me and Rock the Boat is the perfect partner to help bring their tale to readers across the UK. I couldn’t be more excited to have such a dream team on my side.”
Doostdar said “Erin is a hugely talented writer whose star is already very bright across the pond in the US. So, it is a real privilege to be publishing her in the UK for the first time. The Thirteenth Child is a masterpiece that powerfully explores the themes of love, life and sacrifice. It casts you in its spell and leaves you watery eyed at the end.”
Craig is the New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows (published by Crown in the US) and House of Roots and Ruin (Random House, US) based in West Michigan.
