Fletcher moves to Transworld in major six-figure deal

Award-winning author Susan Fletcher is moving to Transworld in a major six-figure deal. 

Francesca Best, editorial director, bought world English rights to The Nightjar and one further title from Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown. It will be a major lead title for the Bantam imprint when it publishes in early 2024. 

Fletcher’s debut novel, Eve Green (HarperCollins) won the 2004 Whitbread First Novel Award, the Betty Trask Prize, the Author’s Club Best First Novel Award and the Richard and Judy Summer Read in 2005. She has since published six other novels with Virago and Fourth Estate. 

The Nightjar follows Florrie Butterfield – 87, one-legged and of a cheerful disposition – as she investigates what she suspects is an attempted murder at her residential home. In her efforts to learn the truth, Florrie is forced to look back on her own life, with all its passions and regrets. 

Best said: “I am over the moon that such a gifted writer as Susan Fletcher has chosen Transworld as her new home. Not only is The Nightjar beautifully written but it is an utterly page-turning story about love, friendship and the power of forgiveness. It deftly marries the literary and commercial and, in Florrie, features one of the most richly drawn characters I’ve ever encountered. We are so excited to bring this incredibly special novel to the wider world.” 

Fletcher added: "I wanted to write a novel about the richness and adventures of one woman’s life – a joyful, brave, unconventional life, brimming with love in all its forms. I have been overwhelmed by the response to The Nightjar, both in the UK and around the world. I’m delighted that The Nightjar has found its home at Transworld; I’m so excited to be working with Francesca, and the whole Transworld team – and it will be a joy and an honour to be published by them. I’m so grateful to them – and, as always, to my agent Cathryn and all at Curtis Brown.” 

Summerhayes also commented: “I was lucky enough to become Sue’s agent when the wonderful Viv Schuster left Curtis Brown and she told me what a gift I was being given. Our entire team adores Sue and has now fallen in love with Florrie (and Stanhope) too. Patience and persistence as a writer are key and novel number eight is proof of Sue’s exceptional talent as an author. I know Transworld will cherish her books and nurture her.”