Gollancz falls for 'romantasy' trilogy from Hawley

Gollancz has scooped a "romantasy" trilogy by Sarah Hawley, beginning with A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating A Demon.

Senior commissioning editor Rachel Winterbottom acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, in a three-book deal from Tawanna Sullivan at Berkley. The first instalment will be published on 9th March 2023.

"With a cast of fantastic characters, sizzling chemistry, and a host of inventive (and hilarious) creatures, I knew Sarah had a runaway hit on her hands and I’m so thrilled to be a part of this wonderful book’s journey," said Jessica Waterson, Hawley’s agent at the Dijkstra Agency.

A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating A Demon is billed as a "spellbinding" rom-com about a magically challenged witch who accidentally summons a demon who wants her heart but needs her soul.  

The synopsis reads: "Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries of the famed Spark family, but to the displeasure of her mother, she prefers baking to brewing potions and gardening to casting hexes. When a spell goes very wrong, Mariel finds herself staring down a demon – one she inadvertently summoned for a soul bargain. Ozroth the Ruthless is a legend among demons. Powerful and merciless, he drives hard bargains to collect mortal souls. His reputation has suffered ever since a bargain gone awry – if he can strike a bargain with Mariel, he will earn back his deadly reputation. But Ozroth has a limited amount of time to strike the deal, and if Mariel gives up her soul, she’ll lose all her emotions – including love – which will only spell disaster for them both." 

Winterbottom commented: "Sarah has concocted the dream blend of romcom and fantasy (romantasy?), which ticks all the right boxes. A magical, steamy and incredibly funny fake dating romcom that romance and fantasy readers alike will fall for." 

Hawley added: "This is a love letter to my favourite genres: romance and fantasy! It’s a zany, sexy, madcap romcom with a message of discovering your self-worth and embracing joy, and I hope it will make readers laugh and swoon. I’m so thrilled to work with Rachel and Gollancz team, and I can’t wait for UK readers to meet Oz and Mariel!"