Gollancz pre-empts 'queer science fiction odyssey' by Hamilton

Gollancz has pre-empted a "queer science fiction odyssey" and another book by Emily Hamilton. 

Editor Brendan Durkin pre-empted UK and Commonwealth rights in a two-book deal for The Stars Too Fondly and one untitled novel by Hamilton from Ren Balcombe at Janklow & Nesbit on behalf of Roma Panganiban at Janklow & Nesbit USA. 

The Stars Too Fondly, which will be published in hardcover in summer 2024, follows Cleo and her group of post-grad friends who break into an abandoned spaceship, only for it to start up and send them into space. The synopsis reads: "The accidental astronauts must use their considerable intellects and the reluctant assistance of the ship’s previous captain Wilhelmina Lucas – an unsettlingly accurate hologram of the woman who disappeared with her crew 20 years ago – to maybe, if they’re lucky, figure out a way to get back home.

"What Cleo is prepared for least of all are the confusing feelings she develops for the captain, which show no sign of going anywhere any time soon."

Hamilton is a science fiction author and staff writer at the alt-weekly newspaper Seven Days. She commented: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be publishing my debut novel with Gollancz in the UK. From the moment I met Brendan, I knew that this story about a bunch of weirdos learning how to love and be loved – on a spaceship, while saving the galaxy, of course – would be in fantastic hands."

Durkin added: "From the moment I started The Stars Too Fondly, I knew I was in for a real treat. It totally and utterly swept me up in its humour and spectacle; I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun with a submission. This is science fiction brimming with character, its sapphic romance is so incredibly heartwarming, and Emily’s talent is clear from page one."