'Gripping' post-apocalyptic debut signed by Chicken House

Chicken House has signed a “gripping” and “funny” account of a post-apocalyptic world in which a group of teenagers are trapped on a giant jellyfish.

Barry Cunningham bought UK and German rights from Claire Wilson at RCW for the debut novel Jelly by Clare Rees, who was shortlisted for the Times/Chicken House Competition 2018.

Rees said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Chicken House on my debut novel. It's been a really fun process so far and I'm looking forward to joining a fantastic group of authors.”

Wilson added: “From the very first pages of Clare’s phenomenally funny, original and powerful novel I knew I was in the hands of an extraordinary new storyteller with a big future ahead. I’m absolutely delighted to be working alongside the Chicken House team on such an exciting project, and can’t wait to see this book come to life.”

The Times/Chicken House Competition, offering two authors who have not previously published a children’s book a publishing contract, has just opened for entries for 2019.

For more information see www.chickenhousebooks.com/submissions.