HarperCollins bags four more from Shackman

HarperCollins division One More Chapter has acquired four new titles in Julie Shackman’s Scottish Escapes series.

Senior commissioning editor Jennie Rothwell acquired world all language rights from Selwa Anthony at Selwa Anthony Literary Agency in a four-book deal, with The Bookshop by the Loch the first in the new deal to publish, in spring 2024.

The first title of the series, A Secret Scottish Escape, was published in 2021 and has been a bestselling novel for the division. Collectively the series has now sold more than 100,000 copies across all formats, according to the publisher, with The Cottage in the Highlands the most recent out, on 1st December.

The Bookshop by the Loch will follow book-lover Lexie, who is bereft when she discovers that her beloved local bookshop is up for sale. “Desperate to save the shop, she takes things into her own hands, but not everyone is happy with her enthusiasm,” the synopsis reads. “And when the owner’s son Tobias arrives on the scene with some ideas of his own, the two are not happy at the prospect of having to work together.”

Rothwell said: “I absolutely love working with Julie. Her writing is uplifting and provides much-needed escapism, and I love the balance of romance and mystery that she brings to her readers. I’m incredibly proud of what Julie has achieved in such a short space of time and can’t wait to continue working with her and watching her brand grow as she continues to find new readers.”

Shackman added: “I am thrilled and delighted to be continuing my writing journey with the amazing One More Chapter. They are a first-rate team and it really is just like being part of one big happy family. I can’t wait to bring more romance and mystery to the readers with my Scottish Escapes series!”