HarperCollins buys three from self-published Fletcher

HarperCollins has signed three books from from self-published romance writer Elliot Fletcher. 

Lynne Drew, publisher, general fiction, and Tessa Woodward of HarperCollins US acquired world all-language rights from Katie Fulford at Bell Lomax Moreton. HarperCollins also has translation rights, with the books acquired in Germany, Italy, the Netherland and Brazil by HarperCollins companies. The first book in the deal, Whisky Business, will be published by HarperFiction and HC US in paperback in June 2024 with the audiobook and e-book publishing earlier that same year.  

Fletcher previously self-published Whisky Business, which has "attracted strong TikTok and Bookstagram interest" according to the publisher. The novel is set on the Isle of Skye and follows April Sinclair, a Hollywood actor whose fame is quietening down and so she returns to her small home town. When she meets Malcolm Macabe, who is in charge of her family’s local whisky business, "their shared desire to save the struggling family business will mean working a lot closer than either of them might wish". Whisky Business combines "a healthy measure of steaminess" with popular tropes enemies-to-lovers and grumpy-sunshine. 

Drew said: "From the minute I started reading April and Mal’s story, I was addicted to the most delicious rom-com I’d read in ages. Elliot has a rare talent for combining the swoon-worthy romantic with a spicy contemporary energy and I know she’s going to find a huge new readership." 

Fletcher commented: "I am absolutely delighted to be working with the incredible team at HarperFiction to bring Whisky Business to even more readers. Their love and passion for this story has blown me away and I am so excited for everyone to fall in love with the Macabe siblings."