HarperCollins signs 'up-lit' from Ciara Geraghty

Irish author Ciara Geraghty, previously published by Hodder, has moved to HarperCollins.

Lynne Drew, publishing director at HarperCollins UK, has acquired world all-language rights in Rules of The Road, a new novel from Geraghty "which fits squarely into the up-lit trend", according to the publisher.

The book was bought as part of a two-book deal through agent Ger Nichol of The Book Bureau with publication slated for spring 2019 in Ireland and Australia with UK publication will follow in September.

Geraghty was previously published by Hodder and Hachette Ireland. Her debut novel, Saving Grace, published in 2008, was a number one bestseller in Ireland.

Rules of The Road is billed as “the poignant, uplifting and funny story of the extraordinary road trip two old friends take when one of them makes a plan to end her life”. 

When Iris Armstrong goes missing, her best friend Terry, wife, mother and all-round worrier, is convinced something bad has happened, the blurb reads. And when she finds her glamorous, feisty friend, she’s right: Iris is setting out on a journey that she plans to make her last. The only way for Terry to stop Iris is to join her, on a road trip that will take her, Iris and Terry’s confused father Eugene onto a ferry, across the Irish sea and into an adventure that will change all of their lives.

Drew said: “Rules of The Road is a really special book – thoughtful and poignant about female friendship, about ageing and about what makes a good life.  I’m so excited to be adding Ciara to our list and bringing this book to a whole new readership.”

Geraghty said: “I am delighted that Rules of the Road has found a home with Harper Collins. It is a story that is very dear to my heart and I feel confident that it’s in good hands with Lynne and her team.”