HarperCollins strikes gold for musician Kemp’s début novel

HarperCollins has struck gold for musician Martin Kemp’s début novel. Kate Bradley, publishing director, acquired world rights through Issy Lloyd at Insanity Group Ltd, in a two-book deal. The first novel, The Game will publish on 9th November 2023.

The Game tells the story of Johnny Klein, a fallen 1980s popstar who has lost everything — his family, his money, and his fame. When Johnny is thrown a lifeline by an old contact in the music business, he doesn’t care what he is getting himself into. Dragged down into London’s dark underbelly, Johnny discovers there is more at stake than his own shattered ego – and finds that while the party might be over, there’s no escape from his past.

Kemp said: “I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am releasing my first novel with HarperCollins. I have written film scripts and biographies in the past, but fiction is a different ballgame and one I absolutely love losing my head in. It’s based around a character I have carried with me for years – I’m just so pleased to be able to finally breathe life into him, and to introduce you to Johnny Klein and The Game.”

Kemp is famed for his career as a founding member of Spandau Ballet, as well as roles in “The Krays” and “EastEnders”. He released a joint biography with his wife Shirlie It’s A Love Story (Mirror Books) in 2020.

Most recently, Kemp released his second memoir Ticket to the World: My 80s Story (HarperNonFiction).

Bradley said: “Martin is a cultural icon who has created a fictional alter-ego in Johnny Klein who is completely unforgettable. Readers will see a new side to Martin here, with the novel’s spotlight on the dark side of success and a protagonist in Johnny who has found himself on the wrong side of the precarious fame game.”

Kimberley Young, executive publisher for HarperFiction added: “Martin’s creativity knows no bounds, he’s a natural born storyteller, whether that’s through songs or screen and we’re excited he’s turned his hand to fiction.”