HarperNorth scoops Lennon's debut in first publishing deal from AWW mentorship scheme

HarperNorth has scooped Nasheema Lennon’s debut psychological thriller The Engagement in the first publishing deal to result from the Asian Women Writers mentorship scheme (AWW).

Daisy Watt, commissioning editor, acquired world all languages rights directly from the author for publication in e-book, audio and paperback in October 2022. Earlier this month The Engagement was shortlisted for the Owned Voices Novel Award. 

Watt said: “The Engagement announces Nasheema Lennon as a shining new star of psychological thriller writing. Her talent for pulse-pounding storytelling was clear to me from our very first meeting, and the brilliant AWW scheme gave us the opportunity to delve deeper into how Nasheema wanted to frame her debut novel – with endlessly intriguing characters, dizzyingly compelling twists, and red herrings that will dupe even the most sharp-eyed reader. We at HarperNorth couldn’t be happier to be launching her career as a published writer.” 

The Engagement begins when Victoria’s best friend Gwen announces she is marrying her boyfriend Michael. Celebrations are strained. There has always been something unreadable about Michael, that she doesn’t trust. The clock is ticking until the big day. Can Victoria expose Michael’s dark side and stop the wedding, before it’s too late? 

Lennon a is a writer of Mauritian heritage based in Nottingham. She studied psychology and criminology at university before nine years working in the prison service, later becoming a primary school teacher. 

Lennon said: “Daisy’s encouragement and advice helped me believe in myself as a writer. I am incredibly grateful that the AWW programme then gave me the opportunity to work with Daisy further, as my mentor. With her guidance and support I have learned so much. I am beyond thrilled that HarperNorth is publishing my debut, although I’m still in a little shock that this is really happening!” 

AWW provides unpublished women with free mentorship from literary agents and editors to prepare their writing for publication. Since launching in early 2022 it has connected 25 writers with a mentor.

Irum Fazal, director of AWW, added: “Nasheema’s rare psychological insight creates a creeping tension in The Engagement that you can’t shake. Her acute observation draws you into each of her characters’ lives with a natural empathy. We were so pleased to be able to support Nasheema in partnering her with her mentor, Daisy Watt, and are extremely excited that her novel will soon be out in the world for readers to discover.”

Fazal added: "Working with Daisy has been a real pleasure – her enthusiasm for discovering new writers and supporting them as they develop is clear to see. We are delighted that HarperNorth will be publishing Nasheema’s debut and that her relationship with her AWW mentor continues as she becomes a published author.”