HarperNorth secures novel inspired by North Berwick witch trials

HarperNorth has secured the rights to Naomi Kelsey’s debut novel, The Burnings, as well as a second novel.

Commissioning editor Daisy Watt acquired world all-language rights from Anne Williams at KHLA for publication in hardback, e-book and audio in June 2023. Czech rights have been sold to Euromedia Group, and KHLA say they are receiving “strong” TV interest.

Inspired by the North Berwick witch trials, The Burnings will transport readers to 16th-century Scotland and Denmark. The synopsis continues: “Amid the spray of roiling sea storms, the aroma of healing herbs and the whispers of spies in palace corridors, we meet two protagonists who lead opposite lives: Geillis, a Scottish maid with more debts than she can pay, and Margareta, Danish lady-in-waiting to the new Queen of Scotland.”

Watts described the novel as a “subversive, twisty, gothic tale in which the feminist rage burns far brighter than the witch pyres”.

Kelsey said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Daisy and the team at HarperNorth on The Burnings. The North Berwick witch trials have fascinated me ever since I read about them while teaching ‘Macbeth’, and the injustices suffered by those accused of witchcraft deserve to be better known. It’s an honour to have the opportunity to share Geillis and Margareta’s story, and I’m very grateful to Anne for being at my side on this journey.”

Naomi Kelsey has won two Northern Writers’ Awards and the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Competition, as well as being shortlisted for several further awards including the Bristol and Bridport prizes. Her writing has been published in Mslexia magazine.