Headline wins debut of 26-year-old talent agent Beirne

Headline has acquired the debut novel of 26-year-old talent agent Lucy Beirne, The List That Changed My Life, at auction.

World all language rights to two books were acquired from Sarah Manning at The Bent Agency.

The novel tells the story of two sisters, Amy and Georgia. When Amy is unexpectedly diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Georgia finds herself on a mission to complete her older sister’s wish list before her birthday.

Commissioning editor Jess Whitlum-Cooper commented: “I read this stunning novel overnight, alternating between fits of laughter and bouts of weeping. Lucy has the perfect voice for commercial fiction – warm, funny and deeply emotive. I immediately fell in love with Georgia as she stumbles from one challenge on the list to the next.”

Beirne was a talent agent until last year, when she left to undertake a Publishing MA. She said: “I'm super excited to be publishing this book with Headline. Amy and Georgia's journey involves learning to save one other as they fight to keep mentally afloat after Amy’s diagnosis. The novel is very close to my heart and a story that I feel people will relate to.”

The List That Changed My Life will publish as an e-book later this year, with a paperback publication to follow in 2019.

Rights have been pre-empted in Brazil by Faro Editorial.