Hodder & Stoughton signs two more novels from Atalla

Hodder & Stoughton has signed two more novels from Rachelle Atalla, whose debut The Pharmacist was shortlisted for the Scottish Fiction Book of the Year in 2022.

Sorcha Rose, assistant editor, bought world English rights from Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown. The first book is scheduled to publish in hardback, trade paperback, e-book and audio in 2024.

As-yet-untitled, it follows a dysfunctional couple who travel to the Bolivian salt flats in pursuit of a place called Cactus Island which is rumoured to have healing powers. When their four-wheel-drive breaks down they realise the trip is not what they had expected.

Atalla is a Scottish-Egyptian novelist, short story writer and screenwriter based in Glasgow. Her short stories have been published in literary anthologies and she is the recipient of a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award. Her first short film screenplay, “Trifle”, was commissioned by the Scottish Film & Talent Network and she is developing her first feature-length screenplay with BBC Film. Her latest title, Thirsty Animals, will be published by Hodder on 16th March.

She said: “I am delighted to be continuing my relationship with Hodder and Stoughton. From the very beginning they have been real champions of both me and my writing and I can’t think of a better home for my next two novels.”

Rose said: “Rachelle is a rare talent whose books linger with you long after finishing the final page. Big in their subject matter and supported by her incredible writing, Rachelle’s novels are essential reading. This is just the beginning of a sparkling career for Rachelle.”