Hodder acquires Bickers’ joyful bookish romance

Hodder & Stoughton has acquired The Book Swap, a “joyful, funny and heartwarming” romance novel from debut author Tessa Bickers.

World all-language rights were acquired by Amy Batley from Jemima Forrester at David Higham Associates, with publication scheduled for May 2024. It will be published simultaneously in the US following a pre-empt from Graydon House, and rights have also sold in Germany (to Droemer Knaur following a five-way auction), Italy (in a pre-empt from Nord), and the Netherlands (to De Fontein).

The Book Swap is the story of two strangers, Erin and James, who connect through the notes they exchange in the margins of their favourite novels. After James discovers Erin’s note-filled copy of To Kill a Mockingbird in his local community bookshelf, a book swap begins, sparking a life-changing conversation. Both Erin and James find themselves opening up, and perhaps falling in love.

Bickers studied journalism at Bournemouth University, and went on to co-present a breakfast radio show in the South West before moving into celebrity news. She has also performed at Glastonbury with her band Tess and the Tellers. This is her debut novel.

She said: “I feel so lucky to be working with the team at Hodder & Stoughton, and now publishers around the world, who’ve met The Book Swap with such huge enthusiasm from the beginning. I’ve had the utmost support and encouragement from the sharp and brilliant Amy, and my super-hero agent, Jemima. This book is about love in all its different forms, and to have it already received with so much love is a dream come true.”

Forrester commented: “Tessa is an absolute star and I have loved watching her craft this captivating story of two people who fall in love through notes exchanged in the margins of their favourite books. I’m delighted to see it already getting the recognition it deserves.”

Batley added: “The Book Swap is a truly special book: funny and uplifting, with a gorgeous second chance romance at its heart. It is also a heartfelt love letter to books and the power of storytelling.”