Hodder wins auction for Annette Christie debut

Hodder & Stoughton has acquired The Rehearsals by Annette Christie (pictured), described as a high-concept love story that follows a couple who find themselves forced to keep re-living the day of their wedding rehearsal over and over.  

Women’s fiction publisher Kimberley Atkins bought British and Commonwealth rights at auction along with Helen O’Hare at Little, Brown US as part of a world rights deal. The Rehearsals is Christie’s adult debut, and will be published simultaneously in the UK and the US in summer 2021.

Atkins said: "I am so thrilled to be publishing The Rehearsals—it’s a smart, fresh and very clever take on the 'Groundhog Day' conceit of being trapped in your own life (which currently feels more relevant than ever). I was captivated by the concept before I’d even read a word, and as soon as I did I couldn’t put it down: the writing is sublime and I know readers will fall in love with the main characters of Megan and Tom just as I did.”

O’Hare described the book as "a delicious debut novel that poses big questions about life, love, and finding our paths".

Photography: Michael Christie.