You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
Hodder bags Curtis' queer début and follow-up dubbed ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel in space’
Hodder & Stoughton has signed two books by games journalist Grace Curtis, including her début Frontier.
Kwaku Osei-Afrifa, former editorial assistant, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Zoe Plant at The Bent Agency. Molly Powell, editorial director, will publish Frontier in March 2023. A North American deal has been concluded with Jim Killen at Rebellion US, to publish in February 2023.
The synopsis reads: “In the distant future, climate change has reduced Earth to a hard-scrabble wasteland. Folk are as diverse and divided as they’ve ever been – except in their shared suspicions when a stranger comes to town. One night a ship falls from the sky, bringing the planet’s first visitor in three hundred years. She’s armed, she’s scared... and she’s looking for someone.”
Osei-Afrifa said: “My favourite thing about Frontier is that it’s here and it’s queer; a collection of interconnected short stories masquerading as a novel. Vibrant, funny and a romp throughout, Grace has captured a sprawling cast of characters in a rich world, into tight episodes of real heart and poise. Her next book’s pitch, set in the same literary universe (aren’t they all the rage?!), is ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ in space. I can’t wait and I am in awe of her craft. She’s at the start of what will be a long career and it’s been a highlight to bring her voice to the party.”
Grace Curtis has written for Eurogamer and Edge and works for indie game publisher Future Friends. She commented: “Kwaku has everything you want in an editor: empathy, tenacity, insight, lightspeed wit and a fatal allergy to any strain of nonsense. Not only have they helped get this extremely weird book on to shelves, they’ve also made it twice as readable. I have been extremely lucky to work with Kwaku and I only hope they’ll remember me when they’re rich and famous. I’d also like to thank the crack team at Hodder for making a home for Frontier and pouring so much love into the project. Thank you all so much.”
