Hodder signs two more novels from Abigail Bergstrom

Hodder Fiction has acquired the rights for two more novels from literary agent and author Abigail Bergstrom.  

Lily Cooper, previously commissioning editor, bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Kate Evans at PFD. The books will be published by editorial director Tallulah Lyons following Cooper’s move to PMJ. Hodder will publish Selfish Girls on 10th July 2025 in hardback, audio and e-book. 

The synopsis reads: "The Wyns were inseparable once. They shared everything, secrets, matted black hair, long limbs and a shared pain they got from their mother. Now, years of rivalries and wrong turns later, they’re all grown up.

"Back in their hometown cracks start to show as their mother’s past frays and pulls at their seams. In this multi-generational story that moves between three timelines, the Wyns’ search for common ground in an attempt to heal old wounds. Following the tracks of their past to confront a painful truth."

Hodder described the novel as "uninhibited and claustrophobic... as it recreates the pressure-cooker intensity of a dysfunctional family [offering] a clear-eyed portrait of wanting, enacting the pain our desires inflict on those we love most".

Bergstrom’s debut novel What A Shame was published by Hodder in 2022 following a pre-emptive deal and optioned for screen by Severn in a three-way auction. 

Bergstrom has worked in publishing for almost 15 years, including launching the literary agency Gleam Titles for digital first-company Gleam Futures before opening her own agency, Bergstrom Studio, in 2021. She also writes the Substack newsletter "Something to Say", offering writing advice and cultural commentary to thousands of readers worldwide, and has written for many media outlets. 

Lyons said: "I was a huge fan of Abigail and had loved What a Shame before joining the team, so I am thrilled to be working together on these new books. Selfish Girls is so smart, with such a fresh and original voice and a set of characters that leap off the page.  

"In her writing, Abigail manages to capture the nuances of the range of human emotions and deftly navigates complex and messy family relationships. I cannot wait to press this book into the hands of everyone I know." 

Bergstrom said: "I have loved every moment of bringing the Wyn family to life on the page and can’t wait to see how readers receive them. It’s been a joy to work with Kate, Tallulah and Lily on this second book, the publication of What a Shame was such a brilliant experience for me and I’m excited for this next step in my writing career."