Hot Key Books scoops Arthurian horror from Burge  

Hot Key Books has scooped Waking the Witch, an “atmospheric and thrilling contemporary” YA novel from Rachel Burge.  

Senior commissioning editor Maurice Lyon acquired world rights from Amber Caraveo at Skylark Literary Agency.  

“I’m delighted that Hot Key will be publishing Rachel’s latest work,” commented Caraveo. “They are the perfect publisher for this novel which brilliantly explores the female characters and energy of Arthurian legend in an intensely gripping and atmospheric tale of dark horror and transcendent magic.” 

Waking the Witch is a novel “infused with magic and horror”, based on the folklore of Bardsey Island which is believed to be the real location of Avalon. Burge offers a feminist view of the Arthurian legend, bringing to the fore lesser-known stories and well-loved characters.  

Georgia Murray, commissioning editor, who will be editing Burge going forward, said: “We’re delighted to be publishing Rachel’s new novel on the Hot Key list– a stand-out, fierce story of female empowerment and womanhood, set against the most thrilling and magical backdrop of Arthurian myth and legend.”  

Burge added: “This will be my third book published with Hot Key, and I feel incredibly lucky to be working with such an enthusiastic and talented publishing team. Waking the Witch has been a joy to write and I can’t wait for readers to meet Ivy and Tom, along with some of my favourite characters from Arthurian legend.”