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Hot Key Books scoops Fisher's 'immersive and powerful' debut
Hot Key Books has scooped Tia Fisher’s "stunning" narrative verse novel Crossing the Line.
Emma Matthewson, executive publisher, acquired world rights from Eve White at The Eve White Literary Agency. The book will be published on 30th March 2023.
Aimed at teenage readers, Crossing the Line follows a teenage boy who is groomed to work for county lines, where dealers in cities supply drugs to towns and rural areas. It is a "powerful and hopeful account" inspired by the true story of a person known to the author. The book has been read by the Children’s Society, a charity working to help young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect. The charity will also provide information on how children and those who know someone who has been groomed can get help in the final pages of the book.
Claire Alldis, national programme manager for the Children’s Society’s Disrupting Exploitation Programme, said: "We welcomed the opportunity to offer feedback on the novel and highlight the importance of exploited young people being recognised as victims and getting vital support and protection.”
“I heard about county lines because my friend’s son was brave enough to tell me what happened to him," said Fisher. "Erik’s story is a fiction, but it’s intended to show that this can happen to any child. I hope that Crossing the Line is a gripping read which might even help a future victim or their family.”
Matthewson added: “I am so proud to be publishing Tia’s debut novel. The widespread damage that county lines cause to young people and their families is so clear. Tia in her well-researched, immersive and powerful narrative shines a much-needed light on this sadly topical area.”
