HQ bags two books from Madeleine Milburn agent Seager in three-way auction

HQ has bagged two books from Madeleine Milburn agent Chloe Seager in a three-way auction.

Katie Seaman, senior commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Open Minded and one other book from Silé Edwards while at Mushens Entertainment. North American rights were acquired by Asanté Simons at William Morrow in a significant six-figure overnight pre-empt from Ginger Clark at Ginger Clark Literary, with German rights quickly snapped up by DTV. HQ will publish in the UK in February 2024.  

Open Minded follows Holly and Fliss, two strangers brought together by their relationship woes. After nine years of dating, it’s a question of when not if Holly’s boyfriend Will is going to propose. She’s shocked when rather than popping the question, he suggests they open their relationship and date other people. Meanwhile Fliss, who’s happily been in an open relationship for the past five years, isn’t sure she’s ready to give up on dating other people yet. Fliss and Holly strike up an instant friendship, with Fliss agreeing to teach Holly everything she knows about being in an open relationship, while Holly can help Fliss navigate monogamy. Although they soon learn that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to relationships. 

Seager said: “I started this novel during the pandemic when everyone around me seemed to be questioning their lives and thinking about what they really wanted. As a big romance reader, I became keen to write something in the genre that explored the traditional idea of romance, and I’m delighted that it found its perfect home with Katie at HQ and Asanté at William Morrow. I’m excited for readers to meet Holly and Fliss.” 

Seaman said: “I fell head over heels for this fresh and funny romcom with a twist asking if ‘The One’ is the only Mr Right. Exploring friendship, dating and open relationships, it’s a brilliantly zeitgeisty novel and Chloe is an exciting new voice that readers of Beth O’Leary, Emily Henry and Kate Davies will love.” 

Edwards also commented: “As terribly clichéd as this sounds, I was hooked from the very first line I read. Fliss and Holly’s voices absolutely leap off the page and Chloe’s zippy, engaging writing style made this book absolutely unputdownable. I am delighted to have found such a dedicated team to bring Open Minded into the world, and with it absolutely lighting up my meetings at the fair, I look forward to seeing it brought to international audiences, too.”