Joffe Books signs romantasy series from Leané Giliomee

Joffe Books has landed a "gripping" new romantasy series from Leané Giliomee, marking the publisher’s first foray into fantasy.

Project editor Jasmine Callaghan acquired world English rights in a three-book deal directly from the author. If The Crown Fits, the first book in the deal, will be published in e-book and paperback later this year. The rest of the series will follow this year and in 2025. 

The acquisition comes as Joffe opens for fantasy submissions from agents, non-agented authors, first-time writers and previously published authors. The move to accepting submissions beyond crime fiction, romance and historical fiction is part of a wider project to diversify the company’s list of titles in order to respond to popular commercial demand.

Publisher Jasper Joffe said: "I am very excited for Joffe Books to start publishing fantasy books. We shall boldly go into a galaxy far, far away where hopefully we shall find some holes in the ground where live hobbits and other creatures." 

The synopsis for If the Crown Fits reads: "Lara, a reluctant thief, becomes entangled in the power struggles of two princes after making the mistake of stealing from the royal family and getting caught. With her freedom weaponised, she is blackmailed into stealing an heirloom from an enemy kingdom and posing as the prince’s betrothed, leading to a dangerous game of deception, intrigue and forbidden romance."

Callaghan said: "Leané is a master storyteller — I was immediately sucked into her world, and when I wasn’t reading If The Crown Fits, I was thinking about escaping back into it. Utterly addictive doesn’t even begin to describe it. I can’t wait to bring Leané’s gorgeous romantasy series into the hands of readers so they can fall in love as much as I have."

Giliomee added: "I’m so honoured and pleased to be signing with Joffe Books. It’s a privilege to be working with a publisher you admire and that shares your passion for fantastical stories. Jasmine has been incredibly kind and helpful, and I look forward to working with her as my editor. I’m excited for you to meet my characters and follow along on their journeys."