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Macmillan Children’s Books wins six-way auction for Parish’s YA graphic novel Homebody
Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) has triumphed in a six-way auction for Theo Parish’s YA narrative non-fiction graphic novel Homebody, described as “a moving celebration of trans joy”.
World rights in all languages, excluding the US, Canada and the Philippines, were acquired by senior commissioning editor Cate Augustin and editor Charlie Castelletti in a two-book deal from Lydia Silver at the Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency. Homebody will be published in April 2024, with a second book to follow in 2025.
Homebody sees Parish explore their gender identity and relationship with their body. The publisher explained: “It is for lovers of the very best graphic novels with a universal story about finding your true self and feeling comfortable with who you are. It is for trans young people who want to feel seen, and understand their own journey, and anyone who wants to learn more about trans people’s experience.”
Parish said: “I am incredibly excited to have found a home for my début graphic novel Homebody with Macmillan. The passion and support I have received from MCB has been incredible and I am so happy to be working with a team who champion diverse voices in children’s publishing. I feel beyond proud to have been given the opportunity to tell the kind of stories I wish I had access to as a young adult. My hope is that readers will see themselves or those they love reflected in the pages of Homebody and see stories of acceptance and queer joy in a time they are so vitally needed.”
Augustin commented: “Homebody is a hugely special book that will speak to a generation. Theo’s beautiful, playful prose and commercial artwork hit you like a gut-punch. Homebody carries an important and honest message and at its core is a simply joyous, great read that will stay with the reader long after they’ve turned the last page.”
Castelletti added: “Homebody is a fun and joyful read, full of heart, which is set to delight anyone who comes across it. The prose is uplifting, lyrical and originally authentic, with representation that will speak to teenagers who are just yearning to see themselves reflected in the pages of books.”
The book will be launched with an extensive, multi-channel PR and advertising campaign, collaborations with LGBTQ+ partnership organisations and community initiatives, multi-location book events and collaborative influencer promotions.
Samantha Smith, publisher for fiction, non-fiction and picture books at Macmillan Children’s Books, said: “In the past year graphic novels have exploded in the market to become bestsellers, and when we first saw Homebody, we knew a book this special would quickly become one of them. We are delighted to welcome Theo Parish and Homebody to the Macmillan Children’s Books publishing house.”
