Magpie Books snaps up Cortney L Winn's 'addictive' romantasy debut in two-book deal

Magpie Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, has snapped up Cortney L Winn’s "addictive" romantasy debut in two-book deal. Rachel Winterbottom and Magpie Books assistant editor Chloe Gough bought UK and Commonwealth rights to Vesselless and one sequel in a two-book deal from Nate Lanman at Harper Voyager US, who acquired rights from Brenna English-Loeb and Alexandra D’Amico at Transatlantic Agency. 

Vesselless was originally self-published and quickly became popular on BookTok, and reached one million reads on Kindle Unlimited. The book is scheduled to publish in hardback later in 2025.

The book follows Nizzara, who is able to perceive spirits better than the average caster. The synopsis continues: "But when she enters a deadly tournament to escape her betrothal, she quickly finds herself outmatched. If she’s to survive, she must team up with Dagen – an enemy who is half-ghost and all charm. Stuck in another realm, Dagen was sent to claim her soul in exchange for his freedom. There’s only one catch: she must give it to him freely by the tournament’s end, or his own soul is forfeit."

Gough said: "I’m so thrilled to be working with Cortney on Vesselless. Cortney has created an incredibly addictive, immersive world and I immediately fell head over heels for it. Come to Vesselless for the addictively slowburn, enemies-to-lovers romance and stay for the exceptional world-building and unique magic system."

Winn said: "I’m so honoured to work with the dream team at Magpie. After one whirlwind of a year, and connecting with so many amazing people, I can’t wait to share this darker, grittier version of Vesselless with the world."

English-Loeb said: "Working with both Harper Voyager US and Magpie Books UK is such an ideal opportunity, and I couldn’t be more excited about what these two amazing teams have planned for Vesselless."

D’Amico said: "I am so incredibly excited for readers to get a hold of Vesselless! Cortney’s world-building is so vibrant and original. Vesselless is the next big thing in romantasy and Magpie is such a great home for it."