Muswell Press snaps up Isabel Costello novel

Independent publisher Muswell Press will publish literary blogger and author Isabel Costello’s book about a French perfumer’s "conflicting desires and a troubled past".

Muswell Press owners Sarah Beal and Kate Beal bought UK and Commonwealth rights, including audio, in Scent by from Diana Beaumont at Marjacq for publication in spring 2021.

The synopsis reads: "When Clémentine and Edouard’s last child leaves home, the cracks in their marriage become impossible to ignore.  Her work as a perfumer is no longer providing solace and her sense of self is withering.  Then, her former lover resurfaces, decades after the end of their bisexual affair, and her world tilts irreversibly. Set in Paris and Provence, this is an intimate portrait of a woman navigating conflicting desires and a troubled past whilst dreaming of a fulfilling future."

Sarah and Kate said: "This is a wonderfully compelling novel about desire, loneliness and the impact of time on relationships.  We loved Isabel’s first novel, Paris Mon Amour and we are big fans of her Literary Sofa blog so we are delighted to be publishing Scent."

Costello said: "Like many women over 40 I want to see the complicated reality of our lives represented in fiction. Clémentine’s story has found the perfect publishing home with Sarah and Kate at Muswell Press and I am thrilled to be joining their bold and eclectic list."

Costello’s debut Paris Mon Amour, was published by Canelo in 2016 and her short fiction has been published in various magazines and anthologies. She has been shortlisted for short story prizes including The Asham Award, Short Fiction Journal Prize and the inaugural 2014 Room to Write competition.

She was longlisted for Best Reviewer in the Saboteur Awards 2016 for her blog, 'the Literary Sofa', and received a Special Mention for Best Literature Reviewer in 2019. She is also a professionally qualified aromatherapist, which led to an interest in perfumery, one of the themes of her novel. She lives in London but has lifelong connections with France.

Beaumon addedt: "I am thrilled that Muswell Press have acquired Scent – I know that their passion for Isabel’s writing and their combined experience will make for an ideal publishing partnership."