One More Chapter acquires queer historical debut from Lamond

One More Chapter has landed Well Behaved Women, a queer historical novel by Caroline Lamond, in a two-book deal.  

Commissioning editor Jennie Rothwell acquired world English language rights from Emily Glenister at D H H Literary Agency in a two-book deal. Well Behaved Women, the first novel, will be published in March 2023. 

"The moment I sent Well Behaved Women to Jennie, her passion for it was clear," said Glenister. "I don’t think we could have found a better home for this gorgeous, sumptuous and simply fascinating book. Caroline is a huge talent and I cannot wait to see her star rise.”

Well Behaved Women is set in the 1920s, based on the life story of Alla Nazimova, the "founding mother of Sapphic Hollywood". Beginning in 1879 with the birth of Miriam Edez Adelaida Leventon in Yalta, Crimea, the novel tells her story in becoming Nazimova, the "most celebrated film star" of the 1910s. Well Behaved Women also follows Maybelle Crabtree a god-fearing girl from Kentucky who, after being invited to Nazimova’s "Sewing Circle", discovers her sexuality in a world of decadence.

"Alla’s story is fascinating, I found myself completely immersed in her journey from the Crimea to Hollywood and her rising star, she had such a traumatic upbringing that really drove her to escape her beginnings," Rothwell commented. "Caroline has written such a brilliant story and Maybelle’s character blew me away. I couldn’t stop reading and I knew I had to publish this book, so it’s an absolute pleasure to be working with Caroline.”

Lamond added: “I’m overjoyed to be working with One More Chapter. Jennie and the team blew me away with their enthusiasm and the most impressive pitch I’ve ever seen. Well Behaved Women has found its perfect home.”