Oneworld wins three-way auction for Sexton's 'remarkable' novel

Oneworld has triumphed in a three-way auction for On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton, the author’s "remarkable" new novel.  

Publisher Juliet Mabey acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Catherine Barbosa-Ross at HarperCollins on behalf of Michael Carlisle at Inkwell Management. The novel will publish on the new Magpie imprint in October, with editor Polly Hatfield leading the publication strategy. The campaign will be underpinned by "extensive" blogger engagement and book club outreach, Oneworld said.

On the Rooftop tells the story of Ruth, Esther and Chloe, three musically talented sisters driven to success by their ruthlessly ambitious mother Vivian. "Coming of age in Jazz-era San Francisco, the girls are The Salvations, the hottest girl group in their rapidly changing city," the synopsis reads. "But when a talent manager offers them their big break, Vivian’s dreams of stardom collide head-on with her daughters’ visions for their own future."

The new book is Sexton’s third novel. She is the author of The Revisioners, (Counterpoint) which was also a New York Times Notable Book of the Year for 2019. Her debut novel, A Kind of Freedom (Counterpoint), was longlisted for the National Book Award.

"I’ve long admired Oneworld’s list and am honoured and overjoyed to be among it," she said. "Juliet’s and Polly’s love and vision for On the Rooftop warm my heart and assure me that they are the perfect team to shepherd this new book to its UK audience."

Mabey praised Wilkerson Sexton’s "gorgeously atmospheric", novel, adding: "I could not be more excited to introduce readers to The Salvations. Margaret has created an unforgettable family, and her writing sings with the same vibrancy as the music that fills its pages. On the Rooftop reminded me of some of my favourite novels, not least An American Marriage by Oneworld’s own Tayari Jones. But Margaret has a voice that is entirely her own, and I know readers will be swept up in this remarkable story."

Carlisle added: "One of the joys of working with Margaret Wilkerson Sexton is sharing her writing with new audiences. For her to join Oneworld’s Magpie list is a great honour. I have long wanted to work with Juliet Mabey and her team so, as I often exclaim, onward!”