Orbit swoops for Reena McCarty's 'warm-hearted' cosy fantasy

Orbit UK has signed The Tricky Business of Fairy Bargains by debut novelist Reena McCarty. 

Senior commissioning editor Emily Byron acquired world rights in a two-book deal from Jennie Goloboy at Donald Maass Literary Agency. North American rights went to Alyea Canada at Orbit US. McCarty’s debut will be published in early 2026. "When I first started reading Reena’s novel, I was delighted by her unique take on the fairy bargain and moved by her heroine’s struggle to adjust to a peaceful adulthood after a dangerous but exciting adolescence," said Goloboy. 

The story follows Poppy Hill, a former changeling, who was raised in the land of the fae. Back in the human world, Poppy works for a company that brokers deals with the "Otherside", looking for loopholes in contracts that fairies might try to exploit. But when a bargain she is negotiating goes wrong, she must return to the land of the fae to fix her mistake and face her "pesky" ex-boyfriend. 

Byron commented: "Managing to perfectly combine cosy vibes with a fast-paced fantasy quest and a dash of magical bureaucracy, this funny, warm-hearted book charmed me from the very first page. I was captivated by Reena’s complicated and lovable characters and her fresh take on the fae. This book is packed full of charm, adventure, romance and heart, and I can’t wait to share it with readers." 

McCarty added: "I am absolutely delighted to be working with the wonderful team at Orbit, the publisher behind so many of the books I love, and am so excited to introduce readers to Poppy and her world."