Orion strikes two-book deal with Hulse

Orion Fiction has bought two more novels from Caroline Hulse, including All the Fun of the Fair, billed as "a hilarious and poignant coming-of-age story like no other".

Publisher Emad Akhtar acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, including print, digital and audio, from Caroline Hardman of Hardman & Swainson.

The first novel in the new deal, All the Fun of the Fair, will publish in early e-book on 27th May with the hardback to follow on 8th July 2021. Both the digital and physical formats will be supported by "major" marketing and publicity campaigns over the summer. They will be followed in September by the paperback of Like a House on Fire, Hulse’s second novel, which was released in hardback during the first lockdown last year. Rights in Hulse’s first novel, The Adults, were sold in 14 languages.

The synopsis for All the Fun of the Fair reads: "The summer fair is the only good thing that happens every year and Fiona Larson is the only person in town who has never been. She’s pretended to go – but she’s never been allowed. Because, before Fiona was even born, her sister died there. But this year everything will be different. Fiona is about to turn 12 – older than her sister was – and that means she can save some money, make some new friends and finally go to the fair. But what will actually happen – is that Fiona will upset everyone she knows, lose her only friend, and finally learn the truth about what happened at the fair…"

All the Fun of the Fair has been described as "reading perfection" by Akhtar. "Caroline is one of the most talented writers I’ve ever worked with," he said. "She’s completely unique in the way she can balance wit and warmth, and can make you cry, think and laugh out loud all in the same sentence. She has outdone herself this time – Fiona Larson is a brilliant creation with the potential to become one of those iconic characters. All the Fun of the Fair is reading perfection – a nostalgic coming-of-age story, threaded with mystery, big laughs and deep emotions which readers are going to love."

Hulse commented: "I couldn’t be happier to share this news. I love having Emad as my editor. He exceeds my expectations every time with the vision and insight he brings, always inspiring me to aim higher and work harder, while making the process so much fun. It is also a joy to continue working with the Orion team, with all their enthusiasm and expertise. I’m so excited to see what our shared future holds. Bring it on!"