OUP Children’s signs debut MG author Julie Pike

Oxford University Press (OUP) Children’s has acquired The Last Spell Breather, a middle-grade fantasy, by debut author Julie Pike.

Liz Cross, head of publishing for children’s books, bought world rights for the story, which is about an apprentice ‘spell breather’ called Rayne, who journeys across a land of broken magic and monstrous creatures to restore order to her world, or risk losing everyone she loves forever.

Cross struck a two-book deal with Jo Williamson, on behalf of the Antony Harwood Literary Agency.

Pike, who has an MA in Creative Writing for Young People  from Bath Spa, said: ‘I am over the moon to be working with the team at OUP for my debut novel. Thinking through edits with Liz Cross has been a masterclass in storytelling, as she encouraged me to make Spell Breather a truly magical adventure. I can’t wait to welcome readers to Rayne’s world of magic and monsters, and hope that like me, they are spellbound by her journey.”

The Last Spell Breather will publish in the UK in July 2019.