Pan Mac scoops debut novel by Good Morning Britain doctor Khan in two-book deal

Pan Macmillan has scooped the debut novel by GP and “Good Morning Britain” regular Dr Amir Khan in a two-book deal.

Gillian Green, Pan Publishing director, acquired world and translation rights from agent Barbara Levy. How (Not) to Have an Arranged Marriage is the first in the deal and is a semi-autobiographical novel loosely inspired by the author’s own dating adventures. Macmillan will publish the first novel in hardback, trade paperback, audio and e-book in September 2023, with the paperback released by Pan in summer 2024.

Its synopsis states: "The novel is centred on Yousef whose life appears to be mapped out for him: become a doctor, marry a girl of his parents’ choosing and above all, make his family proud. Then Yousef falls for fellow medical student Jess and he finds himself torn between two worlds… And, as graduation day looms, Yousef’s mother informs him that she’s started looking for a suitable bride..."

Alongside being the author of The Doctor Will See You Now (Ebury Press), Khan works full time as a GP in Bradford, and is the resident doctor on “Good Morning Britain” as well as having a regular slot on “Lorraine”.

Green said: “We’re so delighted to be welcoming Amir to the Pan list with his timely, heartfelt and fun romantic fiction about the British Asian experience and a young man torn between love and tradition, his girlfriend and his family. How (Not) to have an Arranged Marriage is a wonderful fiction debut, loosely inspired by Amir’s own experiences and will appeal to fans of Ayisha Malik, Mike Gayle and Marian Keyes.”

Khan added: “The arranged marriage culture is so rich with stories, characters, romance and comedy that I simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to write about it.”

Levy commented: “Doctor, campaigner, TV star and now novelist — I’m delighted to be able to bring Amir’s warm and funny debut novel to Pan Macmillan.”