'Phenomenally talented' debut author Leathley signs two-book deal with HCCB

HarperCollins Children’s Books has bought two middle-grade titles by debut author Philippa Leathley.  

Publishing director Natalie Doherty acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in two books from Hannah Sheppard at HS-LA, while Amy Cloud, executive editor at Clarion Books, bought North American rights in two books from Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio, on behalf of HS-LA.   

Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo will be published in hardback in February 2025, with a sequel to come in 2026.   

The synopsis reads: “On her 10th birthday, Meticulous Jones receives her fate, as all children do, in the form of a magical tattoo. She hopes that her ink will reveal something exciting: travel, discovery or adventure. What appears is a skull, held by a violet glove. Metty’s fate is to become a murderer.  

“Metty is swiftly hidden away by her father, Moral, in the remote countryside. But when Moral goes missing, his sister Magnificent arrives to sweep Metty off to the glittering city of New London. And when Metty hears rumours of a shadowy organisation known as the Black Moths, she suspects they are connected to her father’s disappearance – and to her own fate.” 

Aimed at fans of series such as Nevermoor, Lemony Snicket, and The Swifts, Inkbound is described by HarperCollins as “a thrilling and magical story of family, fate, and finding the courage to be truly yourself”.   

Leathley, who is based near Hull, said: “I am delighted that Inkbound has found a home with the incredible HarperCollins teams on both sides of the Atlantic. Natalie and Amy blew me away with their enthusiasm and fantastic ideas for Metty’s story, and I feel so excited and fortunate to work with them both, and to share the world of New London with readers. I am also hugely grateful to my amazing agent Hannah Sheppard for all her support and hard work.” 

Doherty said: “Immersive, page-turning, and fizzing with atmosphere and mystery, Inkbound heralds a phenomenally talented new voice. The unique fate tattoos around which Philippa’s world is built are some of the most memorable creations I’ve come across, and will spark countless young imaginations and conversations about destiny and forging your own path.”