Piatkus bags six books in Walsh’s The Boys of Tommen series in four-way auction

Piatkus has acquired six titles in The Boys of Tommen series by “self-publishing star” Chloe Walsh in a “heated” four-way auction.

Publishing director Kate Byrne acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Caitlin Mahony at WME. Books one to four in the deal were originally self-published and will be reissued by Piatkus in print and e-book with “a new cover look” in May 2023.

Books five and six will be brand new and published in 2024. Rights have also sold to Univers Poche (France), Psichogios (Greece), De Agostini (Italy), Litera (Romania), U Sifrot She’nogaat (Israel), NieZwykle (Poland), Penguin Random House (Spain/LA) and Marti (Turkey).

Byrne said: "The Boys of Tommen have worked their way firmly into our hearts at Piatkus, and Chloe has dazzled us with her supreme talent for putting her readers through the emotional wringer in the best possible way. She absolutely delivers the ultimate book hangover once you’ve turned the final page, and has created a truly addictive world, with deeply emotive, epic love stories between her lead characters.

“But these are also novels about the power of friendship, found family, heartbreak, and very real life in all its light and dark shades, and the fact that her books are set in her home of Ireland lends a unique authenticity to them. Chloe has a powerful voice and readers clearly adore her books, as her incredible reviews prove. We are thrilled and proud to partner with her now to bring her books to even more readers, and can’t wait to work with her on two more Boys of Tommen novels, which we know her fans will be incredibly excited about.”

Mahony said: “The Boys of Tommen series is unlike anything I’ve read before. From the Irish backdrop to the unstoppable love stories at the heart of each book, Chloe Walsh’s characters and stories stay with you long after the book is finished. I love her focus on leading with kindness, and never letting trauma define your story. Chloe is a special author with an incredible future ahead of her."

Walsh commented: “I feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to work with a publishing house as fantastic as Piatkus, and very thankful to the other wonderful publishing houses that expressed interest in my work. I am beyond grateful to Kate and the team at Piatkus, and of course, my agent Caitlin, for taking a chance on me. The Boys of Tommen series holds a special place in my heart. Writing this series fills me with warm nostalgia and knowing that readers have taken these lovable, roguish characters into their hearts is beyond gratifying.”