Piatkus scoops epic pirate adventure from debut author Cameron 

Piatkus has acquired The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye, a debut historical novel by Briony Cameron, alongside a second novel. 

Ahead of joining Harvill Secker, Chris Sturtivant acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Laurie Robertson at Peter Fraser + Dunlop (PFD). North American rights were acquired by Atria in a six-figure deal. The novel is slated for publication in June 2024. 

Delving into the life of one of the first female pirates, The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye is set in the 17th century and follows Jacquotte’s thrilling journey from colonial Haiti to pirate captain of the Caribbean seas. 

Wann said: “Briony’s voice is spellbinding and this novel is an epic tale of adventure and empowerment, with a queer love story at the heart. Briony’s meticulously researched reimagining of Jacquotte Delahaye’s life has given a voice to an overlooked, and fascinating, figure in history. Jacquotte is a remarkable heroine and we can’t wait for readers to discover her.” 

Cameron said: “I’ve always wanted to write a grand adventure following a protagonist I can truly relate to, as flawed as she might be. I wanted to discover Jacquotte, her loves, friendships and adversities. Being able to share this story with others means the world to me, and I am so grateful to Hannah Wann at Piatkus and Melanie Iglesias Pérez at Atria for helping me bring this book into the world. And I am, and will always be, eternally grateful to my agent, Laurie Robertson, for taking a chance on me and believing in this story.”