Renegade wins three-way auction for Rebecca Ferrier’s ‘hypnotic’ debut

Renegade Books, an imprint of Dialogue, has triumphed in a three-way auction for Rebecca Ferrier’s debut novel.

The Salt Bind is described as a historical fantasy novel steeped in the salt, superstition and sea-folk of a storm-torn Cornish coast.

Publisher Christina Demosthenous acquired UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) and audiobook rights from Alexander Cochran at C&W. The book is scheduled for publication in September 2025, with a second novel, The Cursed Tide, publishing in September 2026.

The synopsis reads: “On a wet summer’s day, Kensa comes across a dying sea beast on the shore. In doing so, she seals her destiny as apprentice to the local wise woman, Isolde, and marks her fate as a witch – bound to the land and sworn to protect the village. When Isolde begins to sicken, Kensa seeks help from the Bucka, a dark, unfathomable sea god who guards the tide. In her desperation to save her mentor, she makes a bind with the deadly creature; a pact that risks everything she’s sworn to protect."

Ferrier first began drafting her novel as part of the All Stories mentorship scheme, which she completed with funding from Creative Scotland. In 2020, she won Moniack Mhor writing centre’s Emerging Writer Award.

Demosthenous said: ”Transported to the brine-scented air and stormy seas of the Cornish coast, consumed by a realm of ancient magic and rebellious witches who dare to be different, I just knew that Renegade had to publish this special story.

“Rebecca is nothing short of a literary spell-binder – weaving together Cornish folklore, hypnotic writing and a truly addictive plot. Beyond this magical tale, I love that The Salt Bind is an exploration of class, power, femininity and female desire. Kensa is a fierce and unforgettable heroine who has burrowed into my heart – I can’t wait to unleash her onto the world.”

Ferrier said: “The Salt Bind has roots in my own family history. At its core, this story asks questions about women’s roles, class and power: who can take it from us, and who do we give it to? I can think of no better home for it than at Renegade, with their passion for publishing books with bite. The wit, cunning and talent combined from my agent Alex Cochran and editor Christina Demosthenous has made this debut experience a dream.”