Sceptre wins four-way auction for Gabriel Flynn's debut novel

Sceptre has won a four-way auction for the debut novel by Gabriel Flynn, who was shortlisted for the White Review Short Story Prize.

Editorial director Ansa Khan Khattak acquired British Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, in physical, e-book and audio for Poor Ghost! and a second novel from Matthew Marland at RCW Literary Agency. Sceptre will publish Poor Ghost! in May 2025.

"When Luca drops out of his prestigious PhD programme and moves back home to Manchester, he thinks he’ll take some time to consider his life choices, including the failed love affair that ended in a disastrous holiday and embarrassing exit," the synopsis says. "In need of money, Luca takes on a job as a ghostwriter: Andy, who has progressive MS, wants Luca to write his life story. Luca’s own father had MS and eventually took his own life—making the assignment a full immersion in the dark parts of his childhood Luca has never really dealt with."

Khattak said: "If you’ve ever been heartbroken, moved between worlds, or wondered whether the books you read are making things worse, this is the novel for you. Gabriel writes with sharp insight and dark humour about class, the need to find new dreams when those you had fail you, and how we wrestle with the legacy our parents leave us."

Flynn added: "I’m very excited to be publishing my debut novel with Sceptre. Ansa’s enthusiasm for the book came across from the start and it’s been a joy to work with her on the edit."