Scribner signs novel from ‘incredibly exciting new talent’ Nneoma Ike-Njoku

Scribner has signed Nneoma Ike-Njoku’s The Water House, a “thrilling twist” on the gothic novel. 

Publishing director Sophie Missing acquired UK and Commonwealth rights at auction from Anna Webber at United Agents for publication in spring 2026. North American rights were acquired by Laura Perciasepe at Summit Books from Jim Rutman at Sterling Lord Literistic, on behalf of Anna Webber. German language rights were pre-empted by Sarah Leibl at btb Verlag, through Jane Willis at UA.

Ike-Njoku has been awarded the Betty Trask Award, a MacDowell Fellowship and the DGA First Novel Prize for The Water House, which follows the journey of a young woman called Celia as she unravels the mystery surrounding her brother’s death in their childhood mansion in 1960s Nigeria.

Missing said: “The Water House reminded me of a mid-century novel – short, stripped back, stylish – but with a voice and atmosphere that feels entirely fresh and original. I love how it nods to classics like Rebecca, Jane Eyre and The Color Purple, while confounding expectations with wit and panache. Celia might initially bring to mind one of Jean Rhys’s heroines struggling in the city, but she is eminently capable. Nneoma Ike-Njoku is an incredibly exciting new talent and I’m so thrilled that she has chosen Scribner as her UK home.”