Simon & Schuster UK wins heated four-way auction for two books from debut Emily Cooper

Simon & Schuster UK has won a heated four-way auction for Season of Fear and an untitled novel by debut author Emily Cooper. 

Charlotte Trumble, commissioning editor for adult fiction, bought UK and Commonwealth rights in a two-book deal from Chloe Seager at Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency. Season of Fear, a fantasy standalone based on Bavarian folklore, will be published in hardback in autumn 2025 on S&S UK’s new SFF list. 

Season of Fear follows 18-year-old Ilse, who lives in a village on the border of the Hexenwald, a terrifying forest whose monsters are kept at bay by the ancient Saint of Fear who protects the townsfolk. “But there’s a catch: in return for its service, the women of the village must feed the Saint their terror” the publisher said. “Ilse was born without the ability to feel fear and has felt like an outsider her whole life. When the Saint discovers Ilse’s divergence, it levels a threat: she must find her fear, or it will devour her sister.” 

Cooper is a published scientist who works in marine conservation.  

Trumble said: “I was waiting for this book to land in my inbox! It’s just perfect: the monsters, the creepy forest setting, the messages about feminism and neurodivergence and found family and being different, but still finding that perfect place where you belong… Season of Fear is the sapphic dark fairytale of my dreams and I’m delighted to be publishing it on my new SFF list. Emily is a real talent with beautiful writing and deliciously macabre ideas. She has a stellar career ahead of her and I feel honoured to be able to help launch it!” 

Cooper added: “As a writer, it’s rare that I’m lost for words – but I cannot describe how thrilled I am to have found the perfect home for Season of Fear. This book is an exploration of everything that has ever scared me, but more importantly, it’s a love letter to being different. I’m incredibly grateful to my wonderful editors and my agent, Chloe Seager, for making my dreams come true. I can’t wait for the world to meet Ilse.”